If the fixture has a cord and plug, simply unplug it to disconnect from power. The fixture may appear to have two tubes working off one ballast, but actually there are two ballasts built into one case. younghouselove.comImage: younghouselove.comHow to Remove a Fluorescent Ceiling Light Fixture Turn off the breaker supplying power to the fluorescent light fixture. Remove the light cover. Be sure to find a replacement ballast with the same wiring configuration and voltage rating as the original. Remove the case, lamp, and any cover that prevents you from reaching the ballast. Remove the ballast cover from the fluorescent fixture. Locate the ballast cover on one end of the fixture, unscrew it and remove it. This will expose the ballast and its wiring. Timothy Thiele is an electrician who advises residential DIYers on how to make home installation projects safe and easy. Lenexa, KS 66215 Remove the cover from the fixture and remove the bulbs. Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Some fixtures have a clear plastic lens that wraps around the outside of the fixture. Set the bulbs in a safe place so they do not break. The cover is in the middle of the fixture, and there are wires coming out of the endcaps going to the lightbulbs. This is the ballast cover. 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. Unwire the hot wire, then the ground wire. Remove the screws holding the fluorescent fixture to the ceiling. A hot wire carries the power to the fixture. Step 2. Replace the ballast, then replace the metal cover. Don’t just turn the lights off at the light switch. Untwist the wire connectors holding the wires from the ballast to the black, white and bare copper wires from the house wiring. Find two clips between the fixture and the ceiling, if your fixture is flush to the ceiling. On either side of the cover, there will be tabs that catch in slots in the fixture. Don't rely on the light switch to … Than remove the 10mm nuts 1 … These are the power source wires. Remove the cover from the fixture and remove the bulbs. Unplug the fixture or turn off the power at the main panel. These lamps must have individual starters and ballasts for each tube. Cut out the Red, Blue and yellow wires near each ballast. The cover is in the middle of the fixture, and there are wires coming out of the endcaps going to the lightbulbs. Telephone: (913) 888-0808 Locate the wiring cover plate, usually in the center of the fixture. Remove the light bulbs (fluorescent tubes). The test should indicate that there is no voltage present in the wires. Handle these carefully because they are fragile. Replace the ballast, then replace the metal cover. Don't rely on the light switch to cut off power to the area.Set up a stepladder below the light. Turn off the breaker supplying power to the fluorescent light fixture. I cannot find a way to remove the ballast cover on one of my fluorescent light fixtures. As you push up on one short end, angle that end of the cover up into the light fixture a little bit. Toll-free: (800) 848-4307, Privacy Policy. 99% of the time it will be one of the tubes that is the culprit. Remove the fluorescent bulbs from the fixture. 1. Remove it by pushing the sides of the metal cover together or unscrewing the screws, whichever is required on your fixture. Unwire the hot wire, then the ground wire. 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. 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. This will expose the ballast and its wiring. Join Ace Rewards for exclusive offers and savings. They are also much less prone to problems. Pull the metal cover down and remove it, … I have sever… Fixtures with four tubes, similarly, have four starters and four ballasts. Mount the new ballast to the fixture, using the mounting nut(s) or bolt(s). 10 July 2020. Look for the black wire and white wires connected to the ballast. 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. Photo 4: Install the new ballast. Repeat the process for the remaining tubes. The cover on my kitchen fluorescent light fixture broke off. 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. 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. If you have circline fluorescent light bulbs in your kitchen, the cover will likely be a spring-loaded ceiling light fixture. Cut the hot and neutral wires. On these, grab the outer edge and gently pull the cover away from the fixture and down. Replace the whole fixture. Unscrew the ballast and remove it. Carefully position a step ladder under the fixture. Remove the fixture cover, and unscrew the bulb. Gently pull down on one end, so the contacts slide out of the socket and remove the bulb from the fixture. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. [1] X Expert Source Allen Lee Home Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 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. Note: The attachment method for ballast covers varies widely among manufacturers. Just remove one of the still-working pair of fluorescent tubes and replace it with each of the questionable tubes, one at a time. Use the screwdriver and remove the protective cover that conceals the ballast. In the light fixture, you will see a metal cover protruding into the light area. Avoid skin contact with the tar-like substance inside a ballast. Dispose of the old ballast, following the recommendations of local authorities for proper disposal practice. A hot wire carries the power to the fixture. Put your fluorescent tubes in and replace the cover. Shut off all power. If the light plugs into the wall, unplug it from the outlet to disconnect it from the room’s electrical current. Restore power by switching on the circuit breaker and test the fixture for proper operation. Remove the fluorescent tube(s) and carefully set aside. Remove the fluorescent tube bulbs from the fixture. Cut the hot and neutral wires. Photo 1: Remove the bulbs and fluorescent light fixture cover. All the clips that held them in broke. Place a ladder to access the lighting fixture. Test the light afterwards to make sure it doesn’t turn back on. Choose an electronic ballast, if available. Pull out on the lip to disengage from the side of the attachment. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. 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). 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. Remove the metal cover in the middle of the fixture. Of course, you can always replace your entire fluorescent fixture with an … The type of ballast in the fixture will depend on the age of the light fixture. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document. On either side of the cover, there will be tabs that catch in slots in the fixture. 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. How to Remove Fluorescent Light Cover Step 1. Before touching any wires or wire connections, confirm that the power is off by testing each wire with a non-contact voltage tester. If your fixture uses circular fluorescent bulbs, a plug … It is typically covered in … Clean the floor area under the light fixture whose cover you want to remove. 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. Westlake Ace Hardware Store Support Center, 14000 Marshall Drive Remove the fluorescent light bulbs from the end light holding fixtures also called the tombstones. But older fluorescent fixtures use magnetic ballasts, and these can go bad. Reinstall the wiring cover plate, the light bulbs, and the fixture lens. It may be attached with nuts or clips or simply snapped into place. Pull the arms of the clips away from the ceiling and gently lower the side of the fixture cover. Most T8 tubes will have a hidden ballast, covered with a casing and resting behind the tube light. In addition to the source wires, there may be four or more wires connecting the ballast to the fixture's bulb sockets. Replace the fluorescent light ballast in four steps. 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