Can you replace fluorescent light ballast?

When your fluorescent light flickers or makes a loud and annoying hum, a degrading ballast is the cause. The ballast takes in electricity and then regulates current to the bulbs. You can get a new ballast at a hardware store or home center and install it in about 10 minutes.

Can you use a light without a ballast?

In a fluorescent lighting system, a ballast regulates the current to the lamp and provides sufficient voltage to start the lamp. If you use fluorescent lighting without a ballast, the lamps would increasingly and uncontrollably increase its current draw.

How do I know if a fluorescent ballast is bad?

2. Look for warning signs that the ballast is failing.

1. 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.
2. Dimming or flickering.
3. No lights at all.
4. Changing colors.
5. Swollen casing.
6. Burn marks.
7. Water damage.
8. Leaking oil.

Can you use LED instead of fluorescent?

Can you get LED lights to replace fluorescent tubes? Yes, you can replace fluorescent tubes with LED tubes or LED integrated fixtures. If you aren’t ready to replace the fluorescent fixture and just want to replace the bulbs, you can use plug-and-play, direct wire, or hybrid LED tubes.

How can you tell if a fluorescent light ballast is bad?

How much does it cost to replace fluorescent light ballast?

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 do I tell if my fluorescent light ballast is bad?

5 symptoms of a bad fluorescent ballast

1. Flickering.
2. Buzzing.
3. Delayed start.
4. Low output.
5. Inconsistent lighting levels.
6. Switch to an electronic ballast, keep lamp.
7. Switch to an electronic ballast, switch to a T8 fluorescent.
8. Switch to an electronic ballast, switch to T8 linear LED.

What are the disadvantages of fluorescent light tubes?

Disadvantages of Fluorescent Lighting

• Fluorescent lamps contain toxic materials.
• Frequent switching results in early failure.
• Light from fluorescent lamps is omnidirectional.
• Fluorescent lights emit ultraviolet light.
• Older fluorescents suffer brief warm-up period.
• Ballast or Buzz.

How do I know if my ballast is T8 or T12?

You will see either T8 or T12 stamped on one side near the end with the prongs. You also will see the lamp’s rated wattage, usually 32 watts for T8 and 40 watts for T12. Measure the diameter of the lamp. T12 lamps are larger than T8 lamps, with a 1 ½-inch diameter.

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 replace a fluorescent light bulb?

Replacing Fluorescent Bulbs Turn off the light switch and allow the tubes to cool for a half-hour or so. Turn the tube one-quarter turn with your fingers and pull straight down with both hands. Look at the markings stamped on the fluorescent tube near the metal socket at the ends and write them down for ordering reference.

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 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.