Yes. As a matter of fact, you do need a lock out tag out device in place for changing a ballast. ... 'An electrician is replacing the ballast on a fluorescent light.2017-01-04
What are the signs of a bad ballast?
- Buzzing. If you hear a strange sound coming from your bulbs or light fixture, like a buzzing or humming noise, that's often a sign your ballast is going. ...
- Dimming or flickering. ...
- No lights at all. ...
- Changing colors. ...
- Swollen casing. ...
- Burn marks. ...
- Water damage. ...
- Leaking oil.
How hard is it to replace ballast?
You can get a new ballast at a hardware store or home center and install it in about 10 minutes. However, buying a ballast can be expensive, so consider pricing a brand-new fixture for comparison.
What happens when a ballast fails?
But there is a good chance your ballast could be the cause of your lighting woes if your lights are dim, buzzing, changing colors, or flickering rapidly. You should check all parts of the fixture, including the bulbs. ... If the bulbs fail to light up, then 9 out of 10 times the ballast is culprit.2017-02-05
Do I need an electrician to replace a ballast?
Yes. As a matter of fact, you do need a lock out tag out device in place for changing a ballast. ... 'An electrician is replacing the ballast on a fluorescent light.2017-01-04
When should a ballast be replaced?
A typical ballast will generally last about 20 years, but cold environments and bad bulbs can decrease this lifespan significantly. You can get a new ballast at a hardware store or home center and install it in about 10 minutes.
How do you replace a ballast?
- Remove the Cover. Remove the lens, or diffuser cover, from the fixture. ...
- Remove the Fluorescent Tubes. Remove the light bulbs (fluorescent tubes). ...
- Remove the Cover Plate. ...
- Disconnect the Ballast Wires. ...
- Remove the Ballast. ...
- Prepare the Wires. ...
- Mount the New Ballast. ...
- Dispose of the Old Ballast.
How do I know if a ballast is bad?
- Flickering. ...
- Buzzing. ...
- Delayed start. ...
- Low output. ...
- Inconsistent lighting levels. ...
- Switch to an electronic ballast, keep lamp. ...
- Switch to an electronic ballast, switch to a T8 fluorescent.
Can a bad ballast be repaired?
If you can change out a light switch or outlet you can definitely replace an old ballast that doesn't work. As I said in the beginning, you'll save yourself $75 to $90 doing this fix yourself.