What type of ballast is used for fluorescent lights?

There are two lamp families that work with a ballast: fluorescent and HID. And there are two types of ballasts in each family: magnetic and electronic. Magnetic ballasts are the older ballast technology. For the fluorescent family, both T12 linear fluorescents and two-pin CFLs use magnetic ballasts.

How much do ballast cost for fluorescent lights?

A replacement ballast costs about $10-25 depending on capacity and brand. The bite is that an electrician trip charge (which includes 30 or 60 minutes work) is going to be $75-150 probably – for about 5 minutes work on each light fixture.

What is the average cost to replace a ballast?

The average cost of ballast replacement is $150 for materials and labor. Materials cost an average of $27.50, and labor costs at least $100 to install a ballast replacement. Homeowners often spend $35 per ballast for programmed-start ballast installation and labor.

How difficult is it to change a ballast?

The ballast takes in electricity and then regulates current to the bulbs. A typical ballast will generally last about 20 years, but cold environments and bad bulbs can decrease this lifespan significantly. You can get a new ballast at a hardware store or home center and install it in about 10 minutes.

When do fluorescent light ballasts need to be disposed of?

Disposal of Fluorescent Light Ballasts (FLB) Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were commonly used in the small capacitor within fluorescent light ballasts. Ballasts manufactured through 1979 may contain PCBs. PCB-containing ballasts become a concern if they are leaking or they will be removed and disposed of as hazardous waste.

What kind of PCBs are in fluorescent light ballasts?

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were commonly used in the small capacitor within fluorescent light ballasts. Ballasts manufactured through 1979 may contain PCBs. PCB-containing ballasts become a concern if they are leaking or they will be removed and disposed of as hazardous waste.

What should I do with my non leaking ballasts?

The non-leaking ballasts can be removed and recycled or disposed of properly. PCB-containing FLBs that are currently in use have exceeded their designed life span. Sudden rupture of PCB-containing FLBs may pose health hazards to occupants and is difficult and costly to clean up.