How to Replace 3 Lamp Programmed Start Ballast with Rapid Start

Question or Comment?

One of our readers wrote to us about replacing some T8 Motorola 3 lamp programmed start ballasts (first image below). I suggested he replace them with 3 lamp instant start ballasts. Unfortunately, this involved removing (or replacing) and rewiring the lampholders. He was looking for a solution that did not involve replacing or rewiring lampholders.

He was able to locate a 3 lamp rapid start ballast (second image below). Just to see if it might work, he wired the new ballast to the fixture lampholders while matching colors (third image). As it turns out, the lamps lit up and are still on.

3 Lamp Programmed Start Ballast Diagram

Factory wiring

3 Lamp Programmed Start Ballast Replaced with Rapid Start Diagram

As seen below, the wire colors on the ballast match the wire colors on the lampholders. Orange wire connectors are preferred for joining 4 ballast wires (18 AWG).

3Lamp Seriesparallel to Series Lampholder Wiring Diagram

3 Lamp Programmed Start Ballast Lampholder Wiring Diagram