How do I know if my T12 ballast is bad?

If your fluorescent lighting is displaying any of the signs below, it could be a symptom of a bad ballast:

1. Flickering.
2. Buzzing.
3. Delayed start.
4. Low output.
5. Inconsistent lighting levels.
6. Switch to an electronic ballast, keep lamp.
7. Switch to an electronic ballast, switch to a T8 fluorescent.

Are all T12 ballasts the same?

Most T12 sizes have a T8 (1″ diameter) equivalent which will snap right in, but is not electrically compatible. You need to use a T8 ballast. T8’s are smaller, more efficient and produce more light – often three T8s can replace four T12s. (or you can just use four T8s and have more light.)

Are T12 ballasts still available?

High-output and high-CRI T12s are still manufactured today, but production is down. Second, magnetic ballasts – which conventional T12s require to run – are no longer manufactured in the U.S.

Do you need an electrician to change a ballast?

Yes. As a matter of fact, you do need a lock out tag out device in place for changing a ballast. ‘An electrician is replacing the ballast on a fluorescent light.

How long does a T12 ballast last?

According to the Certified Ballast Manufacturers Association, the average magnetic ballast lasts about 75,000 hours, or 12 to 15 years with normal use. The optimum economic life of a fluorescent lighting system with magnetic ballasts is usually about 15 years.

What happens if you put a T8 bulb in a T12 fixture?

T8 LED tubes won’t fall out if you try to install them in a T12 fixture—they’ll fit just fine. This is because T12 fixtures have non-shunted tombstones, exactly what you need for LED tubes. T8 fixtures have shunted tombstones, and those tombstones need to be replaced as part of the conversion to LED.

Why are T12 lamps being discontinued?

In response, Congress made legislation stating that T12 linear fluorescents and other inefficient lighting technologies would no longer be manufactured. This legislation was put into action in 2012 with the DOE regulating T12 linear fluorescent lamps as a way of encouraging consumers to be more energy efficient.

Can T8 tubes be used in T12 fixtures?

Quick answer first: Any T8 LED tube will also fit a T12 fluorescent fixture!

Can you replace a ballast yourself?

The ballast takes in electricity and then regulates current to the bulbs. You can get a new ballast at a hardware store or home center and install it in about 10 minutes. However, buying a ballast can be expensive, so consider pricing a brand-new fixture for comparison.