man myth legend apprentice is back...i have a rookie question

[JONATHAN20]

One of my friends called me said his one flores. lights in the basement isnt working. He changed the bulbs, still not working. I can almost bet its the ballast because it usually is. But never assume. Now i have replaced ballast before because my boss would have previously purchased or had some already. But Im not sure how to select a replacment ballast. Should I just remove it and bring it to the supply house or what?

[ohm]

One of my friends called me said his one flores. lights in the basement isnt working. He changed the bulbs, still not working. I can almost bet its the ballast because it usually is. But never assume. Now i have replaced ballast before because my boss would have previously purchased or had some already. But Im not sure how to select a replacment ballast. Should I just remove it and bring it to the supply house or what?

Here is a website which will make you an expert:http://www.advancetransformer.com/
click on Advance University in the lower right corner

[tshea]

Friend's basement--(maybe?) cheap shop light...Tell him to buy a new fixture and plug it in--Cheaper than a rebuild (maybe?)

[ohm]

Friend's basement--(maybe?) cheap shop light...Tell him to buy a new fixture and plug it in--Cheaper than a rebuild (maybe?)

True, but If it's a new shop light hanging on a chain...tell him to carry it back for an exchange. It may take a few exchanges the're not real high quality.

[SiddMartin]

just take the ballast w/ ya

[electricalperson]

if its the big fat bulbs then its a t12 ballast. if its the skinny lamps its a T8 ballast. if its a t12 try replacing both lamps to see if it comes on. they also make T10 and T5 and so on and so fouth but its not very likely thats what it is. ballasts come in 1, 2, 3,4 lamp sizes. just look at the bulbs and how many the fixture has and go to the supply house and ask for a 4 lamp T8 ballast for example. follow the wiring diagram on the ballast. use the old ballast as a reference for the wires but usually they are the same color and do the same thing

[JONATHAN20]

thats that answer i was looking for thanks electricalperson

[Cow]

Check power first and make sure the wires haven't pulled out of the tombstones before changing the ballast out.....