help with replacing fluorescent ballast

J

jenricae

AC Members
Dec 27, 2005
163
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16
Vancouver, BC Canada
The ballast in the hood of my tank is making a buzzing sound. I read online that the ballast itself can be replaced for a lot less than the strip light or the hood.

A few questions:

1. Are there any precautions to take before removing the ballast? I mean, is there a serious chance of getting electrocuted?

2. how easy is it to get a replacement? do hardware stores like Home Depot sell them?

Thanks
 
jenricae said:
The ballast in the hood of my tank is making a buzzing sound. I read online that the ballast itself can be replaced for a lot less than the strip light or the hood.

A few questions:

1. Are there any precautions to take before removing the ballast? I mean, is there a serious chance of getting electrocuted?

2. how easy is it to get a replacement? do hardware stores like Home Depot sell them?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Yes you can get electrocuted, but its a simple job, just be sure the power is off before you touch any of the wiring.

You can buy ballasts at home depot. Look at your old one, or take it with and they should be able to match it up. (unless its a workhorse ballast)

you need to know what kind of bulbs you have (t12, T8, T5 etc..)
and how many bulbs, and the wattage of each
 
Thanks!

Ya, i figured that as long as i unplugged it and didn't go poking around inside the ballast i should be fine. I took a look and there are just a couple of wire nuts to seperate and screws that hold the ballast in place.

The bulb i have in there is a T8 and 15 watts... should be pretty easy to find a replacement i'm guessing.

Thanks again!
 
take a picture of the wiring when you get it exposed. take the old ballast to whatever hardware store you're going to. they can match up everything usually pretty easy. when you get home load your picture onto your computer and wire the new one identical. shouldn't be too hard and of course unplug it first.
 
that's 18" correct? you sure it's not just a starter?
 
Old magnetic ballasts used to buzz all the time.
and they got hot.

New electronig ballasts dont buzz.
Sometimes they emit RFI that you can hear on a radio or TV.
But not very often.
 
how true is that zigman. i've got one in my bedroom for the wife to read with i had to move away from the tv.
 
It probably is the ballast, I would try a new bulb to be sure. Sometimes an older bulb can cause a buzz more than a new one. I suggest daylight tubes if you are going to buy a new one.

If it's starting OK and not flickering, the starter is good.

So...ballast-wise:
Advance LC1420C - This is rated to drive a single F15T8
(should drive pretty much anything 14-20W t8/10/12)

Check the pics and see if this will fit or can be made to fit. I have several of 'em, will sell for $3 + shipping. PM me if interested.

The perspective seems a bit off in the drawing; "H" is the complete front to back measurement. "W" is the complete top to bottom measurement. Mounting slots "M" could accommodate ~2 3/4" to 3" spacing.

Another thought...gut the light and install 2 or 4 CFLs in there. WAY more light for the available space. Does require a bit more work tho.

lc1420c ballast pic.jpg LC1420c ballast.jpg
 
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