Alpharetta, GA on Mar 02, 2012

I LOVE DIY. new Ballast in my kitchen light $20.00 VS. a whole new light fixture $120.00....SAVED us $100 PLUS+

New Ballast in my kitchen light $20.00 VS. a whole new light fixture $120.00....SAVED us $100 PLUS+. If we had used Electrician it would have their charge per hour plus materials.

Shout out to Mike at the Electrical department of Home Depot. Took me step by step on how to change the ballast out. Even made me a drawing to take home. Told me to call if I came upon any questions! Love those Home Improvement stores, YOU CAN DIY!

I know it is not the newest most updated fixture but I like a LOT of light in my kitchen and have yet to find something that will make me spend the money of new fixtures. For now $20 is good!

14 Comments

Teresa D Snellville, GA

EXCELLENT Ana! I have to do the same thing. Been putting it off for months trying to find something to replace my fluorescent fixture. Guess I'll stick with it for awhile. Thanks for sharing!

on Mar 02, 2012 · Like 1
HomeProHub San Jose, CA

Awesome! I know contractors.....umm, not me of course......that avoid electrical work completely and would hire someone and pay $350. for that job. Go you!

on Mar 02, 2012 · Like 1
Carol M Alpharetta, GA

Thanks for all the photos! I really enjoy watching your projects.

on Mar 02, 2012 · Like 0
SawHorse.net Atlanta, GA

DIYers- just make sure that you turn off the power to that circuit before working on it. I have seen people just turn off the light and someone came in and turned it one while the wire was being connected. By turning off the breaker, you will avoid this accidental shock.

on Mar 02, 2012 · Like 0
Susan S Fredericksburg, VA

Ditto to Carol's comment. It seems pretty straight forward when you broke down the steps but still . . . . .not somethin' I'm ready to tackle!! Congrats!!

on Mar 02, 2012 · Like 0
SheilaG, Plum Doodles Acworth, GA

Thanks for posting pics of the step-by-step. Looks pretty simple when broken down like that. Good job! :)

on Mar 03, 2012 · Like 1
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

well played....the pink leather tool belt is pretty cool too.

on Mar 03, 2012 · Like 1
LandlightS Roswell, GA

Congrats. Glad you had now problem in replacing the ballast. In some cases, when using an electronic ballast, you must rewire the leads from the fixtures ends to match the wiring diagram on the ballast.
BTW....I charge a modest hourly rate to replace a ballast, which takes between 30 & 40 minuets.

on Mar 03, 2012 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

Your one of the rare breeds of homeowner's that goes the extra mile.

on Mar 04, 2012 · Like 0
Ana M Alpharetta, GA

Thanks everybody. I always do tons of research before I start any DIY project and make sure I have all my safety information covered. In this case first thing was turning off the circuit breaker. I have a live wire sensor and even after I turn it off I check with the sensor to make sure I turned off the correct one since when the house was built the breaker could have been labeled incorrectly.
I have changed EVERY SINGLE light fixture & ceiling fan in our house. It is pretty simple. ...»
This light fixture I had installed 6 years ago but the ballast went out on it and the fix was $19.99 plus tax. Simple straight forward fix.

on Mar 04, 2012 · Like 0
Cheryl F Rocky Mount, NC

You go, girl! Well done!

on Mar 04, 2012 · Like 0
Miriam I New York, NY

Ana, you are amazing and I love the pink tool-belt!

on Mar 04, 2012 · Like 1
Debbie M Weirton, WV

i just did my electrical work in my kitchen. my ex just hit wires on top of old cabiniets. (before my time.) so when i replace the cabininets i had todo the change and put the wires though the walls and everything. also did the plumbing as i moved sink. electrical not bad but plumbing was less painfull. i only got wet from water. lol did get a couple of short shots from the electric. You did a great job. Isn't it nice to be able to do thesee things yourself?

on Mar 06, 2012 · Like 1
Ana M Alpharetta, GA

Congrats Debbie as I always say YOU CAN DIY!! Pure satisfaction!

on Mar 07, 2012 · Like 0