Fluorescent lights are a popular choice for many homeowners and businesses looking to illuminate their spaces efficiently and effectively. Compared to incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lights use far less energy and last much longer. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit different fixtures and needs. But are they easy to install yourself or is hiring an electrician best? Here we’ll look at what’s involved in installing fluorescent lights so you can decide if it’s a DIY project or time to call in a professional.
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What are fluorescent lights?
Fluorescent lights work by running an electrical current through a gas inside a glass tube. The gas gets excited and gives off ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light hits the white coating, called phosphor, on the inside of the glass tube which causes the coating to glow or fluoresce.
There are a few different types of fluorescent lights:
- Tube fluorescent lights – These are the common long tube bulbs found in office buildings, schools, basements, garages, and more. The tubes come in lengths ranging from 2 feet to 8 feet. The most common are the 4 foot and 8 foot tubes.
- Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) – CFLs have the fluorescent tube coiled or folded up into a compact shape. This allows them to fit standard light bulb sockets. CFLs need to be used with the appropriate ballast or fixture.
- Circular fluorescent lights – These bulbs are designed for drop ceilings and often called T5 or T8 lights. The T refers to the diameter in eighths of an inch, so a T5 is 5/8″ in diameter.
Some key benefits of fluorescent lighting include:
- Energy efficiency – Fluorescents use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
- Long life – A fluorescent bulb can last 10-20 times longer than an incandescent.
- Reduced maintenance – With a longer life span, you won’t have to change bulbs as frequently.
- Cool operation – Fluorescents produce 70-80% less heat, reducing HVAC costs.
How to Install Fluorescent Lights
Installing fluorescent lights is a project a homeowner can tackle. But there are some important steps to follow. Here is an overview of what’s involved:
Step 1: Turn Off Power
Safety first! Make sure to turn off power to the fixture at the breaker before doing any work. Test with a voltage tester to be sure power is off.
Step 2: Remove Old Fixture
Take down the existing fixture. This may involve unscrewing a cover plate and disconnecting the wires. Place the old fixture aside and make note of how the wires were connected.
Step 3: Assess Type of Ballast
There are two main types of ballasts used with fluorescent lights:
- Magnetic ballasts – These are usually heavy core-and-coil ballasts. They should be replaced with electronic ballasts for optimal efficiency.
- Electronic ballasts – Electronic ballasts are lighter weight and increase efficiency. Check the label to verify the electronic ballast works with the tubes you’re installing.
If it’s an old magnetic ballast, plan to replace it with a modern electronic one.
Step 4: Install New Ballast if Needed
If you need to put in a new electronic ballast, mount it to the fixture housing using the provided screws. Then connect the wires from the ballast to the fixture wires using wire nuts. Make sure to connect matching wire colors. Many ballasts also have a green grounding screw.
Step 5: Install Tubes
With the ballast wired up, you can install the new fluorescent tubes. Here’s how:
- Hold tube at an angle and insert pins at one end into the socket.
- Carefully push the other end straight upwards until pins insert into socket.
- Give tube a quarter turn to lock pins in place.
- If installing multiple tubes, space them evenly apart.
Avoid touching the glass directly with your fingers which can lead to premature tube failure. Wipe down tubes with a lint-free cloth before installing.
Step 6: Replace Cover Plate
Attach the cover plate back onto the fixture housing. This will help hold tubes in place and protect wiring.
Step 7: Restore Power and Test
Head back to the breaker box and switch power back on. Verify lights turn on as expected. You may need to let ballast warm up before tubes light.
Key Tools and Materials
To install fluorescent lights, make sure you have the following tools and materials on hand:
- Voltage tester – To safely check if power is off
- Screwdriver – Both Phillips and flathead
- Needlenose pliers – For twisting wires
- Wire strippers
- Wire nuts
- Electrical tape
- Replacement fluorescent tubes
- New electronic ballast if needed
- Ballast mounting brackets and screws
- Tube cover clips
Having the right supplies will make the installation process much simpler.
Safety Tips
When working with any electrical project, safety should always come first. Here are some important safety tips when installing fluorescent lights:
- Turn off power at the breaker – Double check it’s off with a voltage tester.
- Follow all wiring connections exactly – Connect matching wire colors from ballast to fixture.
- Use a wooden ladder – Don’t work on top of metal ladders which can conduct electricity.
- Have help lifting large fixtures – Don’t take any chances handling heavy lighting on your own.
- Call an electrician if unsure – It’s better to be safe than risk electrocution from improper wiring.
Taking the proper safety precautions will help ensure no one gets injured.
Hiring an Electrician
While a basic fluorescent light installation is doable for many DIYers, there are some cases where you may want to hire a professional electrician:
- Fixture is hardwired into ceiling – If built-in fixture, may require new wiring.
- Ballast is beyond your skill level – Best to have electrician replace old magnetic ballasts.
- Installing new fixture and wiring – Electrician can hang fixture safely and run all new wiring.
- Outdated electrical panel – Upgrading service may be needed to support new lighting.
- Failed inspection – If first try doesn’t pass, electrician can ensure codes are met.
Though more expensive, an electrician with fluorescent lighting experience can provide fast, code-compliant installation.
Cost to Install Fluorescent Lights
If you plan to hire an electrician, expect to pay anywhere from $125 to $325 per fixture for fluorescent light installation. This includes labor and the cost of basic materials like tubes and ballasts. Here’s a breakdown of average fluorescent light installation costs:
| Installation Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1-2 tube fixture | $125 – $175 |
| 4 tube fixture | $175 – $225 |
| 8+ tube fixture | $225 – $325 |
Complex wiring, the need for a full rewire, and installing lots of fixtures will increase costs. Removing old fixtures also adds $50 to $75 per fixture to labor costs. Request an itemized quote from electricians before starting work.
DIY Costs
If you have electrical experience and plan to install fluorescent lighting yourself, your costs will mostly involve materials:
- Fluorescent tubes – $5 – $25 per tube
- Ballasts – $25 – $100 per ballast
- Wiring and conduit – $1 – $3 per foot
- Hardware – $20 – $100 for brackets, boxes, hangers
- Tools – $50 – $200 for basic equipment if you don’t have it
Total costs for a DIY project can range from $100 on the low end up to $500 or more for a large room with many fixtures. Being able to do the electrical work yourself saves big on labor.
Conclusion
Installing fluorescent lighting is a project many DIYers can successfully take on. Just be sure to take proper safety precautions and don’t hesitate to call in a professional electrician if the job is beyond your skill and comfort level. With adequate planning and preparation, you can swap old fixtures for new energy efficient fluorescent lights and start reaping the benefits right away. Just take it one step at a time.