In addition to the source wires, there may be four or more wires connecting the ballast to the fixture's bulb sockets. 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. Westlake Ace Hardware Store Support Center, 14000 Marshall Drive Repeat the process for the remaining tubes. Remove the fixture cover, and unscrew the bulb. As you push up on one short end, angle that end of the cover up into the light fixture a little bit. Be careful when handling fluorescent light bulbs as they contain some amount of mercury, which can be harmful to children and pets. A hot wire carries the power to the fixture. Reinstall the wiring cover plate, the light bulbs, and the fixture lens. 1. Locate The Ballast On The fluorescent Light Fixture Now, locate the ballast on the existing fluorescent fixture. (Unlike other fixtures, I do not need to remove the light bulbs to access the ballast cover.) The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. I want to replace the whole light fixture. Nothing special holds the cover in place, other than the ledge of the frame. 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. Remove the fluorescent tube(s) and carefully set aside. Just remove one of the still-working pair of fluorescent tubes and replace it with each of the questionable tubes, one at a time. 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). Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document. Turn off the electricity to the lights at the breaker box. Locate the ballast cover on one end of the fixture, unscrew it and remove it. Use the screwdriver and remove the protective cover that conceals the ballast. They are also much less prone to problems. Avoid skin contact with the tar-like substance inside a ballast. Note the black and white wires coming from the house circuit connected to the power wires on the ballast. Restore power by switching on the circuit breaker and test the fixture for proper operation. These lamps must have individual starters and ballasts for each tube. Remove the ballast from the fixture. Use the wire cutters to cut the wires connected to the sockets. [1] X Expert Source Allen Lee Home Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. 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. Step 2. If you have circline fluorescent light bulbs in your kitchen, the cover will likely be a spring-loaded ceiling light fixture. Also, compare the cost of the ballast vs. a new fixture; sometimes it's a better investment to replace the entire fixture. Photo 3: Unscrew the old ballast. Replace the ballast, then replace the metal cover. Mount the new ballast to the fixture, using the mounting nut(s) or bolt(s). Unplug the fixture or turn off the power at the main panel. Now is a good time to inspect the sockets holding the tubes at each end of the light fixture. Whatever you do, don't drop them. I have sever… The cover is in the middle of the fixture, and there are wires coming out of the endcaps going to the lightbulbs. I am replacing an old fluorescent ballast with a energy saving electronic ballast. How to Remove Fluorescent Light Cover Step 1. Toll-free: (800) 848-4307, Privacy Policy. Untwist the wire connectors holding the wires from the ballast to the black, white and bare copper wires from the house wiring. It is typically covered in … Photo 2: Cut the old ballast wiring. Replace the fluorescent light ballast in four steps. Bring the ballast with you to the store to find a suitable replacement. Than remove the 10mm nuts 1 … Handle these carefully because they are fragile. Most T8 tubes will have a hidden ballast, covered with a casing and resting behind the tube light. If they are loose or broken, they should be tightened or replaced. Put your fluorescent tubes in and replace the cover. Photo 1: Remove the bulbs and fluorescent light fixture cover. The light works, the ballast works, It’s just ugly. Test the light afterwards to make sure it doesn’t turn back on. 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. Unwire the hot wire, then the ground wire. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Remove the metal cover in the middle of the fixture. Remove the fluorescent tube(s) and carefully set aside. 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. The test should indicate that there is no voltage present in the wires. Look for the black wire and white wires connected to the ballast. Remove the screws holding the fluorescent fixture to the ceiling. The lights come with a warranty but removing the light and returning it about once a year isn't worth the trouble. 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. Cut the hot and neutral wires. The bottom of the dome may also have a nut that loosens to release the cover. Lenexa, KS 66215 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. 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. Shut off all power. Carefully position a step ladder under the fixture. Gently pull down on one end, so the contacts slide out of the socket and remove the bulb from the fixture. Tube light hand supporting the cover, there will be tabs that catch in slots in the 's..., one at a time of the light and returning it about 90 degrees until you see the contacts... Local authorities for proper disposal practice go bad in order to provide you with a casing resting! You should never work on any wiring or internal … remove the light works, it s. But older fluorescent fixtures have a nut that loosens to release the cover from the ballast cover on my fluorescent. 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