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[SBB]

In the bike garage the lighting is 4  8' 2 tube florescent fixtures.
On one of the fixtures both bulbs have burnt out twice in less than a month.
All 4 fixtures are on the same circuit. I assume the ballast is bad in this particular fixture.
So my question is whether it's easier and cheaper to replace the entire fixture or just the ballast?
All 4 fixtures are approx 10 years old.
I know, this is a motorcycle site but I also know there are electricians here.
If the cost of a ballast and a fixture is the same then is it better to get a new fixture?
Thanks for your help?

SBB

[sadunbar]

In the bike garage the lighting is 4  8' 2 tube florescent fixtures.
On one of the fixtures both bulbs have burnt out twice in less than a month.
All 4 fixtures are on the same circuit. I assume the ballast is bad in this particular fixture.
So my question is whether it's easier and cheaper to replace the entire fixture or just the ballast?
All 4 fixtures are approx 10 years old.
I know, this is a motorcycle site but I also know there are electricians here.
If the cost of a ballast and a fixture is the same then is it better to get a new fixture?
Thanks for your help?

SBB

If it's me... the entire fixture.  That way I know I'm done messing with it.   Better ways to spend my time.   

[RK2K]

I would get the number off the ballast, an go to Lowes or Home Depot and check the price. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy the whole fixture than just the ballast. Usually the bulbs are included too.  You also might want to make sure the new fixture matches your old ones, makes for a nicer Harley Garage.

[hogasm]

Chip it is cheaper to change the ballast on a 8' fixture.

 We have over 150 of those fixtures on the farm.

$16 for a ballast...$40 for new fixture with no cover or bulbs

[pado]

Look into the newer "green" version of the ballasts.  These take smaller diameter bulbs and are far more reliable than the older ones..  These newer ballasts are about a fifth of the weight and size and are a whole lot easier to install in your present fixture.  We have these at the plant and have had no problems with them.

[SBB]

Chip it is cheaper to change the ballast on a 8' fixture.

 We have over 150 of those fixtures on the farm.

$16 for a ballast...$40 for new fixture with no cover or bulbs

Thanks guys.
Brian thanks, that's the answer I was hoping for.
Rest of the story is I have the same situation in the other garage.
The bike garage is crowded enough that to replace any of the fixtures all the bikes would have to come out. (plus the ceiling is a little busy with exhaust systems)

SBB

[Hawg]

Make sure you take the old ballast in with you they are not all the same as indicated here, T12 lamps are getting harder to find...

Changing your magnetic ballasts to electronic. Electronic ballasts offer dramatic improvements in design and performance over magnetic ballasts. By replacing older T12 lamps and magnetic ballasts with T8 lamps and electronic ballasts, energy savings up to 40% can be realized.

Electronic ballasts are quieter than magnetic (no ballast hum)
Smaller components and lighter (up to half the weight) than magnetic
Larger number of components
New Technology

[mjb765]

You could see if the MoCo makes a light fixture...then buy it and put it up..then change the ballast and the bulbs 2 weeks later to better ones

[SBB]

You could see if the MoCo makes a light fixture...then buy it and put it up..then change the ballast and the bulbs 2 weeks later to better ones

These are the 96" fixtures not the 110.       
You are killing me.

SBB

[hogasm]

Thanks guys.
Brian thanks, that's the answer I was hoping for.
Rest of the story is I have the same situation in the other garage.
The bike garage is crowded enough that to replace any of the fixtures all the bikes would have to come out. (plus the ceiling is a little busy with exhaust systems)

SBB

it is still a pain in the azz to do so you should either move or cover the scoots

[Puzzled]

I would get the number off the ballast, an go to Lowes or Home Depot and check the price. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy the whole fixture than just the ballast. Usually the bulbs are included too.  You also might want to make sure the new fixture matches your old ones, makes for a nicer Harley Garage.

I agree, check pricing first. Some ballasts run more than the complete fixture.

[Bubba]

Chip like Brian said the Ballast is cheaper but not by much and if your light fixtures are NEW most ballast are just plug n play only one screw..

I have old fixtures at the store and when one goes out I op to change the whole fixture to the new GREEN electronic ones.  More efficient.

I think for me the newer ones will save more money in savings than replacing back with the old ballast.

But hey you don't spend a lot of time in your shop anyway.......

Anyone with 50,000 miles on a new bike can't stay in the shop working on stuff.   

[hogsty]

If you swap out the ballast, get an electronic one.  They don't hummmmmmmmm

[SBB]

Thanks everyone, the bike garage is bright again.
But the car garage is another story. New ballast in that fixture.
Two tube fixture, one bulb works, one doesn't.
Switched bulbs, same problem with different bulbs.
Time for a new fixture there I guess.

SBB

[sadunbar]

Thanks everyone, the bike garage is bright again.
But the car garage is another story. New ballast in that fixture.
Two tube fixture, one bulb works, one doesn't.
Switched bulbs, same problem with different bulbs.
Time for a new fixture there I guess.

SBB