Home Center flourescents ballast problem

[danickstr]

apparently a "Home Center" sells 16 dollar twin four foot fluorescent light kits that are fine for about a year. then ballasts start to go out. so when I replace all the ballasts with after market, any recommendations?

 

[macmikeman]

Use an Advance or GE ballast.

 

[ptonsparky]

Try not to laugh when you present the bill.

 

[bradleyelectric]

who is the manufacturer of the ballasts? Call them and ask for there warrenty info on the ballasts.

 

[danickstr]

i guess we are supposed to be moving to electronic ballasts, so I will also take that into consideration

 

[stickboy1375]

I would think it would be cheaper to buy a new fixture then replace any parts...

 

[peter d]

Let 'em sell that stuff. More work for everyone, more mark up on parts, every one is happy.

Most of the ballasts that are in those fixtures are cheap OEM junk. I've never seen a "residential grade" ballast on a supply house shelf. Have you?

 

[stickboy1375]

Let 'em sell that stuff. More work for everyone, more mark up on parts, every one is happy.

Most of the ballasts that are in those fixtures are cheap OEM junk. I've never seen a "residential grade" ballast on a supply house shelf. Have you?

I wouldn't waste my money on a supply house ballast for my home... Throw away fixtures baby!

 

[mdshunk]

When I read this thread's title, "Home Center flourescents ballast problem", I just said to myself, "Yeah, no kidding. Home center ballasts are a problem. So what's the question?"

Any replacement ballast that you buy at an electrical supply house will be superior to what came in the fixture. Many of these el cheapo 16 and 19 dollar fixtures are not repairable, as the ballast is built into the lampholder end as an assembly. There's absolutely no way or place to fit a traditional ballast. It truly is a disposable fixture.

 

[danickstr]

thanks for replies.

in my case the ballast is removable so that is the good news, and the cost of a ballast from Advance (elec) for 2- 40W T12 48 is around 18 bucks, so I am going to yank out the other ballast (Sunpark from China Via Torrance CA) and put these in to the school. Should be fine for 3-5 years I would think. 15 lights shouldn't take too long to do, maybe a couple few hours.

 

[bradleyelectric]

realistically, 4 hours not counting drive time