How do I know if a ballast has PCBs?
Ballasts manufactured between 1979 and 1998 that do not contain PCBs are labeled “No PCBs” If a ballast is not labeled “No PCBs”, it is best to assume it contains PCBs. If the ballast does contain PCBs, they are located inside the small capacitor or in the surrounding potting material.
Do ballasts have PCBs?
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were commonly used in the small capacitor within fluorescent light ballasts. Ballasts manufactured through 1979 may contain PCBs. PCB-containing ballasts become a concern if they are leaking or they will be removed and disposed of as hazardous waste.
When were PCB ballasts banned?
EPA recommends that school administrators and building owners consider removing and replacing HID ballasts that contain PCBs. In 1976, Congress banned PCB manufacturing in the United States due to their toxic effects.
Do magnetic ballasts contain PCBs?
Electronic ballasts do not contain PCBs or any other hazardous materials. Magnetic ballasts, on the other hand, are outdated technology and commonly contain PCBs. Check the ballast’s manufacturing date. If you know the ballast was installed or manufactured before 1978, it most likely contains PCBs.
Do light ballasts contain mercury?
This is important because lamps and certain ballasts contain hazardous materials, such as mercury, which can contaminate the environment and is harmful to human health.
What is a ballast made of?
A magnetic ballast (also called a choke) contains a coil of copper wire. The magnetic field produced by the wire traps most of the current so only the right amount gets through to the fluorescent light. That amount can fluctuate depending on the thickness and length of the copper wire.
What are the different types of ballasts?
There are two categories of ballasts – magnetic and electronic. Magnetic ballasts are the most basic type and operate bulbs through a core and coil transformer.
What is inside of an electronic ballast?
Are light ballasts worth anything?
Depending on their age, and their casing, even if they have to be scrapped, ballasts can be worth a couple of dollars. According to current listings, if you can resell one that’s in fantastic condition, you can often get $13 to $20 for the average ballast!
Are PCB ballasts hazardous waste?
PCB-containing ballasts become a concern if they are leaking or they will be removed and disposed of as hazardous waste. According to EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulations, the material must be incinerated.
Do fluorescent light ballasts have PCBs?
Disposal of Fluorescent Light Ballasts (FLB) Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were commonly used in the small capacitor within fluorescent light ballasts. Ballasts manufactured through 1979 may contain PCBs. PCB-containing ballasts become a concern if they are leaking or they will be removed and disposed of as hazardous waste.
What to do with non-leaking ballasts?
The non-leaking ballasts can be removed and recycled or disposed of properly. PCB-containing FLBs that are currently in use have exceeded their designed life span. Sudden rupture of PCB-containing FLBs may pose health hazards to occupants and is difficult and costly to clean up.
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