Replacing a lighting ballast may seem like a daunting task if you’ve never done it before, however, it doesn't have to be complicated. With the right tools and this helpful guide, you can replace your lighting ballast quickly, safely, and correctly.

Choose the Right Type of Ballast

When replacing a lighting ballast, it is important to choose the right type. To ensure compatibility with your existing system, you need to make sure that the voltage and wattage of your new ballast are the same as the one you are replacing. If in doubt, consult an experienced electrician or use an online resource such as the NEMO Lighting Ballast Database for help finding the correct ballast for your specific needs.

Prepare Your Work Space and Gather Tools

Before removing the old ballast, prepare your work space. Gather all the tools you need to complete the job, such as pliers, a screwdriver and an appropriate sized wrench. Turn off the power to the circuit by unplugging or shutting off the circuit breaker. Once everything is prepared, you can begin to remove the old lighting ballast.

Turn off Power to Your Fixtures and Examine Components

Once you have your work space prepared, it’s time to turn off the power to the circuit and inspect the components you will be working with. This includes making sure all wires are properly connected - both before disconnecting them and after you reconnect them. Pay close attention to all connections at the ballast, the fixture and other components. Ensure that they are securely fastened while also taking note of any corrosion or broken parts.

Install the New Ballast and Connect it to Electrical Wiring

After making sure all electrical wires are properly disconnected, it’s time to begin the installation process. Carefully follow the package instructions in regards to hooking up the new ballast. Insert the new ballast into the mounting holes and attach it securely. Now reconnect any loose wiring and turn on the power again. Make sure that you pay close attention to which wires go where so that everything is connected correctly and firmly secured with wire nuts or other fasteners.

Check for Operation and Restoration of Power Supply

The last step before you turn on the power is to double check that all connections have been made correctly and that power is restored to the circuit. Now, turn the power on and watch for any sparks or smoke from improperly connected wires—if there are issues, shut off the power again and make the corrections. When everything looks good, you should be ready to test your ballast replacement and verify the light function according to manufacturer’s specifications.