Have your fluorescent lights been acting strange? Are they humming, flickering, or oozing black goo? It’s most likely not your lights that are the problem, but your ballast. Before wasting money on replacing perfectly good bulbs, contact Asbury Electric and have one of our professionals take a look.
We have served the Gloucester, VA, area for over a decade, and as we continue to grow, our services and relationships with our customers just get better. We were a HomeAdvisor Best Of 2020 Winner, and we strive to continue our excellence as we move forward.
What Is a Ballast?
A ballast is a load regulator. The load coming into fluorescent bulbs is higher than the unit can withstand, so the ballast minimizes the amount of current coming into them to stop them from burning out.
Ballasts are not a DIY project. They should only be replaced by an experienced electrician. Incorrectly connecting a ballast can damage the bulbs, the fluorescent unit, and other wiring. It can even start a fire.
Signs You Need a Light Ballast Replacement
Not every type of fluorescent assembly uses a traditional ballast; some are located inside the bulbs themselves. This variety can make it difficult to know if your bulbs are bad or if it’s the ballast.
Our technicians are experienced in all types of fluorescent lights and can quickly determine whether you need a new bulb or a light ballast replacement. Here are a few signs your ballast is failing:
Noise
When a ballast starts to fail, it can produce a buzzing or humming noise. The noise is the ballast incorrectly handling the amount of current coming from the circuit panel. You should call Asbury Electric so they can find out what’s happening. Although it’s most likely your ballast, it can also be a sign of something worse.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
Flickering lights are a common tube problem, but it is just as likely that it’s the ballast. If the problem is happening to more than one tube, then the ballast is to blame, but it’s always best to have a professional take a look to see if you need a light ballast replacement.
Delayed Start or Changing Colors
If it’s taking a while for your lights to reach full capacity, or the lights are a different color than they used to be, then it’s most likely your ballast causing the problem. If the ballast starts to have problems regulating the voltage properly, it will not allow the lights to function at full capacity.
Black Goo
Black goo leaking from your ballast is a sign that a light ballast replacement is imminent. The ballast is no longer arcing properly, causing the excess voltage to overheat the dielectric insulator, which causes it to melt. If you see strange tar-like drops on the floor, it’s your fluorescent lighting causing the problem.
We have professionals who can repair your lighting on the same day. You may just need a light ballast replacement, but it may be time to upgrade to a newer model depending on the age of your lighting system. Upgrading to an LED model will save you money on your utility bill and completely remove the need for ballasts.
Talk to our technicians to find out what the best options are for your home or business.
Visually Check the Ballast to See if It Needs to be Replaced
We don’t recommend anyone performing their own electrical services. That’s why electricians go to school and do extensive on-the-job training before working on your home. However, there are a few things you can look for to determine whether your ballast is failing:
Swollen Casing
You do not need to remove the cover to find out whether the ballast is bulging. If it is, then your only option is a light ballast replacement.
Burn Marks
Burn marks may be visible on the wires extending from the ballast. Don’t stick anything around the wiring to get a better look. If you can’t see it, call Asbury, and we’ll send a qualified technician to look for you.
Water Damage
Water damage can come from anywhere. Simply look to see if there is excess moisture on the ballast.
If you see any of these issues, then your ballast is shot. Call us for a light ballast replacement before more damage is done. Let us know what you saw, and we will bring out the right equipment on our first visit and have it fixed for you the same day.
Electrician Near Me in Gloucester, VA
Asbury Electric is a full-service electrical company prepared to handle any electrical issues. We can repair everything from circuit boards to total-home rewiring. Our technicians are licensed and local to better serve the Gloucester, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg communities.
Call Asbury Electric about a light ballast replacement, and talk to us about any other electrical needs you may have. Just have a question? Call us, and we’ll be happy to help.
