How to Remove a Metal Halide Ballast

A metal halide ballast are part of lighting that is known as high intensity discharge (HID) lighting. This type of lighting is the same type that you find in street lamps outside your home. They have multiple voltage electrical connections that help them use energy more efficiently when in use and provide the appropriate amount of lighting.

If you have metal halide ballast lighting installed the process for removing it is described in this article. This include the tools, materials and steps required to accomplish this task.

Step 1: Shut Off Power and Remove the Wiring Plate

Shut down the electricity for the lighting fixture that has the metal halide ballast. Remove the plate to the wiring in order to remove the connections and have the lights rewired. The plate can be removed using a screwdriver.

Step 2: Remove the Metal Halide Ballast Transformer and Lights

From the lighting fixture remove the metal halide lighting assembly. This will include the transformer and lighting fixture that provides the lighting for the room. The removal of this assembly will require the use of wire strippers, pliers and a screwdriver, depending on how it was wired originally. Work carefully when removing the wires and make absolute sure that the power has been cut off before attempting this task. This will keep you from becoming electrocuted or accidentally shorting out other circuits in the home.

Step 3: Disconnect the Wiring Plate

With the fixture removed, disconnect the wiring in the wiring plate. This needs to be done in order to expose the wires inside plate and make it possible to connect new wires for whatever lighting system that you choose to place in the room.

Step 4: Test the Wires

With all of the wires exposed for your lighting system, take a wire tester and test your wires to make sure that they are working properly. Any bad wires that you uncover while performing the test should be replaced in order to keep the circuit from shorting. You may be able to simply splice the wire's end and attach a new piece in order to restore it. If this does not do the trick, there may be a bigger problem with your wiring that will require the assistance of an electrician to solve. 

Step 5: Install Replacement Lighting

With the wiring tested and repaired where necessary, you can go ahead and install the replacement lighting for the room or area where the metal halide ballast lighting was removed. Use the existing wiring to connect the new lighting and close up the plates before restoring power to the room.

If the metal halide ballast is still working you should take it to a lighting store or find out how it can be recycled in your community instead of throwing it out in the garbage. You may also receive a discount on the new lighting for properly disposing the old metal halide ballast lighting unit.