How do I Wire in a Replacement 6 Wire Two Bulb Electric Ballast?

You can provide new power to an old light fixture by properly replacing the tired old ballast. In a short time you can have your new 6 wire replacement ballast in place. The new ballast not only will provide the proper electrical distribution to the bulbs, but will also help with energy bills. Replacement of the ballast will ensure that the fixture is working at the correct capacity and this increases energy efficiency. You will light your home and save energy at the same time.

Removal of old ballast

• 1

  Turn off power to the light fixture by removing the fuse or switching off the breaker.

• 2

  Remove the cover from the light fixture, exposing the bulbs. Carefully remove the bulbs. Then remove the cover, exposing the wires.

• 3

  Remove the wire nuts from the black and white wires. Test these wires with the multitester to ensure that there is no power feed to the light fixture. Put the black lead to the black wire and the red lead to the white wire. There should be no power.

• 4

  Cut the colored wires at the existing ballast with the wire cutters. With the screw driver remove the screw that is holding the ballast. Remove the ballast from the fixture.

Installing the replacement ballast

• 1

  Strip about 3/8 inch of insulation off the ends of all the wires. Connect the color wires from the ballast to the existing wires in the fixture. Be sure that only one wire from the ballast is connected to one wire in the fixture and that they are the same color. Blue to blue; red to red, yellow to yellow, black to black and white to white. Twist a wire nut on each connection.

• 2

  Place the end of the ballast into the holding slot in the fixture. With the screwdriver replace the screw to hold the replacement ballast.

• 3

  Replace the ballast and wire cover. Replace the bulbs, but not the cover just yet.

• 4

  Turn the breaker back on or replace the fuse. At the switch turn the light on. Once you see that your fixture is working properly replace the cover.