How do I know which ballast to replace?

By selecting a ballast with an ideal ballast factor, you can optimize the light output of your fluorescent lighting system and maximize your energy savings. To estimate your total system lumens, multiply the rated lumens of your lamp by the ballast factor. For example, 3200 lumens x 0.77 BF = 2464 total system lumens.

Can a 2 lamp ballast be used for 1 lamp?

A 1 lamp rapid start (series) ballast can be hard to find, but it can be replaced with a 2 lamp instant start (parallel) ballast.

Are all ballast the same?

And there are two types of ballasts in each family: magnetic and electronic. Magnetic ballasts are the older ballast technology. For the fluorescent family, both T12 linear fluorescents and two-pin CFLs use magnetic ballasts. For HIDs, some metal halides and HPS lamps use magnetic ballasts.

How is a ballast wired?

Individual wires of one ballast connect to the one side of the fixture, individual wires from the other ballast connect to the other side of the fixture. The common wires of each ballast are connected to the other side of the fixture from each of the individual wires.

How much does a ballast cost?

A replacement ballast costs about $10-25 depending on capacity and brand. The bite is that an electrician trip charge (which includes 30 or 60 minutes work) is going to be $75-150 probably – for about 5 minutes work on each light fixture.

How to change a light ballast?

Check that all of the wires are connected to the right terminals on the ballast.

  • Attach the wires to the ballast according to their color.
  • Screw your new ballast into place using a screwdriver.
  • Replace your cover and turn on your light fixture.

    • How do you replace a fluorescent light ballast?

    Electronic ballast

  • Wire cutters
  • Wire nuts

    • How to replace the ballast in a fluorescent lighting fixture?

    Before you go to the trouble of replacing the ballast,you should determine if a bad ballast is indeed the likely cause of the problem.

  • Remove the lamps and place them in a safe location.
  • Turn the light off at the switch,as well as at the circuit breaker.

    • Does the bulb have to match my ballast?

    Yes, Ballasts and Bulbs Should be Matched. HID bulbs generally need specific ballasts, and any given ballast can usually safely and effectively operate only one type or a few types of HID bulbs. The bulb wattage must be matched to the ballast.