What should you use to check the voltage in the ballast The lamp ballast ignites the vapor inside the lamp. Depending on the type of ballast used, the lamp either ignites immediately or takes a few seconds to reach full brightness. Newer lamps and ballasts feature quick-start technology, in which a small internal transformer generates enough current to heat the filament inside the lamp. If the bulb does not light after sufficient warm-up time, check the ballast before replacing the entire bulb. Step 1 Check the circuit breaker to make sure the lamp has power. If the circuit breaker trips, reset it and replace the blown fuse. If you are testing a portable fluorescent lamp, plug in another fixture to check that the socket is working properly. If there is no power to the other fixture, have an electrician check the outlet. Step 2 Ground the ballast Ground the ballast according to the instructions in the owner's manual or installation guide. This is usually done by connecting a ground ...