People are phasing out the use of incandescent light bulbs in favor of energy efficient lighting. Moreover a large percentage is now using florescent tubes so as to minimize their utility charges. Unlike the old incandescent lights, this distinct technology emits a large amount of visible light than heat.

The basic elements of a compact florescent light are neon and mercury. Although florescent lights provide certain benefits worth considering, you should also consider some drawbacks.

Light flickering mainly occurs due to magnetic ballasts which unfortunately is the major constituent of the florescent tubes. These are nowadays being replaced by electronic ballasts. The ballast regulates the flow of electricity to the fluorescent light bulbs. When it malfunctions your lights begin to flicker. The replacement ballast is available at your local hardware or home improvement store.

The first step is, to turn off the electricity to that particular light fixture. Also, you would require some essential tools and equipments to accomplish the task. Having turned off the power supply, turn the fluorescent light to remove it from the bracket.

Locate the clip at either end of the light fixture that holds the casing in place and use needle nose pliers to turn the clip to release it. Then, pull the clip to release the casing. Pull the casing out of the light fixture to expose the ballast.

Locate pairs of blue wires, red wires, black wires and white wires near the ballast. Use the electrical tester by touching each wire to verify there is no power in the light fixture. Cut the blue, red, black and white wires several inches from the end of the ballast, using the cutting edge of the pliers. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws on each end of the ballast, and then remove the ballast. Hold the new ballast in position on the light fixture, and tighten the screws on each end of the ballast.

Connect the wires coming from the light fixture to the wires coming from the new ballast. Make sure you connect the wires of same color.

Put the ballast cover back on. Turn the power back on. Put the fluorescent bulbs back in. at last, test your installation.