How Do You Replace Ballasts In Shop Lights?
If the fluorescent tubes in your overhead shop light begin flickering, refuse to illuminate fully or if the fixture begins producing a persistent buzzing sound, it’s time to replace the starting ballast. The purpose of the ballast is to provide sufficient voltage to the fluorescent tubes to cause the gas within them to glow. Shut off the power to the fixture. If it is a plug-in type fixture, disconnect the plug from the outlet. Mount the step stool or ladder and carefully remove the fluorescent tubes. Set them aside. If it is practical to do so, lower the fixture and place it on a workbench. Using the screwdriver, remove the front cover on the fixture. It is usually held in place by two screws. Untwist the wire nuts connecting the ballast wires from the wires leading to the light sockets. Set the wire nuts aside. Disconnect the green grounding wire. Remove the old ballast and install the replacement. Most are held in place by several short screws. (Feel free to reuse the screws.) Using
