[JBG420]

Hi all,

Have a 4 lamp (48") fluorescent light in the kitchen. The inner two lamps do not light, and I have replaced the lamps and they still do not work. Only the outer ones work. This light has 2 ballasts. One of the ballasts has signs of damage (oily material has seeped out, etc).

Here is the existing fixture:

https://ibb.co/Z1VV2M0

Here is a wiring diagram of the existing ballasts:

https://ibb.co/ZLh8MqN

Here is the ballast that I was sold to replace the model # of the existing ballasts.

https://ibb.co/tQvwWf4

Because only 2 of the 4 lamps worked and because one of the ballasts was visibly leaking, I assumed I only needed to replace one of the two ballasts. The white configuration on the new ballast does not exactly match the original, so now I'm wondering if I need to replace both ballasts.

Any help or advice appreciated. Thanks!

 

[joed]

The ballast is a suitable replacement. It is hard to read the new wiring through the wrapping but it looks the same as what you have.
If not just wire it according to the diagram.

 

[JBG420]

It is hard to read the new wiring through the wrapping but it looks the same as what you have.
If not just wire it according to the diagram.

This is a zoomed in picture of the diagram on the new ballast.

https://ibb.co/cYZq81v

 

[joed]

That is the same as what you have in your drawing.
You should be able just cut the wires and nut them together colour matching them.

 

[sparckie]

@JBG420
My case is almost identical. I'm only using 2 of the 4 tubes in my fixture (T12 like you).
Got a new ballast. After replacement the light only stays on for 1 second then off. Did you have any issues?


Your old ballasts are exactly the same as mine.

 

[7635tools]

Why not get rid of the ballast and put some led tubes in there. There’s a reason why they’re trying to phase out fluorescent lamp. They’re garbage.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sparckie]

Seems like this is the reflex answer to any ballast question - convert to LED! This is probably what I will end up doing since this problem might be tricky to track down and not worth it.



@7535Tools, since you asked: Why not get rid of the ballast and put some led tubes in there? Well...



1. Wanted to keep it simple
2. Already went to HD and bought ballast (before getting into trouble and reading these pro-LED threads)

3. Have 2 perfectly good tubes that what, I throw into landfill now?
4. My wife likes the color temp of the current tubes - another research project to find warm white LED tubes
5. Another research project to get all the tombstones and bits and wires to convert (in case the complete kits do not have warm white LED, do they?)
6. replacing whole fixture is not an option, its a fancier one with wood trim etc, possible but not simple - need to convert existing fixture.



I do like LED overall and will probably look for a conversion kit. It's not that simple though for many of us, eh? I hope this explains why people are still looking at replacing ballasts.

 

[diyorpay]

Old type ballasts were magnetic. In my case when throwing switch, 50/50 chance tubes would light. Maybe 2 of 4 would light and other 2 would catch up and light within 5 minutes.

Replaced with 2 new electronic ballasts and fully reliable every time, much quicker, instant on. Claim on vendor site is 20% higher efficiency. Probably best to replace both in your case.

Advice: Cut old fixture wiring (not ballast wiring) but leave each one as long as possible (can cut shorter later if you want to). It's low voltage very thin wiring. Get yourself a bag of small size twist on electrical caps to make many connections

 

[sparckie]

got it working thanks - had a bad tube - underestimated how old they were

 

[Oso954]

If one failed, how long do you think it will be before the next one goes?

You get better life by replacing fluorescent tubes in sets. Trying to squeeze the last bit of life out of old fluorescent tubes is false economy.

Old tubes are not perfectly good. They are just still working.

 

[sparckie]

yep, I am on it thanks, will replace others in other rooms that were new at the same time too. It is time.

 

[JBG420]

Thanks for all the replies. Just finished cutting out the old ballast and putting in the new one. Works fine now. And appreciate all the feedback about LEDs and upgrading. We are renovating the kitchen within 6-12 months. The replacement ballast was like $12. Made sense to just get some additional brightness to just replace it.