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Brilliant-Average654 t1_j9e0ltu wrote

Reply to comment by PM_ME_YOUR_FDD_OFFER in Ballast bypass but lights very dim by PM_ME_YOUR_FDD_OFFER

Ok, first - “we’d have to fiddle with the switch before it would catch” tells me that the switch is at the end of its life. MA single pole switch has 2 positions, open and closed (they should not be held in any other position, or it can cause damage.

Ballast also don’t last forever.

If I have a fluorescent light that isn’t working, I take these steps.

  1. Power off, swap the lamps (fluorescent tubes) with a pair that I know for a fact work and inspect the tombstones.

If the lamps still don’t come on…this is telling me it’s more than likely the ballast that needs to be replaced.

  1. Power off, remove the lamps, open the guts to expose the ballast, confirm it’s the correct ballast by reading the label (the label will show the line voltage and lamps that it’s compatible with). Disconnect the feed from the ballast, power on and test for voltage. The voltage should be around 110-120v.

(Do not work on live electricity unless you are a trained individual and have the proper PPE)

After confirming I have the correct voltage, working lamps and undamaged tombstone’s, I will replace the ballast.I’m

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