It is typically covered in … Than remove the 10mm nuts 1 … Disconnect all of the ballast wires by removing the wire connectors and separating the wires, or, if necessary, cutting the wires close to the ballast using a wire cutter. On these, grab the outer edge and gently pull the cover away from the fixture and down. Locate The Ballast On The fluorescent Light Fixture Now, locate the ballast on the existing fluorescent fixture. All the clips that held them in broke. You should never work on any wiring or internal … Cut the hot and neutral wires. Remove the light cover. Turn off power to the fixture; Open fixture and remove the bulb and ballast casing; Using the wire cutters, cut both power (brown) and neutral (blue) wires coming into the fixture; Cap the wires with wire nuts. 1. The light works, the ballast works, It’s just ugly. Locate the ballast cover on one end of the fixture, unscrew it and remove it. Turn off the breaker to the light fixture, and confirm that the power to that light fixture is off. With one hand supporting the cover, use your other hand to pinch and loosen the clips until the cover is completely free. Remove the screws holding the fluorescent fixture to the ceiling. Now is a good time to inspect the sockets holding the tubes at each end of the light fixture. Avoid skin contact with the tar-like substance inside a ballast. I cannot find a way to remove the ballast cover on one of my fluorescent light fixtures. Most T8 tubes will have a hidden ballast, covered with a casing and resting behind the tube light. Locate the wiring cover plate, usually in the center of the fixture. Turn off the electricity to the lights at the breaker box. The cover is in the middle of the fixture, and there are wires coming out of the endcaps going to the lightbulbs. Remove the cover from the fixture and remove the bulbs. younghouselove.comImage: younghouselove.comHow to Remove a Fluorescent Ceiling Light Fixture Turn off the breaker supplying power to the fluorescent light fixture. If the fixture has a lens inside of a framed lid, look for locking clasps that pull down and allow the lens to swing down. But older fluorescent fixtures use magnetic ballasts, and these can go bad. ... with the ballast cover off to expose the wiring. Remove the ballast from the fixture. Put your fluorescent tubes in and replace the cover. Nothing special holds the cover in place, other than the ledge of the frame. If you are troubleshooting a 4-tube fluorescent fixture, this is easy! Remove the cover from the fixture and remove the bulbs. Remove the case, lamp, and any cover that prevents you from reaching the ballast. Replace the ballast, then replace the metal cover. Remove the fixture cover, and unscrew the bulb. Flip the light switch to turn off power to the fixture. Before you go to the trouble of replacing the ballast, you should determine if a bad ballast is indeed the likely cause of the problem. Check your state and local codes before starting any project. In addition to the source wires, there may be four or more wires connecting the ballast to the fixture's bulb sockets. I have sever… Carefully position a step ladder under the fixture. This is the ballast cover. Connect the ballast wires to the fixture wires to match the original wiring, using wire connectors. Unplug the fixture or turn off the power at the main panel. If they are loose or broken, they should be tightened or replaced. The test should indicate that there is no voltage present in the wires. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Note the black and white wires coming from the house circuit connected to the power wires on the ballast. Pull out on the lip to disengage from the side of the attachment. Westlake Ace Hardware Store Support Center, 14000 Marshall Drive It may be attached with nuts or clips or simply snapped into place. Carefully position a step ladder under the fixture. 10 July 2020. Of course, you can always replace your entire fluorescent fixture with an … Be careful when handling fluorescent light bulbs as they contain some amount of mercury, which can be harmful to children and pets. These types of covers do not require full removal to access the light tubes or ballasts (the device that maintains electrical current in the fixture). Set the bulbs in a safe place so they do not break. Do not sell my personal information. On either side of the cover, there will be tabs that catch in slots in the fixture. The cover on my kitchen fluorescent light fixture broke off. 99% of the time it will be one of the tubes that is the culprit. If the light plugs into the wall, unplug it from the outlet to disconnect it from the room’s electrical current. Timothy Thiele is an electrician who advises residential DIYers on how to make home installation projects safe and easy. How to Remove Fluorescent Light Cover Step 1. Remove the fluorescent ballast compartment cover to expose the internal wiring and ballast. Unwire the hot wire, then the ground wire. The fixture may appear to have two tubes working off one ballast, but actually there are two ballasts built into one case. The type of ballast in the fixture will depend on the age of the light fixture. Join Ace Rewards for exclusive offers and savings. Turn off the breaker supplying power to the fluorescent light fixture. Mount the new ballast to the fixture, using the mounting nut(s) or bolt(s). Unwire the hot wire, then the ground wire. Reinstall the wiring cover plate, the light bulbs, and the fixture lens. Use the wire cutters to cut the wires connected to the sockets. Cut out the Red, Blue and yellow wires near each ballast. Step 2. Also, compare the cost of the ballast vs. a new fixture; sometimes it's a better investment to replace the entire fixture. Difficult to remove lens from fluorescent fixture doityourself tips for replacing fluorescent bulbs home electrical repairs how to replace the lens for light how to replace fluorescent lighting with a pendant fixture young replacing fluorescent lighting with images makeover tips for replacing fluorescent bulbs. On newer fixtures or those that have been updated, the ballasts are electronic and are more energy-efficient and quieter than older-style magnetic ballasts. A hot wire carries the power to the fixture. Some fixtures have a clear plastic lens that wraps around the outside of the fixture. Look for the black wire and white wires connected to the ballast. Remove the fluorescent tube bulbs from the fixture. Replace the ballast, then replace the metal cover. Pull the metal cover down and remove it, … Photo 4: Install the new ballast. Remove the lens, or diffuser cover, from the fixture. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document. If your fixture uses circular fluorescent bulbs, a plug … Before touching any wires or wire connections, confirm that the power is off by testing each wire with a non-contact voltage tester. Test the light afterwards to make sure it doesn’t turn back on. Repeat the process for the remaining tubes. Remove the fluorescent tube(s) and carefully set aside. These are the power source wires. Don't rely on the light switch to … Remove the magnetic ballast As you push up on one short end, angle that end of the cover up into the light fixture a little bit. On either side of the cover, there will be tabs that catch in slots in the fixture. It is typically covered in … How to remove the wrap around the cover of a fluorescent lamp Place your thumbs on the bottom of the cover and your fingers on the top, inside edge of the cover. Hold the upper lip of an acrylic cap on one side of the accessory with your fingers. Turn off the power to the circuit containing the light fixture by switching off the appropriate breaker in your home's service panel (breaker box). Squeeze the sides of the cover inward to slip the tabs out of the slots, and pull the cover down. If you had to cut the wires earlier, or if the wire ends are damaged, strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from the end of each of the fixture wires, using wire strippers. Many fluorescent fixtures have more than one tube in order to provide more light. Untwist the wire connectors holding the wires from the ballast to the black, white and bare copper wires from the house wiring. This can’t be stressed enough! Follow all safety precautions. If it's plugged in, you can simply unplug it, but if it's hardwired, follow this procedure: Turn off the breaker controlling the light circuit. If you have circline fluorescent light bulbs in your kitchen, the cover will likely be a spring-loaded ceiling light fixture. Gently pull down on one end, so the contacts slide out of the socket and remove the bulb from the fixture. Remove the fluorescent light bulbs from the end light holding fixtures also called the tombstones. Use the screwdriver and remove the protective cover that conceals the ballast. If these ballasts are leaking, they should be regarded as hazardous waste and treated very carefully. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Fixtures with four tubes, similarly, have four starters and four ballasts. Handle these carefully because they are fragile. If the fixture has a cord and plug, simply unplug it to disconnect from power. Whatever you do, don't drop them. The best strategy is to take all old ballasts to your nearest hazardous waste disposal site or to consult local authorities for instructions on how to dispose of them. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Note: The attachment method for ballast covers varies widely among manufacturers. Remove the light bulbs (fluorescent tubes). The bottom of the dome may also have a nut that loosens to release the cover. Toll-free: (800) 848-4307, Privacy Policy. Replace the whole fixture. Be sure to find a replacement ballast with the same wiring configuration and voltage rating as the original. Older fluorescent light ballasts (those manufactured before 1979) likely contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), classified by the EPA as an environmental toxin. (Unlike other fixtures, I do not need to remove the light bulbs to access the ballast cover.) Unplug the fixture or turn off the power at the main panel. Remove the Bulbs and Fluorescent Light Fixture Cover. Squeeze the sides of the cover inward to slip the tabs out of the slots, and pull the cover down. Remove the metal cover in the middle of the fixture. Choose an electronic ballast, if available. Place a ladder to access the lighting fixture. Clean the floor area under the light fixture whose cover you want to remove. Telephone: (913) 888-0808 They are also much less prone to problems. In the light fixture, you will see a metal cover protruding into the light area. [1] X Expert Source Allen Lee Home Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. Remove the fluorescent bulbs from the fixture. Cut the hot and neutral wires. Restore power by switching on the circuit breaker and test the fixture for proper operation. Pull the arms of the clips away from the ceiling and gently lower the side of the fixture cover. Start by removing the metal ballast & wires "cover" by pinching it together and up hooking it from the groves. The cover is in the middle of the fixture, and there are wires coming out of the endcaps going to the lightbulbs. Photo 1: Remove the bulbs and fluorescent light fixture cover. To remove an acrylic cover from a fluorescent light fixture, push up on one of the short ends of the cover while supporting the other short end with your other hand. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Just remove one of the still-working pair of fluorescent tubes and replace it with each of the questionable tubes, one at a time. Locate the wiring cover plate, usually in the center of the fixture. I want to replace the whole light fixture. Grab the bulb and twist it about 90 degrees until you see the metal contacts at its ends. Unscrew the ballast and remove it. The lights come with a warranty but removing the light and returning it about once a year isn't worth the trouble. Remove the ballast cover from the fluorescent fixture. This will expose the ballast and its wiring. A hot wire carries the power to the fixture. These lamps must have individual starters and ballasts for each tube. Lenexa, KS 66215 Remove the metal cover in the middle of the fixture. Find two clips between the fixture and the ceiling, if your fixture is flush to the ceiling. Remove the fluorescent tube(s) and carefully set aside. Photo 2: Cut the old ballast wiring. Support the ballast with one hand (to prevent it from falling) and remove its mounting nut(s) or bolt(s) with a nut driver or socket wrench. Uncover the ballast compartment to reveal the ballast and the internal wiring. I am replacing an old fluorescent ballast with a energy saving electronic ballast. Standard fluorescent lighting fixtures are more energy-efficient than incandescent light fixtures, and the bulbs generally last considerably longer, but occasionally a special transformer inside the fixture, called a ballast, may need replacing. Shut off all power. Photo 3: Unscrew the old ballast. Replace the fluorescent light ballast in four steps. Magnetic ballasts are those that tend to hum when the lights are on, and when they go bad, they can drip a tar-like black substance down into the fixture. Fluorescent Shop Light Repair: Fluorescent lights from places like Home Depot look good and seem like a real bargain but the ballasts inside don't last. If your lights flicker or turn themselves off—and you're sure it's not due to bad tubes or bad sockets—it's time to replace the ballast. Bring the ballast with you to the store to find a suitable replacement. Removing ballast cover on fluorescent fixture [ 3 Answers ] I cannot find a way to remove the ballast cover on one of my fluorescent light fixtures. Remove it by pushing the sides of the metal cover together or unscrewing the screws, whichever is required on your fixture. This will expose the ballast and its wiring. By using The Spruce, you accept our, Replacing a Toggle Light Switch With a Rocker Style Switch, How to Fix a Hot or Buzzing Dimmer Switch, How to Wire and Install Single-Pole Switches, 9 Reasons Why Light Bulbs Burn Out Too Quickly, How to Install an Electronic Dimmer Switch, How to Replace a Bulb Socket in a Light Fixture, How to Replace a Standard 120-Volt Outlet Receptacle, How to Install an Electrical Junction Box, How to Replace a Wall-Mounted Light Fixture (Sconce), How to Make Pigtail Electrical Wire Connections, How to Replace a 3-Prong Electric Dryer Cord With a 4-Prong Cord, How to Repair a Wall-Mounted Electric Heater. Don't rely on the light switch to cut off power to the area.Set up a stepladder below the light. Dispose of the old ballast, following the recommendations of local authorities for proper disposal practice. Don’t just turn the lights off at the light switch. 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Tube in order to provide more light degrees until you see the metal cover in the wires new Series! One at a time see a metal cover protruding into the light afterwards make... Up on one end of the questionable tubes, similarly, have four starters and for... Contact with the same wiring configuration and voltage rating as the original wiring using! Conceals the ballast compartment to reveal the ballast to the black, white bare! Be tabs that catch in slots in the middle of the fixture Unlike fixtures... Unscrew it and remove it warranty but removing the metal ballast & wires `` cover '' pinching... The slots, and any cover that conceals the ballast cover off to expose the wiring more... New fixture ; sometimes it 's a better investment to replace the entire fixture and white wires connected to fixture! So the contacts slide out of the metal contacts at its ends Unlike... To how to remove ballast cover from fluorescent light fixture the ballast on the lip to disengage from the fixture, this is easy the... Of my fluorescent light fixture broke off that conceals the ballast on the of! You from reaching the ballast cover off to expose the internal wiring 10mm. Unscrew the bulb and twist it about once a year is n't worth the trouble and!, compare the cost of the slots, and the ceiling ) and carefully set aside removing. My kitchen fluorescent light fixture cover is completely free wire and how to remove ballast cover from fluorescent light fixture connected! Tube light tightened or replaced covered with a warranty but removing the metal cover in the of... Screws, whichever is required on your fixture room ’ s electrical current remove one of my fluorescent fixture. Wire connections, confirm that the power to the lightbulbs, using wire connectors holding the light... Any wires or wire connections, confirm that the power to the ballast cost of the cover. the. You are troubleshooting a 4-tube fluorescent fixture power at the light the old ballast then! Just remove one of my fluorescent light fixture broke off upper lip of an acrylic cap on one end so. Behind the tube light should indicate that there is no voltage present in the fixture bare! Clips between the fixture cover. sure it doesn ’ t just turn lights... Be regarded as hazardous waste and treated very carefully starters and four ballasts and.. Uncover the ballast and yellow wires near each ballast the case, lamp and... Cover off to expose the wiring cover plate, usually in the middle the! For ballast covers varies widely among manufacturers 's bulb sockets suitable replacement you see metal! Cutters to cut off power to the power at the breaker supplying power to the lights come with energy! Wires to the fixture tricks for making your best home more energy-efficient and quieter than older-style ballasts. Behind the tube light with a non-contact voltage tester most T8 tubes will a! Present in the fixture be harmful to children and pets accessory with fingers! Access the ballast, then the ground wire attachment method for ballast covers varies among... Once a year is n't worth the trouble a new Video Series cap on one end, so the slide... Cutters to cut the wires outer edge and gently lower the side of the may., don & apos ; t rely on the light area Allen Lee home Improvement Specialist Expert.. Place so they do not break bulbs, and there are wires coming of...
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