How can we tell using a voltmeter if fluorescent fixture/ballast/bulb is bad?

asking someone to keep records on bulb changing is sort of too much. They must have only a few fluorescent fixtures. We have about 50 in our rentals and still don't know what the voltage output of a good ballast/fixture should be. There should be some standardization on this, or if its written on the ballast, how is that interpreted?



it seems like 300 volts ac is good, works; while 125 volts ac doesn't work (bad fixture/ballast)?



can anyone confirm specs /suggestions about info on fluorescent 4 ft fixtures?How can we tell using a voltmeter if fluorescent fixture/ballast/bulb is bad?
I haven't had the need to try this resource yet, but here is a ballast troubleshooting guide.



http://www.advancetransformer.com/upload



G'luck!How can we tell using a voltmeter if fluorescent fixture/ballast/bulb is bad?
I've repaired and replaced a lot of florescent bulbs and fixtures in my business and I've developed a procedure that usually works flawlessly. If you have good bulbs and a good ballast, (very, very seldom do I ever encounter a florescent system using starters anymore), it will work. When bulbs get dark on one or both ends and glo reddish orange, or dim white, or just don't lite at all, it's time to replace them, ALL. If you replace the bulbs and they don't light up, then the ballast is no good either. Also, if bulbs in one particular fixture burn out quickly several times in a row, the ballast is usually bad.How can we tell using a voltmeter if fluorescent fixture/ballast/bulb is bad?
When you change the fluorescents write the date on the tubes with a sharpie. Also date the ballasts when they are installed. I've worked on the fluorescents for years and trying to test them with a voltmeter is not worthwhile. Replace the tubes when you change the ballasts, if the tube does not work, replace it and then after about 3 times, the ballasts are usually gone also. The new electronic ballasts require that you use the correct tubess. T-8 vs T-12, it is usually marked on the ballast.How can we tell using a voltmeter if fluorescent fixture/ballast/bulb is bad?
The specifications printed on the components of the flourescent fixtures only indicates the normal operating parameters on which the components should be operated with and does not indicate its operating status. To check the

operating status of these things, the more logical instrument to use is the ohmeter which should indicate the continuity of the electric current path inside the components. The two prongs at each end of the tube should have continuity; That of the ballast should also be continues. The starter should be open to the ohmeter because it only closes instantaneously at the application of the normal operating voltage through the other two components.How can we tell using a voltmeter if fluorescent fixture/ballast/bulb is bad?
As a plant engineer in a jail this is sadly one of my every day jobs so here is my crash course.



When useing a volt meter to test a ballast be sure to read the electrical schematic printed on the ballast and test complete circuts. i had a guy tell me that the voltage on a 120 ballast was 240 volts and it was bad. To trouble shoot place the meter in to voltage at the proper range and hold the black lead to the green wire this is ground. touch the red test lead to the clips. Lets say you have a two light fixture you will have four clips to test two hot two neutral. the hot line is called the UNGROUNDED CONDUCTOR the neutral line is called the GROUNDED CONDUCTOR. These terms are important if you hope to understand electrical troublshooting. With the testlead on the ground screw test all the clips you should find voltage on two and no voltage on two. if you find voltage on the WHITE GROUNDED CONDUCTOR the ballast is bad because the windings or a component is fried.



THE CLIPS:

More than any other component in a fixture this is where the most problems are. Simply replace them when they are broken. When the fixture is disconected from power one should test for contenuity looking for loose wires broken clips ect. Ever change the bulbs and had the ripple running through the bulbs? Change the clips.



When working with electricy please practice proper lock out tag out procedures. the last thing you need is to have the power restored to a device that you are working on unexpectedly causing a fall from a ladder or worse.How can we tell using a voltmeter if fluorescent fixture/ballast/bulb is bad?
the best way to test a fluorescent fixture or bulb is to wire a pigtail to it and plug it in. The only way I know that you can really test one is under load.

How to get stains out of comforter

share some encouraging words