How to Build a CFL Ballast

Building a CFL ballast on your own can be a great project, especially for those who are looking to give their plants a little more attention. If you are planning on giving this project a shot in the near future, here is a guide that can help you through the process with ease.

Step 1 - Connect Wires

If you have never done this type of electrical work before, it may be helpful to contact a professional before you begin to ensure that you are working in a safe area and it is okay to proceed with this project.Be sure that you are working in a dry and safe area.

Pinch two exposed wires together and tighten them by twisting them clockwise. Insert the pair of wires together into the connector and twist to the right again to tighten once inside. Use caution when working on this step. You want the wires to be connected tightly, but not too tight that they rip off inside of the connector.Do this several times to end up with 4 connectors.

Step 2 - Feed in Extension Cord

Take one of the connectors and feed the longer, male extension cord into it. You will need to then connect the black wire from the power cord to the ballast's 120 wire. Then, attach the white wire to common wires of the ballast and the black wire to the capacitor wire. Finally, feed the female extension cord to the final cable connector wires.

Step 3 - Join Wires to Female Cord

Now, join the white wire to the last common wire and the females black to the last available capacitor wire. Be sure that you are taking this step slowly so that no wires get frayed or bent along the way.

Step 4 - Install Electrical Box

Bring the male extension cord into the electrical box and feed it through. Then, attach the mogul socket on top of the electrical box that you are working with. Attach both the white wire from the male extension cord to the white wire on the mogul socket. Do the same with the male and mogul socket's black wires. While working, take note that all of the extension cords you are working with need to be grounded.

Step 5 - Plug In and Test

Once you are finished hooking everything up, go back through once and check to make sure nothing is frayed. All of the wires should be connected securely and in good shape. If everything is ready to go, attach the ballast to a CFL light near by and plug it in to see if it is working properly.

If you have any problems along the way, stop what you are doing and contact a professional for help.