Need help wiring a T5 ballast - PLEASE.

Fliger · 12/09/2007, 12:45 AM

I have a Universal Accustart 4x54W electronic ballast and I'm about to wire it up. I have wired many T5 ballasts before but this one has a note that says

- Ballast must be grounded
- Ground to case

I'm not 100% sure what that means. I've done a couple other T5 setups including a 660 and Workhorse ballasts - but they never say "Ground to case". I just take hook the black/white/green to the plug and it fires fine.

Does this mean I need to take the green from the cord, and the gray from the ballast - connect them, and then connect them to the actual ballast casing? Why is this different from other T5 ballasts?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

The Grim Reefer · 12/09/2007, 01:36 AM

You should hook the black wire from the power cord to the black wire on ballast or socket labeled L on the ballast, The white wire from the power cord to the white ballast wire or socket label N. The green Wire from the cord just needs to be screwed to the metal case of the ballast. If you are mounting a the ballast just attach the green wire to the mounting screw.

Fliger · 12/09/2007, 01:38 AM

Thanks! Just to clarify - do I connect the green wire from the cord to the gray wire of the ballast - then screw both of those down?

The Grim Reefer · 12/09/2007, 01:42 AM

That grey wire is the switch to go from 2 to 4 lamps correct? If memory serves yes, gound it. (of course if only 2 lamps come on unground it

12/09/2007, 12:45 AM	#1
Fliger Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 8,642	Need help wiring a T5 ballast - PLEASE. I have a Universal Accustart 4x54W electronic ballast and I'm about to wire it up. I have wired many T5 ballasts before but this one has a note that says - Ballast must be grounded - Ground to case I'm not 100% sure what that means. I've done a couple other T5 setups including a 660 and Workhorse ballasts - but they never say "Ground to case". I just take hook the black/white/green to the plug and it fires fine. Does this mean I need to take the green from the cord, and the gray from the ballast - connect them, and then connect them to the actual ballast casing? Why is this different from other T5 ballasts? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. __________________ Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional. Closed minds should come with closed mouths. When life hands you lemons, add vodka! Current Tank Info: Current: 210G Elos System, 2x400W + 6x54W Photon w/Aquaconnects, H&S skimmer, Deltec FR509/ROWAphos+Elos Carbon, 6101's and 6201's, Ocean GEOtronic 900 Chiller/Heater, Biotopus II Controller w/SMS. Elos System 70.

12/09/2007, 01:36 AM	#2
The Grim Reefer Ready for some NOBALL!!! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Kingman Az Posts: 25,259	You should hook the black wire from the power cord to the black wire on ballast or socket labeled L on the ballast, The white wire from the power cord to the white ballast wire or socket label N. The green Wire from the cord just needs to be screwed to the metal case of the ballast. If you are mounting a the ballast just attach the green wire to the mounting screw. __________________ America, the way it outta be! Current Tank Info: 120 Starphire with Illudium Q-288 Photon Regurgitator DIY LED lighting

12/09/2007, 01:38 AM	#3
Fliger Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 8,642	Thanks! Just to clarify - do I connect the green wire from the cord to the gray wire of the ballast - then screw both of those down? __________________ Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional. Closed minds should come with closed mouths. When life hands you lemons, add vodka! Current Tank Info: Current: 210G Elos System, 2x400W + 6x54W Photon w/Aquaconnects, H&S skimmer, Deltec FR509/ROWAphos+Elos Carbon, 6101's and 6201's, Ocean GEOtronic 900 Chiller/Heater, Biotopus II Controller w/SMS. Elos System 70.

12/09/2007, 01:42 AM	#4
The Grim Reefer Ready for some NOBALL!!! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Kingman Az Posts: 25,259	That grey wire is the switch to go from 2 to 4 lamps correct? If memory serves yes, gound it. (of course if only 2 lamps come on unground it __________________ America, the way it outta be! Current Tank Info: 120 Starphire with Illudium Q-288 Photon Regurgitator DIY LED lighting