Should I replace this ballast?

[Michael Shaffer]

I have 4 2x4 shop lights I'm using as grow lights. One of them is much noisier than the others. Does the ballast look ok or should I replace it?

[vmravinec]

That ballast doesn't look very healthy. I would definitely replace it just for safety's sake. Also, use gloves when you're handling it because it looks fairly old and probably contains PCBs. Not a good thing. If there is any residue left behind on the fixture, try and clean it off as best you can. A new ballast shouldn't be all that expensive for your lights.

[Steve Kraus]

But naturally it will cost more than the complete 2x4 shop light unit (tubes extra) on sale one aisle over.

[vmravinec]

You're probably right!

[Michael Shaffer]

Ok, thanks for the reply