How do I know if a ballast has PCBs?

How do I know if a ballast has PCBs?

Ballasts manufactured between 1979 and 1998 that do not contain PCBs are labeled “No PCBs” If a ballast is not labeled “No PCBs”, it is best to assume it contains PCBs. If the ballast does contain PCBs, they are located inside the small capacitor or in the surrounding potting material.

How are PCBs identified?

Their concentrations of PCB congeners exceed 40%, that is, they have more than 400,000 ppm of PCB. We can use three ways to identify them: by the identification plate, by their age, and by the density of the fluid.

How can you tell if a transformer has PCBs?

Some nameplates specify the brand of cooling liquid inside the transformer. If one of the brand names listed in Table 1 appears on the nameplate, the transformer contains PCBs.

Do electronic ballasts contain PCBs?

Electronic ballasts do not contain PCBs or any other hazardous materials. Magnetic ballasts, on the other hand, are outdated technology and commonly contain PCBs. Check the ballast’s manufacturing date. If you know the ballast was installed or manufactured before 1978, it most likely contains PCBs.

What does PCB look like?

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of manmade chemicals. They are oily liquids or solids, clear to yellow in color, with no smell or taste. PCBs are very stable mixtures that are resistant to extreme temperature and pressure.

When did ballasts stop making PCB?

July 1979
EPA recommends that school administrators and building owners consider removing and replacing HID ballasts that contain PCBs. In 1976, Congress banned PCB manufacturing in the United States due to their toxic effects. In July 1979, EPA phased out the processing and use of PCBs, except in totally enclosed equipment.

What are some examples of PCBs?

Products that may contain PCBs include:

• Transformers and capacitors.
• Electrical equipment including voltage regulators, switches, re-closers, bushings, and electromagnets.
• Oil used in motors and hydraulic systems.
• Old electrical devices or appliances containing PCB capacitors.
• Fluorescent light ballasts.
• Cable insulation.

How can you tell if oil contains PCB?

Sampling — if there is only very limited information available on the status of a piece of electrical equipment or other material likely to be contaminated with PCBs, the most appropriate way to determine the PCB status is to send a small sample of the material (e.g. dielectric fluid from the equipment) to a NATA- …

Do electric transformers contain PCBs?

PCBs have been used as coolants and lubricants in transformers, capacitors, and other electrical equipment because they don’t burn easily and are good insulators. The manufacture of PCBs was stopped in the U.S. in 1977 because of evidence they build up in the environment and can cause harmful health effects.

Do fluorescent lights have PCBs?

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were commonly used in the small capacitor within fluorescent light ballasts. Ballasts manufactured through 1979 may contain PCBs. PCB-containing FLBs that are currently in use have exceeded their designed life span. …

How do you identify PCB components?

How to Identify Circuit Board Components

1. Start by identifying the printed circuit board, or PCB.
2. Identify other “nuts and bolts” electronic circuit components.
3. Locate the circuit board’s battery, fuses, diodes and transistors.
4. Locate the processor, or processors.

What is an example of PCB containing material?

Products that may contain PCBs include: Transformers and capacitors. Electrical equipment including voltage regulators, switches, re-closers, bushings, and electromagnets. Old electrical devices or appliances containing PCB capacitors.