How to Connect the Plug-In Ballast to the Fluorescent Socket

Fluorescent light fixtures are equipped with a ballast designed to regulate the current between the light sockets. The sockets transfer the electricity to the light bulbs by way of metal pins attached to the ends of the bulbs. A black, oily substance that leaks from the ballast is a common symptom of a defective ballast, as are flickering lights or a humming sound emanating from the fixture. Replacing the ballast is a fairly straightforward job, but you should compare the cost of a new ballast with the cost of a new fixture before proceeding.

Screwdriver
Socket wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the power to the light fixture at the main service panel to avoid the risk of an electrical shock.
- 2
  Remove the lens to access the fluorescent tubes. Inspect the sides of the lens for retaining screws. Remove the screws with a screwdriver and pull the lens away from the light housing.
- 3
  Remove the fluorescent tubes. Twist each tube one-quarter turn in either direction and slide the tube out of its sockets.
- 4
  Disconnect the light sockets from the light housing. Some sockets are secured in place with screws, while others feature clips on each side of the socket. Remove the screws with a screwdriver. Squeeze the two ends of the socket together if the socket features clips to release the socket.
- 5
  Remove the small screws that secure the ballast wires to the light sockets, and pull the wires away from the socket.
- 6
  Record the color and position of each ballast wire.
- 7
  Remove the wire connectors that secure the ballast's wires to the home’s electrical system. Twist the connectors in a counterclockwise direction until they detach from the wires. Unwrap the wires to release the ballast wire.
- 8
  Remove the ballast. A ballast is held within the light housing with either screws or bolts. Remove the screws with a screwdriver and the bolts with a socket wrench to release the ballast.
- 9
  Position the new ballast against the light housing, and install the ballast's screws or bolts.
- 10
  Twist each ballast wire onto the appropriate wire of the home’s electrical system. Twist a wire connector in a clockwise direction over the twisted wires to secure the wires together.
- 11
  Attach the remaining ballast wires onto the light sockets. Secure the wires to the sockets with the socket screws.
- 12
  Install the light sockets. Tighten the socket screws into the light housing if the sockets feature screws. Squeeze the two ends of the socket together if the socket features clips, and insert the socket into the light housing.
- 13
  Insert the two pins at each end of the light bulb into the two slots within the bulb’s socket. Rotate the bulb in either direction one-quarter turn to lock the bulb in place.
- 14
  Position the lens against the light housing, and install the lens screws to secure the lens to the housing.
- 15
  Turn on the power to the light fixture at the main service panel.

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