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help needed

| Scrap Metal Tips and Advice
  1. #1
    georgie88 started this thread.
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    help needed

    ive scraped a few strip lights and i wondered what was in the yoke and how to open it.
    i look forward to your advice, happy scrapping



  2. #2
    Mick's Avatar
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    If they're what I'm thinking they are, you don't WANT to open them. Sounds like you're talking about florescent lights and that would be the ballast. Look on them for the phrase "non-PCB" before you go any further. If you see "non-PCB", you can cut open one end using a Sawzall. Then "peel" the flat side.
    People may laugh at me, but that's ok. I laugh all the way to the bank.

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    it is a confusing question but if it is a ballast we are talking about see video below


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  5. #4
    Mick's Avatar
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    Jack, why not remove the copper windings? The black covering is easily removed by hitting with a hammer, then the copper is also easily removed. You'll get about three pounds of copper per ballast. I had 70 of those long ones and processed them all in a couple of days.

    Oh, forget the hatchet. Stick with a grinder or Sawzall.

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    eesakiwi's Avatar
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    A small one, 1/2 a Lb.

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  8. #6
    pcscrapper's Avatar
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    I would be extemely careful with these ballast.. some of these may have PCB in them.. bad for the enviroment,, and for You..

    if you never worked with these.. I recommend that You don't.. look on the label.. if its says NON PCB.. take it to a recycler and let them pay you for it, its not worth the hassle nor your safety.. if its PCB.. You could have some major issues with the EPA if they find out that a... You threw them in the dump.. b.. you broke them down and thru them in the trash.. c.. you burned them to get the copper off... Seriously.. if You want to be sure.. have a professional look at them..

    now they will charge you a small bit to take them if they are pcb.. so they are properly handled.. do it for the safety of Your self and others. thanks..


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