"badgolferman" wrote in message
These lights sometimes take a long time (minutes) to turn on when
either switch is used. I haven't been able to narrow it down to the
switches as being the culprit so I must assume the ballast is the cause.

Can anyone offer any advice on how to troubleshoot any further and
where to find the ballast? Does each flourescent unit have its own
ballast or can there be one for the whole system? Why would all three
be affected if there are separate ballasts? I'm still suspicious of
the wiring myself.

Why do you suspect the wiring? Do you think the wire has a kink and the
electricity is having a hard time passing through it? It does not work like
a garden hose. I've replaced hundreds of tubes, many ballasts, and have
never had a wiring issue.

I suspect the ballast. It is usually under a metal housing on the fixture.
It may be cheaper to replace the fixture than to buy a replacement part. It
will also have a nice bright cover instead of yellowed plastic if yours is
some years old. Check before you buy.