I had an Ott light for several years. Loved the light but I had to replace the ballast 3 times at a cost of about $50 each time. I had to call the company itself to order replacement as no stores carried them. New ballast would last about 2 years. Finally I chucked it and bought a cheaper brand. I like it just as well for the light but the goose neck part is not as well made. My sister has the same model as I had and she has never had to replace the ballast. I don't believe they still make that model. The plug was on the ballast and you could unhook the cord from the ballast