Testing fluorescent ballasts?

[overskilled]

So my old mans garage has various fluorescent fittings (inc a few he got secondhand from work during a renovation)
asked me to come have a quick look as the RCD was tripping when they switched on but not immediately
pulled various starters and tubes, ended up pulling all the starters and tubes, RCD held...but then tripped after about a minute or so...
Was out n about shopping with the mrs so didn't have my testing kit on me.
Going to go back later and IR test the lot to make sure of no damp ingress (which is possible given its a wooden garage) / insulation breakdown.
However could do with a referesher on testing the ballasts (as its been a while)
Cheers

 

[Dave OCD]

I'd just test from the terminals to earth but a failed or failing ballast usually has visual signs of overheating and that pungent smell.

 

[overskilled]

Happened last year also...but last time I went in, turned the RCD on and only one tube didn't light...swapped it and the starter and all has been peachy since..

this time though...something else is amiss

Hoping its just condensation as some of the tubes are damp to the touch....and sticking some ventilation in will cure it

 

[Richard Burns]

This document may help if you need to test but note it is a bit US biased.