ballasts-polarity dependant?

[cashnotakite]

hi

been stuck on a job where i have to change all ballasts that aren't working for fluorescent lights?

are normal/electronic ballasts polarity dependant and what is the secondary voltage output usually for them?

tried googling this but not getting very far

thanks in advance

 

[mogga]

depends on manufacturer some just have supply across incomer take care as some of the ones with 3 terms have markings outof line IE WATCH where you connect earth /live /neutral normal wirewound ballasts have inlive out to lamp or lamps if its 36w feeding 2x18w "SERIES Starters NOT universal check this as its a common misstake ) also dependant on what electronic ballast follow the schematic on ballast carefully dont just assume 12345678 on old ballast will match 12345678 on new one

 

[cashnotakite]

thanks for that mogga

just to be a little more specific though, i was actually thinking about the wires on the secondary side of the ballast when they go off to the tubes. I presume one of them has to be the neutral so was just wondering about that.

 

[mogga]

if its HF ballasts depends on manufactrer how they are wired on outgoing side
single lamp ballast will have 4 wires
if 2 lamp ballast it could have 8 ,7 6, wires as I said follow the schematic carefully make sure lampholder connections are ok n watch stripping the solid cables as they nick very easily