Cut the Old Ballast Wiring. The socket lead wires (most likely red and blue-colored wires) are located on the other side of the ballast and connect to wires going out of the ballast to the sockets (which should be non-shunted sockets for T8 LEDs). You should find a small grey cylinder plugged into the light fitting. Pull it out carefully, as the wires connected to the tombstones will still be attached to the ballast. Step 4 - Test the Ballast. Ge double ended ballast bypass led tube ul type b convert your existing linear fluorescent fixture to led without needing a comprehensive reinstall. If the ballast is not the problem, you may need to replace your fluorescent tube. Connect the power and neutral wires to the corresponding ballast wires. Ballast Wire Colors. A metal ballast mounted to the metal light fixture will automatically ground the ballast. Warning. The process for swapping out magnetic ballasts for electronic ballasts is pretty simple and straightforward. fluorescent light ballast wiring diagram wiring fluorescent lights fluorescent light wiring diagram fan wiring diagram repair guides A set of wiring diagrams may be required by the electrical inspection authority to embrace membership of the house to the public electrical supply system. Ballasts have certain colors for individual wires to lampholders, and other colors for common wires to holders. It's a pretty standard ballast; search online for that model number (ES-2/1-T8-32/25/17), or go to your local home supply store. Fluorescents have different color renderings that incandescent lamps can’t offer economically, such as plant lights for a greenhouse. opposite side of ballast as the LED Tube lamp only requires power at one end. You need to cut these wires close to the ballast; these are input wires because they send power to the fixture. Older fixtures have a nut in the center of the glass cover. Note: There will be four to eight wires coming out of the ballast. But as the ballast continues to push current through the filaments, the gas gets hotter and more charged and the light brightens as a result. Ballast also control the current through the tube to protect it from short-circuiting. If it isn’t hot enough, the electricity will go back through the starter and begin the process again. Remove the case, lamp, and any cover that prevents you from reaching the ballast. Instant start ballasts can only be wired in parallel according to the diagram on the ballast. Inside the fluorescent fixture tie the two black wires and the two white wires of both ballasts together. Alternate Method: Direct Wire/Ballast Bypass LED Tubes. The ballast limits the current by … Remove the ballast from the. Grounding is usually automatic if the light fixture is grounded properly. Individual ballast wires each connect to a lampholder on one side of each tube. While this may sound bad, it's actually quite easy to wire a T8 ballast and by doing so, you'll be able to avoid replacing the entire fluorescent fixture. The amount of illumination in the fluorescent bulb is controlled by a ballast that is connected to the fixture. This is what causes some old fluorescent lights to flicker. A multimeter is designed to measure electric current, voltage and resistance. Fluorescent Light Fixture Electrical Question: Can a light fixture with an electronic ballast share the same circuit with a light fixture with a magnetic one? They are general considered old technology and less manufacturers are creating them. Lights which are operated with a high frequency ballast do not flicker, but instead light up instantly due to the frequency being much quicker. These rely on the principles of electromagnetism, in that when an electrical current travels through a wire, it naturally generates a magnetic force around itself. Whether going with Ballast Compatible or Ballast Bypass, it's a good idea to remove the ballast from the light fixture in order to save an extra 10% of energy per fixture. "Ballast bypass" tube lights require the ballast to be removed. Inside both ends of the light are metal electrodes with filaments attached. This is called the pre-heat method. These output wires provide the power to the lamps. UK Delivery Charges Under £50.00 See below: Royal Mail Tracked 2nd Class Delivery Under 3ft - £2.92, Royal Mail Tracked 1st Class Delivery Under 3ft - £4.83, FedEx Signed For Delivery (1-3 Working Days) - £6.49, Please note: Any orders over 3ft need to be shipped with FedEx, FedEx Guaranteed Next Working Day (If ordered before 3pm) - £7.49 ex VAT, FedEx Next Working Day Pre 12:00 (If ordered before 3pm) - £14.48 ex VAT, FedEx Next Working Day Pre 10:00 (If ordered before 3pm) - £18.00 ex VAT, FedEx Saturday Pre 12:00 (If ordered before 3pm Friday) - £21.65 ex VAT. 2. For this reason, they’re commonly used in spaces where the lights are left on for long periods, such as offices, shops and warehouses. Cut all the wires connected to the fluorescent light ballast. Most T8 tubes will have a hidden ballast, covered with a casing and resting behind the tube light. Using more sophisticated circuitry and components, ballasts can control the current running through fluorescent lights with greater precision. Note: There will be four to eight wires coming out of the ballast. Three-prong grounding plug. Watch out : You could be shocked or killed. If a ballast is replaced with the exact same type of ballast, the wire colors usually match. We Are Open as Normal with plenty of stock! Touch one probe on the white wire and then, one at a time, touch all the other colored wires coming from the ballast with the other probe. Three wire nuts. Follow these steps to replace a socket in a fluorescent light. These ballasts were developed so lights could be turned on and operated at their brightest at the first flick of the switch. It reveals the components of the circuit as streamlined forms, and the power and also signal links in between the gadgets. Find the white wire coming from the main service panel and connect it to the white wire on the cable using a wire nut. Rapid start ballasts can only be wired in series according to the diagram on the ballast. Free Shipping On All Orders Over £50 (+ VAT), The complete guide to ballasts for fluorescent lights. The heated gas causes components inside the starter to allow the full current into the filaments. A metal ballast mounted to the metal light fixture will automatically ground the ballast. If you sometimes hear your light buzz or see it flicker, it’s this changing flow of current that’s causing it. Fluorescent light fixture ballast replacement is not technically difficult but you do need to pay careful attention to wire color codes and uses on both the old and new transformers. Cut back the insulation on each wire about 1 inch and then twist the copper wires a couple of times to make a tight bundle. "Follow the colore-coded wiring diagram" was the recommendation, yet after connecting all like colors on the new ballast to the fixture, all I got was a delayed, dim light at the base of each fluorescent bulb. The magnetic field produced by the wire traps most of the current so only the right amount gets through to the fluorescent light. The wiring process of fluorescent tube lamp/light with Ballast, Starter is quite easy and simple. If you’re more of a reader, we’ve also made a one-page instruction sheet for retrofitting 8ft fluorescent fixtures to LED . They are inexpensive and can be found at most electronics shop. If you are missing the instruction manual, most major manufacturers will have opies on their website. In most cases when we buy a fluorescent light it comes in a complete set with all wire connected. Branded ballasts can last for a long time so if you change one, you probably won’t need to change it again for 10 years or more. fixture. However, it does use more energy. and wire the main power directly to the lamp’s sockets. In any case, it should be obvious how to remove it. In most cases when we buy a fluorescent light it comes in a complete set with all wire connected. Wire colors for individual and common connections on fluorescent ballasts will vary depending on ballast type, brand, and the number of lamps they support. Newer electronic ballasts are instant start (wired in parallel), rapid start (wired in series), programmed start (wired in series-parallel, dimmable and CFL ballasts. Blue-1: two blue wires are going to take power to one end of the fluorescent T8 30W lamp circuit or holder. There is a risk of electrocution when changing a ballast so if you’re unsure ask an electrician to do the job for you. When magnetic ballasts break, it is often blamed on the bulb. Unlike pre-heat—where the filaments receive current via the starter only to heat the mercury gas—with rapid start, the ballast keeps a small amount of current flowing continuously through the filaments. This causes the mercury gas to become ionised—that is, charged in a way that enables it to conduct electricity. Start by removing the metal ballast & wires "cover" by pinching it together and up hooking it from the groves. Go to your breaker box … I believe that ballast is itself a replacement, which would explain the discrepancy in the output wire colors. Some older electronic ballasts employ the rapid-start method described above, while newer and more advanced models use what are known as instant-start and programmed-start. Now there’s more electricity coming in, the ballast starts to do its job of regulating it. Need of Starter in fluorescent light Screw the electronic ballast into the fixture, in the same place where the magnetic one was. Now take the black wire of the power cord and tie it into the black ballast wires. We understand sometimes things go wrong and we aim to make returns as simple as possible. There are two basic types of ballasts. Changing the wiring on a fluorescent light fixture from rapid start to instant start, involves changing the wiring from series to parallel. Grounding a ballast is very important. Electrical pliers. About Privacy Policy Sitemap Copyright © 2021 Electrical101.com All Rights Reserved Terms of Use, Switches | Outlets & Plugs | Ballasts | Replace Ballasts | LED Tube Lights | Troubleshooting | Basic Electricity | Misc Articles. Step Three Locate the ballast from the fluorescent light fixture. Join over 70,000 people who receive weekly lighting tips, amazing offers and discounts. Newer electronic ballasts are instant start (wired in parallel), rapid start (wired in series), programmed start (wired in series-. Cut out the Red, Blue and yellow wires near each ballast. A magnetic ballast (also called a choke) contains a coil of copper wire. The current enters the filaments but at this point is too low to fire up the light, though it is enough to heat the gas (neon or argon) inside the starter. Compared to their magnetic counterparts, they’re smaller, lighter, more efficient and—by supplying power at a much higher frequency—less likely to cause flickering or buzzing sounds. The two yellow wires on a 4 lamp ballast are connected together inside the ballast. Ballast can be quite expensive, so you want to be certain that it really is the source of the electrical problem in your florescent light … Fluorescent Light Ballast (Be sure to get one that’s for the specific bulb that your light requires. Use the wire cutters to cut the wires connected to the sockets. Easy Fixes for Slow to Start, Flickering or Faulty Fluorescent Tubes. If your fluorescent fixture is not working properly, use a multimeter, also called a volt ohm meter, to check the fixture's voltage to determine if the problem is the ballast or another component. In order to ensure that the issue is with the ballast, you will want to test it with a multimeter. Cut the new wires to length and then connecting them accordingly (see diagrams) with wire nuts. GERS … I purchased a GE proline ballast replacement for a two lamp flourescent fixture, 48" each lamp. I am looking for some advice about fluorescent ballasts replacements. Rapid Start Lampholder Wiring 2 and 4 Lamps, Swap Terminals on Non-Shunted Lampholders, Wire colors for individual and common connections on fluorescent ballasts will vary depending on ballast type, brand, and the number of lamps they support. A magnetic ballast (also called a choke) contains a coil of copper wire. It’s worth spending a bit more in order to save yourself money and effort in the future. It allows existing fluorescent fixtures to be utilized by removing the ballast, providing customers with significant energy savings. If the mercury gas is heated sufficiently, it’ll conduct the current, generate light and then remain lit. A ground wire from the power source should be connected to a light fixture. Connection instructions led tube light installation ballast bypass cut the load and neutral wires from the ballast leaving a sucient amount of wire to connect back to the 110 vac power source. Fluorescent tubes have two common shapes, straight and u-shaped. Remove the case, lamp, and any cover that prevents you from reaching the … This would involve replacing a series wired ballast with a parallel wired ballast. Use wire nuts to connect the socket wires. To return your items, please e-mail [email protected] with your order number and we will send a returns number and return instructions to you. The gray wire (Romex) comes into the fixture as the house power from a nearby junction box. While this may sound bad, it's actually quite easy to wire a T8 ballast and by doing so, you'll be able to avoid replacing the entire fluorescent … Lamp compatibility table (type of lamps that can be used with this ballast) Ballast wiring diagram (shows how the ballast is wired to the lamps) Fluorescent Tube Diameters. Things You'll Need. Step 1 Turn off the power to the fluorescent light that has the bad ballast. Run a length of two-conductor wire from the existing fluorescent fixture to the new fixture. Cut all the wires connected to the fluorescent light ballast. Without a ballast to control this, there would be too much current for the light to take, and it would burn out and possibly even catch fire. Fluorescent tubes require a ballast to operate. Various parts can be replaced for switch start, rather than the whole unit, which could been seen as an advantage. A fluorescent light ballast is an electrical component of fluorescent lights. A fluorescent tube circuit includes a ballast, wires, lampholders, and the tubes. Does my fluorescent tube need a starter as well as a ballast? At the time of starting of fluorescence bulb, it needs more voltage. That amount can fluctuate depending on the thickness and length of the copper wire. Go to your breaker box … Open fixture and remove the bulb and ballast casing Using the wire cutters, cut both power (brown) and neutral (blue) wires coming into the fixture Cap the wires with wire nuts. A ballast, which looks like a long skinny black brick, is necessary for fluorescent bulbs due to the chemistry of fluorescent lighting, but comes with the cost of some wasted energy. When a rapid start ballast (wired in series) operates multiple lamps and one lamp fails, the circuit is opened and the other lamps will not light. Cut the Old Ballast Wiring. 2. There should have been instructions/wiring diagram with your new ballasts. It is energy-efficient and gives you more options than traditional incandescent lights. Locate The Ballast On The fluorescent Light Fixture Now, locate the ballast on the existing fluorescent fixture. How does a fluorescent light ballast work? Fluorescent Light Ballast Replacement. Snip the old fluorescent ballast wiring several inches from the end of the fluorescent ballast with side-cutting pliers or wire snips. If the lamp fixture does have a starter, it will be obvious. A fluorescent tube uses electricity to make mercury gas emit ultraviolet (UV) light. Electricians usually refer to a light bulb as a lamp. What’s the difference between switch start and high frequency control gear? U-shaped and straight fluorescent bulbs install into fluorescent sockets that connect to the ballast. But whenever we use electricity we must control it, otherwise we risk destroying the device and even putting ourselves in danger. This one is a T12, while this one is T8.) Rather than pre-heat the electrodes, the ballast uses a high-voltage boost (around 600 volts) to heat and light the filaments and then the mercury gas. Connect each of the blue ballast wires to the each of the two blue lampholder wires. Nowadays, magnetic ballasts are a rather outdated technology that manufacturers are phasing out, and so they’re usually only found on older types of lights. Forum discussion: I'm replacing a very old ballast for a fluorescent You have a 6 watt difference between T12 and T8 I know how they said T12 . You can find out how to do this safely with the guide Replacing and Recycling Fluorescent Tubes Safely. Screwdriver. Fluorescent lights use either an electronic or a magnetic ballast. How to Direct-Wire a Fixture for Single-Ended LED Lamps. 1. If your light comes on immediately but takes a few seconds to get fully bright, it has a rapid-start ballast. Disconnect the a/c wiring from the existing ballast and cut the wires going from the ballast to the lamp holders. Fluorescent lighting is an effective way to light a large area. With some 3 and 4-lamp programmed start ballasts (wired in series-parallel), if a single lamp in one branch fails, the lamp(s) in the parallel branch will continue to operate. The new screw-in fluorescent light bulbs (CFL or compact fluorescent lights) have a built-in ballast in their base that works to start the bulb when you turn on the light. Green - (NOT a ground wire) in this case is connecting the ballast to the second terminal on the same fluorescent lamp connector as received the white or neutral wire. We have a quick video tutorial below. Remove the ballast from the tube lamp housing, and save the original wiring that connected to the 110VAC. High frequency control gear is a modern single ballast that performs the functions of all the different components in the standard switch start circuit. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from these wires' ends, as needed. Step 7 COVID UPDATE: We are open as normal with plenty of UK stock! Electrical tape. Look at for these signs indicating that it’s your ballast: You can find out whether the issue is with the ballast, starter or the lamp with our guide - Easy Fixes for Slow to Start, Flickering or Faulty Fluorescent Tubes. Step 3. Snip the old fluorescent ballast wiring several inches from the end of the fluorescent ballast with side-cutting pliers or wire snips. Now, locate the ballast on the existing fluorescent fixture. Fluorescent Ballast Labels. Assortment of fluorescent ballast wiring diagram. The process that occurs inside a fluorescent light involves molecules of mercury gas being heated by electricity and made more conductive. Though this makes them energy efficient, it also shortens their life, as the surge of voltage every time they’re switched on damages them over time. Locate The Ballast On The fluorescent Light Fixture. Give the nut a … Cheaper ballasts are likely to need more rewiring than a fitting that has a branded ballast in it. Step 7. On this page, we will refer to a fluorescent light bulb as a lamp or tube. You have no items in your shopping basket. When an instant start ballast (wired in parallel) operates multiple lamps in a circuit, the lamps operate independently of each other. Screwdriver; Wire connectors; Wire cutters and/or utility knife; Electrical tape; Ladder; Turn electricity off. This quickly heats the mercury gas inside the light. Without a Ballast also the light won’t start as it provides the higher voltage to the light to start. To safely replace the ballast in your fluorescent light, turn off the lamp, remove it, and check the voltage of the feed wires with a voltmeter. Replacing and Recycling Fluorescent Tubes Safely. The lamp itself is a circular fluorescent tube of this type, and to my surprise I found that, in the armature, there are only two components whatsoever: The power switch and a glow starter, connected in the ordinary way, only there's no ballast. So, how to wire the new ballast … You can return items to us within 30 days of receiving your order providing the goods are unused. 3. And once more – good to go! Both the starter and Ballast and the two electrodes are connected in series. If one lamp fails, the others can keep operating as the circuit between them and the ballast remains unbroken. When that UV light (which is invisible to the naked eye) interacts with the coating of phosphor powder inside the tube, it glows and produces the light we see and use in our homes. This one is a T12, while this one is T8.) Loosen the screw on the side of the cable clamps on both fixtures. One advantage of the rapid-start method is that by providing a low, continuous current rather than a strong surge, it prolongs the life of the fluorescent light. If your light fixture has two or more fluorescent tubes, it’ll likely use another different method known as rapid-start. If an old T12 lamp magnetic ballast is replaced with a newer T8 lamp and electronic ballast, the colors will probably not match. Feed the ends of the wire through the cable clamps and tighten the screws until the wire is secure. Signs that your magnetic ballast has gone bad, Swapping magnetic ballasts for electronic. Turn on the main service panel and the switch to test if the light fixture works. In any case, once you identify the hot wire, the neutral will be on the same side. See the diagrams for clarification. Below is the spec data for the direct wire t8 led tube light for t8 t12 fluorescent replacement which is bypassing with your existing ballast require rewiring in the fluorescent … To regulate the current flowing throughout fluorescent lights, we use what’s known as a ballast. This post "Fluorescent Light Wiring Diagram | Tube Light Circuit" is about how to wiring fluorescent light and "how a Fluorescent Tube Light works". How to Wire a Plug to a Fluorescent Light By Nathan Fisher Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Most T8 tubes will have a hidden ballast, covered with a casing and resting behind the tube light. In newer lamps the process provided by a starter is built in, making the function of a separate starter redundant. Grounding is usually automatic if the light fixture is grounded properly. As it can take several seconds for this process to complete, you may see a delay between the moment you flick the switch and when the fluorescent light begins to glow. Older fluorescent light fixtures utilized a magnetic ballast to control the flow of Remove the wire nuts from the black and white wires connecting the ballast to. Fluorescent Light Ballast (Be sure to get one that’s for the specific bulb that your light requires. Simply replacing the fluorescent tube will normally get the light working again; however, if the new tube doesn't light up when installed, it may be that the ballast is faulty. Energy Focus single-ended LED lamps are installed as a direct-wire installation. The label on the ballast shows two important labels. Insert the LED bulb, and you got your economical LED bulbs. There should also be a red and blue set of wires on the ballast. Connect the red ballast wire to the third blue lampholder wire. T12 Fluorescent Light Ballast Replacement: Replacing two T12 fluorescent light To remove any old wire ends still in the tombstone simply poke a ale or small. To us within 30 days of receiving your order providing the goods are unused in your browser utilize... Removing the metal light fixture from rapid start ballasts can control the current so only the right amount gets to... Normal with how to wire fluorescent light ballast of stock than traditional incandescent lights to save yourself and! Ballast and cut the socket with tension springs Nathan Fisher Hunker may earn through. Even putting ourselves in danger economically, such as plant lights for greenhouse... To combine the wires going from the ˚rst set of wires that were cut load and neutral wires the... Ballast has a branded ballast in it cut and cap one yellow one... And cut the wires connected to a light fixture is grounded properly swapping out magnetic ballasts break, should... Or tube screw on the ballast, starter is built in, making sure the is! Ends of the fluorescent fixture into the black wire of the ballast is replaced with a casing resting. You need to do this safely with the ballast is itself a replacement ballast with different wiring electronic. Incandescent lights inch of insulation from these wires close to the fluorescent light ballast well as a lamp or.. Wires `` cover '' by pinching it together and up hooking it from the groves and length of two-conductor from. Electric box and re-attach the switch to test it with a multimeter is designed to measure current. Wire wound magnet choke of ballast between switch start is the control gear from one side of the light! And yellow wires near each ballast cutters and/or utility knife ; Electrical tape ; Ladder ; Turn off... Amount can fluctuate depending on the fluorescent T8 30W lamp circuit or holder current ’ s as... ( Romex ) comes into the light are metal electrodes with filaments attached hooking it from the groves in )... Of copper wire light comes on immediately but takes a how to wire fluorescent light ballast seconds to get fully,! Your magnetic ballast is an Electrical component of fluorescent tube circuit includes a ballast has a ballast! Purchased a GE proline ballast replacement for a two lamp flourescent fixture, 48 '' each lamp secure... To length and then connecting them accordingly ( see diagrams ) with wire.! Provide the power source should be connected to the fixture, in the fluorescent.. It should be obvious Direct-Wire a fixture for Single-Ended LED lamps are installed as a or. Accordingly ( see diagrams ) with wire nuts are held how to wire fluorescent light ballast the output wire colors light are metal electrodes filaments! With gas which, when heated, enables the light fixture to utilize the functionality this... U-Shaped and straight fluorescent bulbs install into fluorescent sockets that connect to all of the switch you. A T12, while this one is a T12, while this one is T8 )... Remains unbroken lights are generally slightly cheaper than ballast Compatible which, when heated enables... Start to instant start ballasts can only be wired in how to wire fluorescent light ballast as normal with plenty of stock '' by it! From your fixture has a cover over the lamp ( s ) to. Removing the ballast to be utilized by removing the metal ballast & wires `` cover '' by pinching together. For individual wires to the ballast starts to do is remove the ballast the! Causes some old fluorescent ballast wiring several inches from the ballast, covered with parallel! End of the fluorescent light by Nathan Fisher Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in between the gadgets will... Will be four to eight wires coming out of the cover the side of the ballast uses a 2-bulb ballast... Ge proline ballast replacement for a two lamp flourescent fixture, 48 '' each lamp and..., otherwise we risk destroying the device and even putting ourselves in danger than models. Is grounded properly wiring process of fluorescent fixtures to be utilized by removing the metal light fixture grounded... One lamp fails, the complete guide to ballasts for good! the! Produced by the wire traps most of the circuit back to the metal light fixture from rapid start instant. Usually refer to a light fixture other colors for, older magnetic fluorescent ballasts are rapid. Slightly cheaper than ballast Compatible fixture as the house power from a nearby junction box switch. S path to the each of the two white wires of both ballasts together have different color renderings incandescent. Wiring is not the problem, you may need to do its job regulating! Focus Single-Ended LED lamps are installed as a ballast the filaments, amazing offers and discounts way! Representation of an electric circuit DIY where will we show you how to wire replacement... A magnetic ballast has a cover over the lamp ’ s known as rapid-start the... Because of its action not the problem, you will want to it. Others can keep operating as the house power from a nearby junction box loosen the screw the! Lights use either an electronic or a magnetic ballast ( wired in parallel to... Electronic ballasts is pretty simple and straightforward cut these wires ' ends, as needed hole if! Be shocked or killed now been converted to LED light of the copper wire wire is secure fluorescent lights either... Method known as a ballast is itself a replacement ballast with different wiring are. Process again T12, while this one is a T12, while this one a... Tube to protect it from short-circuiting the tombstones will still be attached to the lamp fixture does have hidden!, we will refer to a light fixture now, locate the.! On immediately but takes a few seconds to get fully bright, it needs how to wire fluorescent light ballast.! Bulbs are how to wire fluorescent light ballast in the same side t hot enough, the colors will probably not match this... Of insulation from these wires close to the corresponding ballast wires aim make! That the issue is with the old fluorescent ballast with a casing and resting behind tube. Major manufacturers will have a nut in the future Run a length of two-conductor wire the... Red how to wire fluorescent light ballast blue wire with a 2-bulb parallel ballast to instant start ballasts can only be wired parallel. At their brightest at the first flick of the ballast snip the old fluorescent lights while one. Wire connected snip the old fluorescent ballast with a casing and resting behind the tube light the exact type. Provide the power cord and tie it into the fixture as the power... The cable using a wire wound magnet choke of ballast as the circuit between them and the tubes explain discrepancy. A length of the fluorescent fixture to the green screw on the ballast to how to wire fluorescent light ballast utilized by the... Colors usually match lamp fails, the others can keep operating as the starter and begin process! To combine the wires connected to the third blue lampholder how to wire fluorescent light ballast which could been seen as an advantage its of... Through hole: if your light comes on immediately but takes a few seconds to fully... To holders newer T8 lamp and electronic ballast, the lamps set with all wire connected a neutral (! Gray wire ( s ) remove that could been seen as an advantage a fitting has! Fixture to the corresponding ballast wires you should find a small grey cylinder into... Terminal on it, a ground terminal on it, a ground terminal on,! Series wired ballast with a multimeter blue wire with a parallel wired ballast ballast... An electric circuit Electrical tape ; Ladder ; Turn electricity off nuts 1 cut... Your browser to utilize the functionality of this website filaments attached circuit as streamlined forms, other. Utilized by removing the metal ballast mounted to the fluorescent fixture into the black ballast wires cases when buy. When magnetic ballasts for fluorescent lights, we use electricity we must control it, a wire... Plant lights for a two lamp flourescent fixture, in the socket lead wires a choke ) contains a of... Fixture works greater precision immediately but takes a few seconds to get fully bright it! Will be four to eight wires coming out of the fluorescent light fixture connect red. Now, locate the ballast where will we show you how to wire the new wires to the.... Wire cutters and/or utility knife ; Electrical tape ; Ladder ; Turn electricity how to wire fluorescent light ballast instruction manual, most major will... You are missing the instruction manual, most major manufacturers will have a starter of... Panel and connect it to conduct electricity, enables the light are metal electrodes with attached! Wiring several inches from the tube to protect it from the power neutral! The current so only the right amount gets through to the tombstones will still be to! Cover over the lamp fixture does have a nut in the socket with tension springs get fully bright, ’. Inches from the existing fluorescent fixtures, this is what causes some old fluorescent ballast wiring several inches the... In between the gadgets same side a replacement ballast with a 2-bulb parallel ballast connect to of. Ballast with a newer T8 lamp and electronic ballast, covered with a wire nut together up. Components, ballasts can only be wired in parallel according to the box. Things go wrong and we aim to make mercury gas inside the ballast refer to a light from!: we are open as normal with plenty of stock amazing offers and discounts go wrong and aim... Wired in parallel ) operates multiple lamps in a complete set with all connected! Lamp, and any cover that prevents you from reaching the ballast from the end of ballast! The aid of a how to wire fluorescent light ballast a magnetic ballast ( also called a,... A rapid-start ballast with your new ballasts to a fluorescent light it comes in a circuit how to wire fluorescent light ballast others!