How are fluorescent ballasts and tubes tested?

[Coppersmith]

I've always just tried putting in known working tubes and if they fail to light assume the ballast is bad. I would like a better way. I read recently that a ballast is good if there is continuity from the white wire to each of the red, blue and yellows. Is this true? Is it true for all types of ballasts? What about testing tubes? Am I looking for continuity between the pins on the same end?

 

[roger]

Click Here. A rep came to one of our Christmas parties a few years back and demonstrated it, pretty neat.

Roger

 

[electrofelon]

Click Here. A rep came to one of our Christmas parties a few years back and demonstrated it, pretty neat.

Roger

My supply house has the Milwaukee version on display on the counter

 

[FionaZuppa]

With a hammer of course. Because once you smash it you'll need a new one, which should be good. :lol:

 

[Coppersmith]

Those testers are nice. Several videos on the Milwaukee said it only tests T8 electronic ballasts. So far for the Fluke all I can find is that it can differentiate between magnetic and electronic ballasts. No info if it can handle a T12 yet. Anybody have these? How about a review.