How to change a ballast on a fluorescent lighting fixture?

I'm applying for a new job as a maintenance technician at a local college and need to know how to repair and replace ballasts attached to fluorescent lighting fixtures. Generally what are the steps taken to do so and what kind of tools would you use?How to change a ballast on a fluorescent lighting fixture?
Pie mash found a great one for you.



It really is very simple. You just need to make sure the new ballast is the right voltage 120 or 277. But most are dual voltage now. You need to make sure that the ballast you are putting in will do the same light bulbs you have.



If you can not shut the light fixture off, cut the hot wire first. That wire is gonna hurt if you are not careful but the other wires will hurt more.



You can't mess it up if you just wire nut color to color.How to change a ballast on a fluorescent lighting fixture?
I'm not an electrician but the ones I've fixed have been pretty easy. You just need to remove the bulbs and the panel from the fixture. The ballast is a black metal box with wires going in and out. The ballast will be attached in some fashion to the top (ceiling side) of the fixture - may be some type of clip system or screws. With the power off (it's safest to turn it off at the circuit breaker), clip the wires or remove the wire nuts at the splice and remove the ballast from the fixture. Attach the new ballast and re-wire. Just remember how the wires were attached originally and do it the same way - the wire colors may or may not match so make sure you note how they were attached before you remove it. You may need to strip the ends of the wires to splice the wires from the new ballast into the wires from the fixture. You also may need to shorten the wires from the new ballast a little bit so you don't have a bunch of excess wire to deal with - obviously you don't want to cut so much that you can't connect the wires. Twist the ends of the ballast wires to the ends of the correct wires from the fixture in a clockwise direction and screw on a wire nut. Re-attach the panel and replace the bulbs turn the power back on and then turn the light on from the switch to make sure it works. The tools you'll need are a screwdriver (probably Philips head but have a flat head just in case), wire strippers, wire nuts, a flashlight if there's insufficient light in your work area, and possibly electrical tape. You may want to have someone show you how to do it first just to be safe. You are dealing with electricity after all.How to change a ballast on a fluorescent lighting fixture?
Turn the power off to the fixture. Remove the bulbs and locate the ballast. It is important that you use a ballast that is the same as the one you are replacing as they vary according to voltage, bulb size and number and other factors. Make sure the power is off to the fixture then cut the wires leading from the existing ballast. The wires should be color coded. Remove the existing ballast and install the new ballast. Connect the wires from the new ballast following the wiring diagram on the ballast. Most of the time you will be connecting wires of the same color. Replace any components you needed to remove to get to the ballast and reinstall good bulbs. If the existing bulbs are dark on one or both ends, it is a good idea to replace them now. Turn the power back on. Good luck on the new jobHow to change a ballast on a fluorescent lighting fixture?
The first step is to either be truthful with your interviewer and tell them that you know very little about light fixtures: or obtain your electrical license through your state agency and then apply for the job. After that, you need to match the ballast type with the application. T5, T8, or T12. 2, 3, or 4 lamps. 120 or 277 volts. Rapid start, Instant start or programmed start. You also need to make sure that the ballasts you are installing comply with local and national electrical codes and Department of Energy standards currently in place. Do you get my point? To replace the ballast, you need to take into consideration many factors, not just what wires to connect.How to change a ballast on a fluorescent lighting fixture?
Dude - If you need to ask this question I feel the need to tell you that you are not qualified for the job. I think it's fine to take a job when maybe you don't really have a good understanding of everything required but you are messing with something that can kill you if you do not fully understand it. Often times the lighting systems are 277 VAC and usually are supplied by multiple power sources or circuits in the same string of fixtures. Let a qualified electrician train you for the specific task before you do it alone.How to change a ballast on a fluorescent lighting fixture?
you are brave to applied to a maintenance tec and dint know how to fix a lamp!

the ballast have the combination in a label, its very easy if you have electrical skill. there are several types of ballast for different types of lamp: electronic( new ones) magnetic or standard(most common),rapid start,etc my advise is to practice with a lamp (cost $ 20.0) and practice. For tools screwdriver 10 in 1 is preferred, maybe a nut driver, electrical pliers, wire connector yellow. Remember to practice without power, and when you have a opportunity take the electrician course, trust me you wont regret. Any other thing email me : jarroyo28@yahoo.comHow to change a ballast on a fluorescent lighting fixture?
Power off, cut wires, remove nuts, remove ballast, replace ballast,marrette wires, replace bulbs, and cover. Do you know what a ballast is and where to find it? I agree with Ernie to often I see people getting hurt because they`re not qualified, don`t pretend to be something you`re not! Maybe an apprentiship is more suitable.How to change a ballast on a fluorescent lighting fixture?
Look at the existing ballast and tag the wires as 1,2,3. Take the new ballast and do the same with the same wires. Remove the wires from the old one and wire in the new. You may need wire cutters and wire nuts.How to change a ballast on a fluorescent lighting fixture?
http://www.wikihow.com/Replace-the-Balla



even has photos.



Good luck