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Discussion Forum

How to Test Fluorescent Light Ballasts?

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Bruce

02-20-2003 08:27:34




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I'm fishing in this pool of collective knowledge, in hope of learning how to test fluorescent light ballasts.

Is there a way to test them using a VOM?

In the past, if the tubes, sockets, & wiring were known to be good, I would
replace the ballast. I'm looking for a better way to diagnose a failed ballast. Thanks in advance for any help!




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Tom

02-21-2003 17:05:18




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 Re: How to Test Fluorescent Light Ballasts? in reply to Bruce , 02-20-2003 08:27:34  
Your method of checking the tubes, sockets, and power to ballast/wireing is what the electricians at work told me to do. I am not an electrician, maintenance yes, and do a certain amount of electrical, and this is what I am doing. The last ballast I replaced at home cost me more at the electrical supply house than a new light fixture would have. I bought it though as the fisture was already installed in my ceiling at home and it was a whole lot easier to replace the ballast than the whole light fixture.

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RayP(MI)

02-21-2003 15:26:55




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 Re: How to Test Fluorescent Light Ballasts? in reply to Bruce , 02-20-2003 08:27:34  
If you're dealing with the $10 shoplights, just throw 'em away when they quit. Repairing them is an exercize in frustration! It's usually a capacitor that goes bad, and aren't available. I have this on the authority of a technician who runs a electronics repair shop.



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G Taylor

02-20-2003 20:30:57




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 Re: How to Test Fluorescent Light Ballasts? in reply to Bruce , 02-20-2003 08:27:34  
On a four foot F40 tube fixture there should be 230-250 volts end to end when open circuited and 105 to 120 with an operating tube(s) in the fixture. Voltage across each filament( across the pins at either end of the lamp) should be 3 to 5 volts. It has to glow red and fire off electrons almost like a vacuum tube filament.



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Tech4

02-20-2003 11:12:14




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 Re: How to Test Fluorescent Light Ballasts? in reply to Bruce , 02-20-2003 08:27:34  
You can check continuity of windings if there is a diagram on the ballast. You could compare with a known good one and record some readings but other than that don't know an easy way. Here is link below to everything you ever wanted to know and more about flourescent lights.



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Bus Driver

02-20-2003 10:13:07




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 Re: How to Test Fluorescent Light Ballasts? in reply to Bruce , 02-20-2003 08:27:34  
Many years ago I had the same desire for a tester. The cost of the tester was greater than my expected lifetime expenditure for replacement ballasts. I do not now recall the source nor the cost of a tester, but the idea proved to be impractical for me. I know of no way to test with VOM, but if there is, I hope it will be posted here.



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