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Topic: Compact fluorescent ballast

User: JJWalecka, Location: New England

Asked on: Monday, December 23, 2024 at 10:46 am EST
Answered on: Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 6:36 am EST

Question: The original compact 4 pin ballast has two reds and a yellow. The yellow were to one pin and jumped to the second on the same side...the reds were wirenutted together and hit the adjacent pin and jumped to the other on the same side.New ballast has red, yellow, blue outputs...Called manufacturer they stated the red and blue only is used for single compact fluorescent.I wired two pins on one side to red and the other two pins to blue....lamp is functional yet the ballast doesn't workDo I need to configure the pins differently anyone have a diagram that shows the pin wiring?

Okay, let's break down this issue and troubleshoot the wiring of your new ballast. It sounds like you're describing a single compact fluorescent (CFL) lamp with 4 pins.

Understanding the Original Ballast Configuration (Important Clues) Yellow (bridged)

The yellow wires being bridged on one side strongly suggests those pins are connected together
internally within the original ballast. This is a common practice. This most likely supplies power/voltage to the filaments on one side of the CFL bulb.

Red (bridged)

The red wires being bridged on the other side also suggests those pins are internally connected within the original ballast. This powers the other side of the filaments.

Understanding the New Ballast's Instructions
Red and Blue Only

The manufacturer explicitly stating that only red and blue are used for a single CFL is key. This simplifies the wiring, but it still needs to be done
correctly.

Ballast Doesn't Work

It being non functional means incorrect voltage/current to the filaments.

Troubleshooting and Proposed Wiring Configuration


The critical piece of information here is how the red and blue wires from the new ballast are meant to connect to the lamp pins. Since the red and blue only ballast were made for 4-pin CFL this is the most likely configuration.Here's what I recommend you try:1. Identify the Pins

Hold the lamp so you can see the 4 pins. The pins will be on the same side of the CFL.2.

Wiring



Red Wire

Connect the red wire from the
new ballast to one pin on one side of the lamp. Then, connect the same wire to the remaining pin on the same side of the bulb.

Blue Wire

Connect the blue wire from the new ballast to one pin on the other side of the lamp. Then, connect the same wire to the remaining pin on the same side of the bulb.

Leave Yellow Unconnected

The yellow wire from the new ballast is
not used in this configuration. Insulate the end of the yellow wire with electrical tape to prevent it from shorting to anything.3.

Important: Power Off

Always disconnect the power before working with any electrical wiring.

Why This Configuration?


This wiring setup assumes that your new ballast provides the necessary voltage/current to the filaments through the red and blue wires, and the pins on each side of the lamp are designed to be connected in this manner. By applying this wiring the filaments on each side should be receiving the correct current/voltage required for ignition.

Important Considerations and Next Steps
Voltage Compatibility

Make absolutely sure the new ballast's voltage is compatible with your power supply (e.g., 120V or 277V). Using a ballast with the wrong voltage can damage the ballast and potentially cause a fire.

Wattage Rating

Confirm that the new ballast's wattage rating matches the wattage of your CFL lamp. An incorrectly sized ballast won't work properly and can damage the lamp or itself.


Check the Lamp

If you're still having trouble, make sure the CFL lamp itself is good. It's possible the lamp has failed. Try a known-good lamp.

Verify Ballast Functionality

If you have access to a multimeter, you can test the output voltage of the new ballast (with the power OFF and then carefully ON to test). The manufacturer may be able to provide the expected voltage readings.


Consult a Qualified Electrician

If you are not comfortable working with electrical wiring, or if you have any doubts, it's best to consult a qualified electrician.

In summary, the key is to connect the red and blue wires from the new ballast to the correct pins on the CFL lamp. Follow the wiring diagram above, and double-check all your connections. If problems persist, consider the other troubleshooting steps outlined above. Remember to prioritize safety and turn off the power before working with any electrical components.
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