How to Wire a 3 Lamp Ballast

Lamp ballast plays a pivotal role in the working of a florescent tube. As long as the lamp ballast is good, florescent tubes provide efficient service. They also light up a larger area, consume very little energy and last much longer than other options. They have a lower maintenance cost. Wiring a 3 lamp ballast is something you can do for yourself provided you have the right tools and follow a few simple instructions.

Step 1 - Remove the Used Up Ballast

First, switch off the electrical power. This is necessary to ensure your own safety. You do not want to run the risk of suffering an electric shock as you work on the tubes. Use your voltage tester to ensure there is no current flowing through the wires. When the lamps are no longer hot, remove the tubes from the fixtures. To do this, rotate the tubes in a counterclockwise direction. Then gently disengage the tubes from their sockets.

Step 2 – Disconnect Wire Connections

To disconnect the wire connections, you will need to remove the covers that house the lamp ballast. Press the cover on one side. Pressure exerted on the covers will cause the holding clips to release the covers. Check again and make sure there is no current flowing through the wires. It is better to be safe than sorry. The meter should confirm that there is no current in the wires.  If this is so, then proceed with the exercise. Disconnect the wires on the ceiling with those that attach to the ballast.

Step 3 - Replace Ballast

Have the new lamp ballast near you. Remove the nuts that hold the ballast together. Move the nuts one at a time, all the while holding the ballast upright. Remove the old ballast from the tubes and replace it with new ballast. Now tighten the nuts to hold the ballast in place.

Step 4 - Wiring the Ballast

Use your wire strippers to strip off insulation from the wires of the old ballast. The stripped of length should be no more than 3/4-inch. Then proceed to wire the three lamps. Connect the red wire to its corresponding match at the socket. Proceed to connect the three blue socket wires to the ballast wires of similar color. Likewise, connect the white ballast wire to its corresponding white on the ceiling, while the black ballast wire connects to its corresponding wire on the ceiling.

Step 5 – Replacing Ballast Cover and Tubes

Reach for the wire connectors and wrap each connector with a strip of electrical tape. Bundle all the wires by wrapping them with electrical masking tape to hold them together. Next, replace the covers and tubes in their appropriate places. Now switch on electric power and test the light.