April 28th, 2010
How difficult is it to replace an electronic ballast in a kitchen light fixture?
I have a strange electrical problem. Our kitchen light went out, and after several weeks, suddenly came back on. It remained functional for several weeks, then went back out again. During this time it would intermittently go out for several minutes, and come back on. Both of the bulbs were very dark so we replaced them, to no avail. Everyone we spoke to advised us to buy a new fixture, as the ballast would be more expensive to replace. Oddly enough, I ordered a new, electronic ballast from the manufacturer (Sunpark Electronics) for $6.50. The fixture sells at Home Depot for $85. Can anyone tell me if they think a new ballast will resolve the problem? I’m also curious to know why the electricians & diy’ers were so certain the ballast would cost more than a new fixture. Admittedly, I haven’t tested anything as I am respectful of something I know very little about, and quite frankly…it scares me! Thanks in advance.
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Filed under: Refurbish Property
You got lucky! We had to replace our ceiling fan because we just couldn’t find a ballast for it even thought it was a Home Depot item. In our case, the ballast was just a plug-in like a power plug. Hopefully you’re will be the same.
Well good that you found the ballast (capacitor) for cheap. If you look at the ballast, generally it’s just a silver colored cylinder that looks like a film canister. it should just plug in like a outlet plug. They’re pretty straight forward. I’m not sure what your fixture looks like, but be sure to turn off power to the light fixture before doing any work on it. The problem does sound like the ballast, which is not uncommon and is a lot like what you’re describing.
it sounds like the ballast to me there are many different kinds of ballast and some are very expensive you got lucky. they are not hard to change just turn off the power then match the colored wires the same as you unhooked the old one.
you have a simple fix, turn the light off, read the directions and wiring diagram on the ballast, they are easy to replace, you may need some small wirenuts as you will have to cut the wire going to the sockets so you can splice the new ballast in, Electronic ballast DO NOT have starters so no need to look for one…Hope this helps