What are the parts of ballast?
Ballasts vary greatly in complexity. They may be as simple as a resistor, inductor, or capacitor (or a combination of these) wired in series with the lamp; or as complex as the electronic ballasts used in compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and high-intensity discharge lamps (HID lamps).
What part of the light is the ballast?
To put it simply, a ballast is the functional heart of a fluorescent or HID light source. Just as a heart regulates blood flow to your body, a ballast ensures that a lamp stays lit by managing the distribution of energy throughout the fixture.
What do you need to know about a fluorescent light fixture to recommend a replacement ballast?
When considering a ballast for your lamp, make sure they have corresponding ANSI (American National Standards Institute) codes. Matching ANSI codes guarantees that the ballast you chose can be used with your lamp. However, ballasts are often compatible with more than one lamp, and vice versa.
Do fluorescent lights need a ballast?
Incandescent and halogen lamps do not require a ballast. Like we mentioned, you just screw them into the socket, and you’re done. Fluorescent lamps and HID (high intensity discharge) light bulbs do require a ballast. Both lamp families use two different types of ballasts: magnetic and electronic.
How do you change ballast on fluorescent light?
Put a wire nut over the wires and screw it on. Wrap electrical tape over the wire nut to secure. After you have connected each of the wires, screw the ballast into place. Replace the metal cover over the ballast, and then reinstall the fluorescent bulbs. Finally, replace the light fixture cover.
How do you fix a fluorescent light fixture?
You can fix a fluorescent light with a few basic tools in an hour. Turn the power off to the fluorescent light fixture. Some fixtures can be unplugged from the wall outlet. For fixtures that are hard-wired, turn the circuit breaker off inside the home electrical panel. Remove the light fixture cover.
How much does it cost to replace a ballast?
However, cold environments and bad light bulbs can reduce their lifespan. The cost to replace a ballast will likely be around $150. The average cost of the replacement ballast is likely $20 to $35 for just the ballast itself. If you are not doing this yourself, an electrician may charge up to $100 for the labor cost.
How do you troubleshoot a fluorescent light fixture?
To troubleshoot a fluorescent light fixture: First start by making sure you have power being supplied to the light fixture. If flipping on the switch does not turn the light on, check the circuit breaker. Once you confirm you have power going to the light, the next thing to do is make sure the fluorescent tubes are not burned out.