Please help the electronically challenged reefer

[Capt_Cully]

Trying to change out the T5 ballast in a Maristar fixture. Looks like a birds nest of wires, but I think I can follow the map.

#1 question: can I remove wires from the ballast itself so that I don't have to re-wire the whole joint?

If yes, how do these little do-dads unclip??
If no, then I have to re run all the wires to the T5 tombstones.


Can these clips be undone? how?
Or, do I need to splice them out and get new ones at Lowes or HD etc...

 

[jfl14609]

i believe the top one you just put a small screw driver and push the white plastic tab and pull the wire out the bottom looks like a press fit or a butt connector if they wont pull apart then you ill have to cut and replace

 

[Capt_Cully]

I don't seem to be able to pull the wires out, but it begs the question, can I just cut all the wires and reconnect the old wires to the new wires with those dodads in the 2nd pic?????

 

[superkat]

those clips probably can't be undone. but you can get the splicing caps and do what you suggested about clipping and putting old to new using the splicers.

 

[jfl14609]

yeah you can I would actually get the ones that are male and female then you could plug and unplug the ballast if it ever happens again. just be sure to use electric tape after you put it together to be sure it doesnt come apart. and be sure they are rated for the proper voltage

 

[jfl14609]

did someone already replace that ballast narmally the connection in the bottom pic is actually shrink tubing

 

[Capt_Cully]

could you reference the clips you are talking about, i.e. a link to a pic on an electronics supply site? I told you.....retarded (nonderrogotory) in this department.

 

[superkat]

jeff, are you talking about wire nuts? Mark, if you are going to Home Depot, bring the whole thing with you, hand it to one of the guys and say, fix this. They'll get you everything you need.

 

[jfl14609]

no not wire nuts and be careful with t he wire nuts you get at home depot I always use the waterproof ones in anything to do with aquariums and most of the time they dont have them. I m trying to find the ones I use but its hard to find them online

 

[superkat]

i found the waterproof ones at Harbor Freight.

with Mark's problem here, is it feasible if he takes it to Lowe's or HD, that they could hook him up?

 

[jfl14609]

i use the bullet conectors then wrp with electric tape to keep salt creep or other nasties out

 

[Capt_Cully]

i found the waterproof ones at Harbor Freight.

with Mark's problem here, is it feasible if he takes it to Lowe's or HD, that they could hook him up?

i'd have to take an entire 4 foot fixture that is blown apart with wires everywhere, down there. I'd prefer not to do that if I can get away with it:fun2:

 

[jfl14609]

if you want to pm me your address I can mail you a bunch of waterproof wire nuts. as you now salt gets everywhere I would much rather you be safer than sorry I killed led fixture once by using normal stuff or you could just grab these at home depot http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[Capt_Cully]

Jeff, so it's just a tube that I crimp right?

 

[jfl14609]

basically first yo put the black tube back on the wire then you crimp the barrel over the wires then slide the black tube over the barrel grab a lighter and melt it. there are a ton more similar to this that are even easier that are identical to the one already on there but I couldn't find a pic

 

[Capt_Cully]

Nice thanks!

 

[jfl14609]

No problem if you want like I said I can mail you some of the waterproof ones I have

 

[captain7359]

Trying to change out the T5 ballast in a Maristar fixture. Looks like a birds nest of wires, but I think I can follow the map.

#1 question: can I remove wires from the ballast itself so that I don't have to re-wire the whole joint?

If yes, how do these little do-dads unclip??
If no, then I have to re run all the wires to the T5 tombstones.

Like Jeff said, push hard with a flathead screwdriver on the orange slotted "buttons" and pull the wire out. A bit of a twist on the wires might help too. If you're replacing the ballast then just clip and restrip the wires right above the connector. Is the ballast grounded?


Can these clips be undone? how?
Or, do I need to splice them out and get new ones at Lowes or HD etc...

This one you're going to have to cut and re-splice with the crimp style butt connectors. Is that pair going to your switch? Waterproof ones are nice, not totally necessary in an enclosed fixture, but if Lowes/HD doesn't carry them, West Marine boat supply will.

http://www.westmarine.com/1/1/20011...gauge-yellow-3-qty-pkg-from-ancor-marine.html

Just go easy with the lighter or grill starter so you don't melt the insulation off the wiring.

Just make sure to check your insurance policy before plugging it back in as well....

Or if you're really worried about your skills shut the breaker off, plug in the fixture, then flip the breaker back on to see if it's gonna trip, but I think you'll be just fine if you're following the old wiring line for line.

 

[Capt_Cully]

Old ballast not grounded, new on has a ground wire.

 

[jfl14609]

whats the green wire in the pic thats usually the ground wire