How to Install Lighting Ballasts
Something frequently goes wrong with fluorescent light ballasts. This is a common issue with fluorescent lights. Fluorescent light ballasts are not hard to replace, as long as you match up what you have to what you are going to replace. New fluorescent light ballasts last longer than older models and are much more energy-efficient, too. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Dropcloth
- Screwdrivers
- Wire cutters
- Nut-drivers
- Wire nuts
- Wire stripper
Instructions
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1
Lay down a dropcloth under the fluorescent light fixture you are working on. Turn off the power to the fixture.
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2
Remove the fluorescent light fixture bulb by twisting the ends around until each end of the bulb comes loose.
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3
Pry off the fluorescent light fixture cover with a screwdriver.
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4
Cut the wires leaving the ballast. Leave about 8 to 10 inches of wire sticking out of each side of the ballast. Cut the wires with a wire cutter. Write down the wire connections on a pad of paper so you can hook them up again later.
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5
Remove the ballast with a nut driver.
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6
Reinstall the ballast with the nut driver and screws.
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7
Reconnect the wires in the same order and position that you removed them, using wire nuts. Use a wire stripper to strip the wire bare, then insert wires into the wire nuts and twist until tight.
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8
Replace the light cover by pressing it up and over the light fixture body. Reinstall the fluorescent light bulb. Turn on the power and make sure your light functions properly.
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Tips & Warnings
Take the ballast with you to an electrical shop to match it up. It is important to have the correct ballast for your fixture or it won't work properly.
Wear eye protection, a dust mask and gloves.
