Retrofitting fluorescent ballast

[DGM195]

When changing ballast in fluorescent fixtures (4 lamp instant start) without changing out the sockets (aka tombstones) should you cut the conductors from the old ballast and then splice (wire nut) the leads from the new ballast to the existing wires terminated on the sockets - or - should you remove the old wire and insert the wire from the new ballast in to the existing sockets?

Is there a authoritative source for either option.

Thank you for your input.

DGM195

 

[xformer]

When changing ballast in fluorescent fixtures (4 lamp instant start) without changing out the sockets (aka tombstones) should you cut the conductors from the old ballast and then splice (wire nut) the leads from the new ballast to the existing wires terminated on the sockets - or - should you remove the old wire and insert the wire from the new ballast in to the existing sockets?

Is there a authoritative source for either option.

Thank you for your input.

DGM195

I guess one could site 410.56(D).

 

[mjf]

don't forget, a quick disconnect is now required.

 

[kwired]

I guess one could site 410.56(D).

Simple way around that one - cut the ballast leads so they are too short to reach the lamp holders, then the splices are necessary:happyyes:

 

[DGM195]

follow-up

follow-up

But is the splicing option the preferred method? As I understand it it makes a better connection than removing the wire from the lamp sockets and and reinserting a new wire. What do manufactures recommend?

 

[electricalist]

Manufacturers of what? The ballast the fixture,the tombstone s .
When I retrofitted for a co. We replaced everything.
As a service call for a ballast I would leave total length of ballast wires and cut the tombstone end short. This gives more new wire.
As far as recommended instal I doubt anyone recommends installing a product in any way other than ,like new.