Hello,
Glad to see that you now have your new ballast..
You **should** be able to use the 8 wire connection option... I can't see any ballast issue number/release version number in the ebay photos so I cannot determine the exact batch version.
If you are in any doubt whatsoever, then play safe and use the 7 wire connections as indicated on the schematic printed on the ballast casing.
You will need to connect two of the wires together. You may be able to connect the relevant two wires together in the ballast connector (are these screw terminals?). If not, then use a connector block and a small length of solid core wire. An alternative is to solder the wires to a 3rd short length and use heat shrink tubing to insulate them. Please **DON'T** just twist the wires together and use a bit of insulating tape!!
First of all, mount the ballast into the top (assuming that you will have room to make the connections with the ballast fixed).
Now for the actual connections:
Tube 1: Black and blue pairs.
Connect the black pair to 1 and 2 (either way round, it dosen't matter).
Connect one of the blue wires to 4. Leave the other blue wire for now.
Tube 2: Grey and yellow pairs.
Connect the grey pair to 5 and 6 (either way round).
Connect one of the yellow wires to 8.
You now have the connections as follows:
1 - Black
2 - Black
3 - Not used.
4 - Blue.
5 - Grey.
6 - Grey.
7 - Used in the next step.
8 - Yellow.
Check the wires are in their correct locations before you proceed.. It's easy to go wrong! [how do I know this?? ;>) ]
You also have a blue and a yellow wire not yet connected.
Connect these two wires together, extend and connect / connect both wires in 7.
Now check that the wires are secure... **gently** tug on them in turn to ensure that the connections are sound.
Connect up the mains lead and confirm that these connections are secure.
Now refit the tubes and lay the unit on the floor where any heat won't damage anything.
Plug in and switch on.. If all is well the tubes will light... Don't forget any inline switch! [again, how do I know this!! ;>) ]
Now leave the lights on for 30 mins to an hour.. Don't leave them unattended.. Be safe!!
After this time, switch off and unplug. Check the ballast housing for excessive temperature. Assume that it is red hot and check accordingly. It's better to assume that something is red hot when it isn't than find something is actually hot and burns you when you think it is cool. You will probably find it slightly warm.
Assuming everything is O.K. then seal up the unit and refit to the tank.. Job done... well done!!
Any problems/questions then just post here.
N.B. You can reverse the tube pairs if it is easier for you.. i.e. swap the black and blue pairs and/or swap the grey and yellow pairs around... just as long as the black and blue pairs go to EITHER 1,2,4 and 7 OR 5,6,7 and 8. if you see what I mean..
Bodge99
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