Question about fluorescent light fixtures. Do they unplug?

Question

Suppose you have to service a fluorescent light fixture in an office. However, you can't turn off the circut as that would shut down power to other areas of the office, which people don't want to happen. Could you do things such as replacing the ballast or a cracked socket. I would imagine that you couldn't do this. If I'm right, how could someone repair a fluorescent light fixture of the kind you find in offices and buildings. Is there a way to unplug it like you can with the ones you commonly find in people's basements?

Answer 1

you can only unplug it if it has been wired that way. If it is wired in a series with other lights, then there is no way and than killing power, to shut it off.

Answer 2

Those fixtures are not fitted with plugs. And your problem has resulted in a new National Electric Code requirement. The 2008 version of the National Electric Code requires a disconnect (or switch) on each fluorescent fixture for the purpose of changing ballasts and other work.

Of course that doesn't help you does it? The only way to do this is to turn off the fixture at the circuit breaker. Lock out the circuit, and work in the dark with a flashlight or plug in lamp.

Be aware many office lighting circuits are 277 volts. The ballast output wires are around 550 volts. These voltages can kill you graveyard dead.

Have this work performed by a qualified electrician. Electricians are cheaper than funerals.

The guys above are full of it.

Answer 3

gr8 (above is right) - it can be done, and an experienced electrician can do it without getting an unwanted 'poke' (even the politest of electricians prefers not to shake hands with 120 or 347V!), but usually the best solution is to wait until after office hours (for anything other than lamp/bulb replacement) to do the repairs. In many places, it is illegal to do such work live.
There are quick-connectors which have come out on the market recently to provide a much safer and more convenient option than wirenuts/marrettes. A few of our clients have adopted the practice of installing these on any fixture/ballast that is worked on, so that the next time it is quicker and easier.
Again though, after-hours, with the supply circuit shut down, locked out, tagged, and tested, is the safest way, and also the least disruptive to office occupants.

Answer 4

You've gotten good answers. I'm guessing you posed the question because you might have to repair a fixture. In many office buildings, there are circuit breakers for one row of lights, and another circuit breaker for the next, and so on. If you can find the breaker for the particular fixture you have in mind, that might be one way to work on a fixture so there is NO power going to the fixture.

It is a problem if the circuit breaker also powers things in the office that people need to work with- computers, faxes, etc. If so, you might have to do the work on a day when the office is empty.

Answer 5

The lighting circuit should be separate from the wall outlets. You can safely turn off the lights at the wall switch and work on any light fixture as far as replacing the ballasts or sockets. Re-lamping can be done with the switch on. If your maintenance work is going to disturb the office staff, you might try scheduling these tasks when the office is unoccupied by coming in early or staying late.

Answer 6

Usually in commercial office lighting, the fixtures are hard-wired. To not disturb other employees while servicing a fixture, you can schedule to do the work after hours. I can replace ballasts, lamps and sockets without turning off the power. I would not recommend replacing components this way. I have 26 years experience and can do it without getting "bit".

Answer 7

You can only unplug the light if it is wired into a plug. Sometimes, with suspended ceiling in an office, the light fittings are wired this way, sometimes not.

Either way, you should never work on any live light fitting, especially flourescents.

Frankly, if your company is too stingy to get faulty lights fixed by an electrician, look for another place to work.

Answer 8

Check it again under a dark room after start. Human eye cannot see ultraviolet ray generates from black light.

Answer 9

You can do it hot by untwisting the wire nuts, but be careful as they will be hot and will shock you if you touch the bare wire. this could be 120v, 208 v or 277v. Best to have someone do it after the office is closed.

Answer 10

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