Replacing T5 ballast

[_tessarecting]

Has anyone done this?
I'm wondering if a layman like me could do it without a soldering iron? I got someone who can fix it but if its easy enough I'll just do it. I'm going to open it up tomorrow and see how it looks before I take it in. Im passing out right now though. It's a envirogrow flt48.

 

[Phaeton]

double post, I hate when that happens.

Edit 2: I changed one of the doubles and both changed, this time my memory is correct, I did not hit submit two times, something else glitched.

 

[Tynehead Tom]

should be pretty easy, I fab up most of my own T5 and T8 set ups using the 4 bulb standard ceiling fixture reflectors from the used building supply. then I just order wire nuts, ballasts , T5 or T8 clips and presto.... new clone /seedling veg
most ballasts have online pdf wiring manuals as well..... it's how I started doing mine

 

[queequeg152]

what he said.

its very easy. most ballasts come with way to much wire to begin with so you will simply cut the excess wire, strip it, then wire nut it or simply push it into the socket bases.

some sockets are prewired, but most fixtures use the ones that simply pinch down onto the wire. idk how to explain it.

check your sockets for cracks and shit. they get brittle over time running at like 140 degrees all day long.

i reccomend the fulham workhorse ballasts or the fancy phillips ballasts. you want a digital ballast.

MAKE SURE you dont buy a 2 stage ballast or a dimming ballast or anything like that... unless you need or want dimming or 2 stage.

 

[_tessarecting]

Thanks for the replies!

 

[Iamnumber]

Hi, related question so I post it here rather than new thread.

finding t5 fluorescent ballasts was a bitch here so I ended up buying second hand. Since then I found a good supplier but they only carry shorter bulbs.

The ballast states 2*49w.
Lamps I wish to use are 54w each.

From electrical point of view.. Is this plausibly working setup or road to certain death and destruction?

( Plan is to move (shorten) the mounting bracket for lamp).

Plan b would be to just use standard/correct fluorescent tubes for the ballast but I wish to use the shorter ones (better spectrum).

 

[jocat]

open it up and get a visual on the ballest you'll need then do an e bay search and your set, a few simple tools to cut and splice some wires together. Home Depot for some wire screw connectors, some observation as you disassemble, a safety break...reassemble. as good as new.

 

[Iamnumber]

ok, thanks!