Fluorescent Light Ballasts

[firemoose827 324]

Just a quick question for any electrician/firefighters out there. I have taken the Elect Cause Determ I and II and have seen some ballasts, and remember very little about them unfortunately.

Just to try and clarify; Ballasts made pre-1978 contained PCB's, and everyone after were not.....right or wrong?

The ones made post-1978 had to be stamped/labeled "Not containing PCB's", right?

We had a possible structure at one of our downtown businesses, someone smelled a strong odor of smoke. We arrived on scene with just myself and a driver on the engine, and a chief and firefighter went direct. (if it was a structure we were screwed ) We smelled the smoke, pretty heavy by door. Tracked it down to light ballast above door, TIC showed 300+ deg, and when the cover was removed exposing the ballast it was leaking. Just wanted to make sure about the PCB issue.

Any info would be greatly appreciated and hopefully retained for future use.

Thanks all.

Moose.

[DOC22 1]

You are correct Post 1978 ballasts are PCB free.

The link below has some interesting info.

RE: PCBs

[firemoose827 324]

You are correct Post 1978 ballasts are PCB free.

The link below has some interesting info.

RE: PCBs

Excellent link, thank you very much chief. That answered my questions. The only thing I am still concerned with is the fact that I didnt actually see if it was labeled or not. There was another guy on the ladder who said it was leaking and asked the chief if it was PCB's or not, and our chief said no, Ijust wanted to confirm this for myself and talk with the chief later.

Thanks again Doc22, have a good one chief.

Moose