How to check the ballast with a multimeter
Content
An electronic ballast, also called a starter, is a device that limits the current load of devices such as lamps or fluorescent lamps. If you run into any problems with it, you can easily test it with a digital or analog multimeter.
A digital multimeter is more powerful than an analog multimeter and will allow you to find DC and AC voltage, current transfer, and high digital resistance measurements. It is divided into 4 sections: digital display, controls, dial and input jacks. It offers significant advantages in accurate readings with zero parallax error.
Set the DMM to XNUMX ohms. Then connect the black wire to the white ground wire of the ballast. Check each wire with a red probe. If your ballast is good, it will return an open loop or maximum resistance reading.
How can bad ballast be detected?
Ballast is necessary to supply the proper amount of electricity to electrical devices such as fluorescent lamps. The ballast is responsible for supplying voltage to the light bulbs and reduces the current to normal levels when the electricity is produced by the light source. Without an appropriate ballast, a fluorescent lamp can burn out due to 120 volts of direct current. Check the ballast if you hear the buzzing of the fixture or light bulbs. You can discover this by doing the following. (1)
Testing process
This method is less time consuming and provides accurate ballast testing. Here I will mention the steps for checking the ballast with a multimeter.
- Turn off the circuit breaker
- Remove Ballast
- Set the resistance setting of the multimeter (For beginners, click here to learn how to count ohms on a multimeter)
- Connect the multimeter probe to the wire
- Reinstallation
1. Turn off the circuit breaker
Be sure to turn off the circuit breaker before starting any electrical work. Turn off the switch and switch connected to the electrical devices you want to test.
2. Remove the ballast
Different machines have a different setting range. The ballasts are connected to the bulbs, so remove the bulb according to the settings given by the manufacturer. U-shaped bulbs are connected with spring tension, and round bulbs are connected to the socket along with the ballast. You can delete them clockwise or counterclockwise.
3. Multimeter resistance settings
Set the DMM to XNUMX ohms. If you're using a Cen-Tech DMM, here's a guide on how to use it to test voltage.
4. Connect the multimeter probe to the wire.
You can then insert the new multimeter lead into the wire connector. Choose the one that holds the white wires. You can tie the remaining probes to the red, yellow and red wires that come from the ballast. The multimeter will return maximum resistance, assuming zero current is passing between the worn ground and others, and will move to the right side of the multimeter if the ballast is in good condition. However, if it detects intermediate current, there is no other option but to replace it.
5. Reinstall
If necessary, you can install a new ballast. After replacement, install the fluorescent lamps and replace them with the lens cap. Turn on the power return button on the printed panel to turn on the instrument.
Recommendations
(1) electricity - https://www.britannica.com/science/electricity
(2) burnout - https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm
