If you're looking to rewire the fluorescent lighting in your office to be more energy efficient or to fix faulty wiring, this guide will walk you through the full process step-by-step. Properly rewiring fluorescent lights can seem daunting, but breaking the project down into simple stages makes it very manageable.
Assessing the Existing Wiring
Before beginning any rewiring work, I need to fully assess the existing electrical setup. Here are the key things I look at:
- Type of fluorescent fixtures - Most offices use standard 4 foot tubes, but some may have other types. Knowing the specific fixtures allows me to plan the appropriate new wiring.
- Wiring method - Fluorescent fixtures can be wired in various ways, including using a ballast, direct wire, or other methods. I inspect closely to identify the wiring approach for each light.
- Power source - I trace back the wiring from each fixture to determine where power originates. This shows me how the lights are distributed across circuits.
Thoroughly understanding the current wiring gives me a blueprint for how to approach the rewiring work. I take detailed notes and photos to reference later in the process.
Choosing New Fluorescent Tubes
With the existing wiring assessed, the next key step is selecting new, energy-efficient fluorescent tubes to install. Here are the main factors I consider when picking tubes:
- Lumens - The brightness of the light. I look for tubes with high lumen output to match or exceed the existing lights.
- Color temperature - The warmth or coolness of the light. Usually, 4000K to 5000K represents a bright white light appropriate for office settings.
- Ballast compatibility - I verify the new tubes will work with the current ballasts or plan to replace the ballasts as needed.
- Length - I match the same tube length as the old lights for easy direct replacement. Common lengths are 2 ft, 4 ft, and 8 ft.
For offices, I typically recommend T8 tubes as they provide an excellent balance of efficiency, light quality, and cost. I also consult with the office users to ensure the new lighting meets their needs.
Obtaining Electrical Permits
Before moving ahead with the actual rewiring, it is crucial I obtain the proper permits from the local building department. Fluorescent light rewiring is considered an electrical project, so permits are required. Here are the key steps I follow to get permits:
- Submit permit application - I provide details on the scope of the project, number of lights, and details on existing circuits.
- Get application approved - The building department reviews the application and approves it as long as all codes are met.
- Pay permit fees - Once approved, I pay the permit fees, which vary based on the size of the project.
- Post permit - The permit must be visibly posted at the job site throughout the full duration of the project.
Electrical permits help ensure the rewiring adheres to local codes. I make getting permits an early priority when taking on fluorescent light rewiring jobs.
Turning Off Power and Disconnecting Old Wiring
With permits in place, I can now start the rewiring work. The first step is powering down the existing fluorescent lights and disconnecting the old wiring. Here are the key steps involved:
- Turn off breaker - I locate the circuit breaker powering the fluorescent lights and switch it to the "Off" position.
- Verify power is off - Using a non-contact voltage tester, I confirm power is no longer running to the fixtures.
- Remove light covers - I take off the plastic light covers to access the internal wires and ballasts.
- Disconnect wires - After assessing wire locations, I disconnect the wires from the ballasts and fluorescent tube ends.
- Remove old ballast - If replacing the ballast, I remove the old ballast now. I take note of wiring connections for the new ballast.
I follow strict safety precautions, including wearing electrical gloves, to avoid getting shocked. I also affix a warning tag at the breaker indicating the circuit is undergoing work.
Installing New Ballasts
If the rewiring project involves upgrading to more advanced ballasts, I take time to properly install the new ballasts before connecting any other wiring. Here are the key steps when installing new ballasts:
- Mount new ballast - I securely mount the new ballast in the same location as the old one, using the appropriate metal screws.
- Connect wiring - Following the wiring diagram on the new ballast, I connect the input and output wires to the proper ballast terminals.
- Verify compatibility - I ensure the new ballast is compatible wattage-wise with the intended fluorescent tubes, and designed for the correct number of tubes.
- Attach cover - Once wired, I attach the plastic ballast cover securely to protect the connections.
Correctly installing the new ballasts lays the wiring foundation for the rest of the fluorescent rewiring project. I take care to make all connections tight and secure.
Running New Wiring to Fluorescent Fixtures
With any new ballasts installed, I can now focus on running updated wiring from the ballasts to each fluorescent light fixture. Here are the key steps involved:
- Plan wiring diagram - Based on the number of fixtures and their locations, I map out the full wiring diagram from the breaker to the individual lights.
- Run wire through ceiling - I feed the appropriate new wiring through the drop ceiling, routing it from the ballast to each fluorescent tube fixture.
- Leave 6-12" wire leads - At each fixture, I leave 6-12" of excess wire to allow for connections.
- Connect wires - I connect the wire leads to the sockets at either end of the fluorescent tube fixtures.
- No loose wires - I avoid leaving any loose or unconnected wires that could present a hazard.
- Group wires - I use plastic ties to group together wires running in the same direction for organization.
Taking time to neatly run and connect updated wiring makes the full circuit rewiring more orderly and organized. I follow electrical codes and standards throughout the process.
Installing New Fluorescent Tubes
With all the new wiring installed, connecting the new energy efficient fluorescent tubes is a straightforward process:
- Insert pins - I carefully insert the two pins at either end of the tube into the fixture sockets.
- Twist - Rotating the tube slightly helps fully insert the pins and makes a secure connection.
- Attach covers - I replace any plastic covers that enclose the tubes.
- Repeat - I follow this process to install all the new fluorescent tubes for the office.
When finished, I do a quick visual inspection of each tube to make sure it is seated properly in the sockets. The tubes should be straight and have light contact across their entire length.
Testing and Restoring Power
Once all wiring is complete and new tubes installed, the final stage is turning power back on and testing operation. I take the following careful steps:
- Notify occupants - I let everyone in the office know power is being turned back on so they can avoid any impacted outlets.
- Turn on breaker - I switch the circuit breaker back to the "On" position, restoring power to the rewired fluorescent lights.
- Verify functionality - I walk around and verify each fixture is operating and lighting up normally without any issues.
- Resolve any problems - If any lights are not functioning right, I troubleshoot the wiring and connections to identify the cause.
- Install covers - After full testing, I re-install any remaining plastic covers around the fixtures.
I keep the workspace around the lights clear until operation is verified. Thorough testing ensures the rewiring was successful.
Finish Paperwork and Get Inspection
As a final step once the fluorescent rewiring is complete, I finish any outstanding permit paperwork and schedule the required final inspection:
- Fill out permit docs - I confirm all work is complete on the permit forms. This may require getting sign off from the electrician or contractor.
- Schedule inspection - I call the building department to have an inspector come review the finished wiring work.
- Complete any final changes - If the inspector identifies any issues, I make the necessary corrections to pass inspection.
- Obtain approval - The inspector will sign off on the approved permit once everything looks good.
Completing the final inspection and paperwork finishes the permitting process for the fluorescent light rewiring project.
Rewiring fluorescent lights may seem like a big task, but by carefully working through each stage as outlined above, I can complete it efficiently while ensuring safe and compliant work. Let me know if you have any other questions!