Florescent Lights and Repair

Altan

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I'm new to florescent lighting... When I went to start cleaning up a topper, I realized the florescent lamps were not present. Then I noticed that something looks like it's missing. See this image below.

DSC_0620.jpg


Should there be something in the connector that looks like it is hanging there with the yellow wire?

I thought florescent lights had a ballast and a starter. I thought the ballast was typically pretty big. But I think this is the ballast (below).

DSC_0621.jpg


Is that right? If so, perhaps that piece with the yellow wire is for the missing starter?

One more pic below for better context. Thanks!

... Altan

DSC_0619.jpg
 
The missing piece is a starter. Typically these machines use a FS-2 starter, and these can be picked up at any hardware store.

You should test your ballast before you put replacement bulbs in. If the ballast is bad it will burn out replacement bulbs quickly. In order to test the ballast you simply test for resistance across the two wires coming out of the ballast. You should read something in the vacinity of 25 ohms. Replacement ballasts are available as well but I do not know their part number. A search of these forums should locate the number though.
 
Thanks. You called it exactly.

I purchased a two pack of the FS2 starters for $2 or so. I installed the starts, plugged in the 24" lamps, and it works great.

... Altan
 
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