How To Replace the Ballast of your Fluorescent Light Fixture
How To Replace the Ballast of your Fluorescent Light Fixture,
Replace a T8 fluorescent light fixture ballast. It is important to follow the wiring diagram on the ballast to be sure you are wiring correctly.
To get your hands some some really good Tools of the Trade follow this link for whats in my bag. www.amazon.com/shop/danjiles
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I know it’s been a long time since this was made but just wanted to mention that this video gave my kitchen light today! Thank you, Dan!
@danjiles
3 жыл бұрын
That’s Awesome to hear. It was a long time ago but still useful. Good on you for giving it a shot, and Succeeding. Thanks for watching. Keep it up.
@TheGerardo136
3 жыл бұрын
@@danjiles hey so I apparently ordered one from Amazon that’s “universal” but it came with different colored wires. The one you had is exactly the one I need. The new one I have has brown and red wires instead of red and blue on my current ballast and the other side it has yellow and blue wires instead of just yellow. I’m confused can you help me? Or give me a link of the right ballast
Thank you so much Dan! The project went exactly like your video described. Even the guy at the hardware store was WRONG about how to connect the wires so I listened to YOU instead and had no problems at all. I just love it when I can accomplish a project like this that I have never tried before. Your video gave me the confidence that I could do it!
I had to deal with different Ballast, T8...etc....in the end we're shining! Wonderful video with limited voice pollution! You deserve a lot! Many thanks...
This was GREAT!!! I was working on this project and wasn't sure if I could just connect the two blues to one blue, and the two reds to the other blue. This helped me, so let there be light! :D
Great tutorial!! I had no idea how old the video was until I heard the dial-up internet in the background lol.
@danjiles
4 жыл бұрын
That was a ting tone on my phone I was using at the time
Dan, you are great!! I've been a do it yourselfer for years and I've never seen those connectors before. Thank you also for spelling out the wiring connections so clearly! You rock. Thanks a million.
Great tip at the end. I recall a time in the Boiler Plant I was about to work on a Low Water Cut Off electrical area. I turned off the main power but didn't place a Lock-Out Tag-Out on it cause I didn't have one near by and figure I'm the only one there which was a bad coarse of judgement on my part (We live and Learn). So the next day I'm getting ready to work on the Safety and before I was about to touch all the wires a thought in my mind said check the main power. Someone must have turned it back on when I wasn't there. If I would've touched the boiler device I would've been in serious trouble. I placed a Lock-Out Tag-Out on the switch and went back to work. Always double check the POWER is off before servicing any electrical device.
Thanks, Dan! Ditto on those "Insure" wire connectors mentioned by Ron! FYI - To anyone else who ended up with an extra yellow wire to the new box - I just hooked up the 2 red to the other 2 red; 2 blue to other 2 blues; 2 yellow to other 2 yellow, and it works great!
This is very good video. The most professional one I've seen. I had an older T12 fixture with two ballasts. I recommend taking the ballast off of the fixture but not cutting the wires. Cut each color set on the old ballast individually and immediately connect them to the new corresponding color wire on the new ballast. Less chance of miss wiring, especially if you have a T12 fixture.
Seriously saved me. I am a maintenance technician and have no electrical experience as it typically isn't required. The wiring diagram on the ballast made little sense to me and this helped me with the extra wires. Thanks for posting and actually detailing the simple steps.
My husband and I really appreciate this video. Helped us figure out how to fix our kitchen light.
@danjiles
5 жыл бұрын
Glad I was able to help. Thanks for watching.
Great instructional video. Very helpful and helping us replace the ballast on our 40 year plus florescent ceiling lights! Worked exactly as you demonstrated. Thank you very much.
Hello Dan, your video helped me fix my annoying laundry room light. I replace the ballast and found out those in-sure connectors are great. It worked like a charm. Thanks again!
@danjiles
3 жыл бұрын
That’s awesome. Thank you for watching and for taking time to comment. I appreciate you.
@Crusty_Otter
3 жыл бұрын
That's the same fixture I have to replace. Really annoying trying to do laundry in the dark! I was mostly concerned with which wires connect to which and if there was a particular order to do them in, this REALLY helps!
@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885
3 жыл бұрын
@@danjiles does it matter "which" blue lead is used to connect to the blue wires or red wires? Just make sure to connect the red wires first to one of the blue leads from the ballast? thanks
@danjiles
3 жыл бұрын
@@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 No it doesn't.
@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885
3 жыл бұрын
@@danjiles thanks
Thank you for this video. Other than struggling with getting the ballast cover off and back on, it was a breeze!
Was trying to get a electrician to do this for weeks... saw this and got it done in a jiffy!!! Those wire connectors are amazing... thank you for a clear explanation.
Thank you so much for this video. We followed the instructions exactly and it worked! It feels great to have actually repaired something ourselves.
Thank you so much. I have the exact same setup and after a few days of trying to figure it out, I watched this video and I had it going within 5 minutes. I reailzed I had been sold the wrong ballast twice by lowes, then home depot. I finally got the right one today from a local mom and pop shop.
Thanks for the updated video. I 'm now a little wiser when it comes to installing T8 ballast. As you know, the pictorial diagrams are not always on the ballast so it's on to the installation of the other type (multi-flourescent bulbs with a single ballast) for my updated learning.
Great video for reviewing my own ballast replacement. Simple, straightforward and informative video. 10/10
Thank you for this video. I was about to call an electrician but after watching this video I replaced two ballasts in my kitchen. Your video was very detailed and helpful.
Thanks Dan. I am orig from the UK and as I'm sure you know it is a lot easier and simpler to change the ballast on lights there. Now I can figure this out LOL
Thanks for doing your video I'm now up and running from those old ballasts to new ones . It was tricky with the extra wires coming out of the old one and you showed me just want to do.
Thank you very much Dan!!! I followed your instructions and replaced my ballast in about 15 minutes. Appreciate you posting this video!
Thanks for the video Dan, watched it once and had no problems replacing the ballast.
Thank you! Changed out the ballast without any issues. Now the new type of fluorescent tubes work in my fluorescent light fixture.
@danjiles
4 жыл бұрын
That’s awesome. Thanks for watching.
Thank you so much! I followed your instructions exactly, which were easy to understand, and it worked perfectly. Saved me a lot of money from having to hire an electrician! Thank you!!!
Thanks for the upload, Mr. Jiles. Installed it like a pro!
Thank you so much, we were confused about the wiring because the new ballast didn't have a yellow wire. We have light!
Thanks Dan- the number of wires coming out of the old & new fixtures was different. This cleared it up. Appreciate your video.
Thank you so much. A lot easier with these connectors!! Got it first shot, clean job everything works fine. Thanks again Dan Giles!!
Thanks for the detailed instructions...saved $200 by doing it myself
What a great instructional video. Unlike so many DIY videos with constant chatter. Thank you very much. Now I'm going to change that lazy ballast! Update: Job is done! Piece of cake thanks to your DIY video! Thanks again!
Thanks Dan, that was very helpful. I was doing a T 12 to T 8 conversion. Worked great! Is it just me or does it really feel good to get a job done!
Thank you! Thank you Dan!..Those wire connectors are the best..My wife thinks I'm a genius but that we all know that will only be a momentary lapse of euphoria!
Thanks for the video, my light is fixed! I decided to get the In-sure wire connectors you used since my fixture was in a really hard to reach place over my sink and toilet while I was hanging onto a ladder!. Those wire connectors are awesome! You are right, they are such time savers and made the job on the ladder much easier, thanks for taking the time to make the video and also saving me a repair bill!
Thanks for the video. I was initially skeptical about replacing the ballast and was ready to replace the entire fixture. That is until I saw your KZread video. I followed your instructions and it worked like a charm. Thanks again!
Thank you, this was the most helpful video on yt for replacing this
Thank you for the video, it was very helpful and I was able to change my own ballast after watching this!
Fluorescent Light Fixture - SUPER , Thank you
Thanks for this video, it helped a lot I literally changed out the old and new ballast in about 15 minutes and those wire connectors are amazing I made sure I bought some when I bought the ballast that sped things up as well as kept things nicer than wire nuts that were there prior. Thanks again.
@danjiles
4 жыл бұрын
So glad you were able to get it done. Thanks for the positive feedback and thanks for watching.
@ZackJGBLord
4 жыл бұрын
Shoot, I can’t stop flicking on and off the light cause I actually did something electrical I. My home and did it well lol
@ZackJGBLord
4 жыл бұрын
Yours was different than mine, but I atleast was able to buy the correct ballast and connect the correct wires to the correct wire. Was simple.
@rayjr62
4 жыл бұрын
@@danjiles Beastmode, Brother. Rock on. And have a Merry Christmas. ;-)
I just change a ballast myself for the first time. Thank You so very much for the video. :-)
Dan, I watched a number of videos on this topic. Yours was the best and easiest to understand. Thanks for taking the time to do this. You also caused me to buy 3 bags of these connectors - different sizes. Better than wire nuts!! Jack
This video taught me what to do with the yellow wires that were missing from my new ballast! Thanks!
Did mine many years ago . It lasted 30 years and now I have to do it again. The old fixture is so well built I hate to toss it and get the not so good built ones that are made today . Twin 40 watt tubes. Thanks.
Thank you for a very good instructional video. I was scared to attempt this, but I followed your video and was great....thanks!
Great videos. straightforward instructions. Just fixed my kitchen lights in March 2022 - Thank you!!
Excellent instructions, clear and easy to follow. Learned something new too, the quick connectors. I would have spend many frustrating minutes trying to disconnect the old ballast wires from the turn-type lamp holders.
@ACE-gj9zq
5 жыл бұрын
Bill Van Hoy - I think you meant to say turn-type wire connectors...
Thanks Dan, this video was perfect! We were able to easily fix my sister-in-law’s laundry room light. All the wires were exactly as you described.
@danjiles
5 жыл бұрын
+Curtis Wagner glad I was able to help. Thanks for watching. You are now a Fixer... :-)
Nice, clean, professional job. Kudos.
Excellent instructional video! Told me exactly what I needed to know, and no more.
Thanks worked perfectly! Thanks for recommending the push in wire connectors so easy!
Thanks for the video, Dan. It's so much easier with those connectors. Thanks for recommending them. Take care!
Was able to change out 3 ballast in my office from watching this video saving me who knows how much money. Great job
@danjiles
5 жыл бұрын
+Jeff Clark That’s Awesome to read. Thanks for the compliment and thanks for watching.
I have to do this once every 10 years or so. Thanks for re-freshing my memory prior to doing this.....takes away any 'fear'. Also, thanks for the clue on the connectors, I'm gonna get some today. :)
Da, thank you for this video. It was very helpful and much appreciated.
Ok Dan, very clear! I understand for the first time... Thanks Dominique from France
Dan, This video was great. It was exactly what I needed.
Thank you so much for showing the work. I used to change the kitchen tube once a year. This time the new fluorescent tubes work for only 10 days and cannot light up. They only give out dime light. I change both 2 tubes but the same problem come up (already 3 times). Should I change that ballast? Thank you
Thanks, very easy and straight-forward. One thing I'd like to say though, as an electrician, it is always good practice to use wire nuts. It is a known fact that you will always get a better connection with a wire nut (if you practice and do it right). Other than that, video was great!
@samho9318
6 жыл бұрын
ShookieJay 0
Awesome video Dan I'll be changing mine tomorrow and I'm going to get those insure connectors 👍
@danjiles
2 жыл бұрын
Take your time , you got this.Thanks for watching.
Thank you. This was super helpful. I usually shy away from anything remotely involving electrical but I way able to do this on my own and save the $400 quoted to me by the electrician
@davidlindgren7605
4 жыл бұрын
I'm glad, too, you were able to effectively tell that overpriced ripoff electrician that he can stick his $400 absurd quote where the sun don't shine and do it yourself!
Thank you. I thought the bulbs were ballast now I understand and can replace the ballast. I also like the easy clips instead of twist tying
@mahamudjacil8845
5 жыл бұрын
stephen frazier jfkhdjjffncfkb
Great video! I was already to give it a try when I noticed that the wires coming out of the ceiling are black and yellow, not black and white like in the video. THEN I noticed the black wire from old ballast is connected to the yellow ceiling wire, and the white wire from the ballast is connected to the black ceiling wire! To be honest, this light has been out for quite some time, and with being home for months, I've been working on little projects I've ignored. I remember a neighbor/electrician friend coming over and replacing the ballast about 5 years ago, but I honestly cant remember if it worked after that. I pulled the bulbs out and tried in another fixture, and they work, so it's not the bulbs. I'm tempted to switch the ballast wires so the black ballast is connected to the black ceiling wire, and the white ballast is connected to the yellow ceiling wire. But I don't want to cause a huge blow out. Should I try installing a new ballast and wiring it the way it currently is? Can anyone help?
Awesome video.. what happens when double checking the connections are connected and only 1 bulb turns on? Garage light problem..Help!
How do I determine which ballast to use? What are some indicators I should look for from the old ballast to determine a compatible new ballast?
You can find the "In-Sure connectors" at Home Depot or Lowes
Thank you for the video! The job went perfectly!
Thanks--we have lots of 4 lamp ballasts on hand and want to put them in our 2 lamp fixtures. Gets confusing with the different color wires and figuring out which ones get capped off.
great video, we got you with all lighting supplies
My 2 fluorescent lightings in my kitchen are completely dead. Is it ballast? Over the years I always have problems with these ligth so I am also thinking for replacing them with track lighting but I need to beautify my ceiling drywall (big square hole). Update:Today I replaced one of ballast using your method and it worked out great. Thanks
Video was very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to make.
Dan - thanks for putting this on KZread! The ballast went out at my wife’s beauty salon and we couldn’t find an electrician over the Memorial Day weekend so I changed it myself! Thank you for your video! It gave me the courage to do it myself since I saw how simple it was following your instructions. The light is ready to go when the girls come back tomorrow and it saved us probably a $400.00+ service call, not counting the cost of the ballast! Best regards! James E. from Edmond, OK
About a year ago I replaced the tubes but the flickering and dimness continued to get worse. After googling this problem I inspected the ballast and found it was leaking a tarry subsance. Since the tubes have been connected to bad ballast for year, do they need replacing too or are they probably OK?
Thank you so much! really clear and simple instructions! :)
You're the man! Thanks Dan!
Thanks for the great video. Was able to fix my light in my room. Thanks.
Thank you , very much appreciated .
Thank you This will save me having to buy a new grow light!!!!
Thanks much. You saved me electrician overhead.
I do not intend to do this. I needed to see what a ballast was. I am a female senior. It was so clear and well presented, If I was not afraid I think I could do it. Very impressed!
its important to remember to mark the fixture with the type of tube to be used. ie. t8 or t12 as even though the tubes are physically the same length and will fit either fixture, life of a t8 is severly shortened in a t12 fixture and t12 tubes seldom work in a t8 fixture. think about converting to t8 when ballasts need replacing they are what you will see more and more as time passes.
Dan, any reason why you didn’t trim excess wires? I like less mess and OCD kicking in on the wires. Doing this tomorrow after picking up the connectors.
@danjiles
4 жыл бұрын
I always leave some extra wire for future replacements. Just my way. You can cut it shorter if you like. Thanks for the comment and thank you for watching.
thanks! I followed your video and it worked great. I have kitchen lights again!
I would like to know how to tell if the ballast is compatible. I need to replace one, but don't know what to buy.
WOW!!!!! THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR VIDEO!
How did you decide on which size ballast? Did you use the same specs as the old one?
Very helpful. There is light and nobody got hurt. Thanks
Very helpful video. Thank you for posting sir!
THis help so much, Great video step by step process very clear. thank you very much, really appreciated!
I have 8' set of shop lights, with high output bulbs, does it matter what kind of ballasts i get?
Nice vid. Thank you Dan. I really learned from you.
@danjiles
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for taking some time to comment and thank you for watching.
All ballasts have these wirings? And all luminaries? What if the colours are different?
How many different models and sizes of ballast did you choose from?
Hey, are those blue wires the 0-10 dimmers?
How dangerous is it, if at all, to cross the black wires with the white wires in this type of conversion? I have heard it doesn't really matter, but that it is not good practice . Any thoughts on this? Would the ballast burn out faster?
Great video i like the push in wire connectors.
Thanks for the video!
do i have to change the pins that go into the blub if i am upgrading from t12 to t8?
what will happen if you wire the blue wires from the ballast to the yellow set and the red from the ballast to the set of blue and red???just curious would it still work?
what if my replacement ballast has 2 red wires instead of one? do I leave one disconnected?