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Replacing a Ballast

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Intro

If after checking the tubes and starter your fluorescent light still fails, the ballast is the problem. A replacement ballast may cost about the same as a new fixture, but it may be a bit less work to install a new ballast than to replace the fixture. Buy an exact replacement, wiring it just as the old ballast was wired.

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Step 1

Turn off the power at the breaker. Remove the bulbs and cover plate. Test with a voltage tester to make sure the power is off. If it isn't, turn off the correct breaker.

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Step 2

Cut the wires running from the ballast, leaving a hand's length of wire on the section that remains.

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Step 3

Remove the nuts or screws that hold the ballast in place and remove the ballast. Take it to a lighting supply or home center and buy an exact replacement.

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Step 4

Screw or bolt the new ballast into place, then strip and connect the wires.

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Comments (3)
6404083027
ziolekjj wrote:

The Balast I got at Home Depot has 2 blue and 1 red. The original balast has two red and two blue. Wrong Balast?

8/22/2012 03:26:09 AM Report Abuse
RAYDICKERSON978 wrote:

REPLACEMENT BALLAST NO YELLOW WIRES ONLY RED BLUE BLACK WHITE

8/16/2010 09:04:09 AM Report Abuse
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