Can you extend the leads on a fluorescent ballast (blown ballast?)

[relaxcraft]

Just thought I'd let you know I got a new ballast today, checked it and it worked fine so I extended the 2 wires and couldnt get it to start or even flicker so I halved the length of the extension and hey presto works fine..??? lol

 

[Bluejets]

Yes well you have had the advantage all the way through and for some reason, refused to supply a sketch of the setup or any photos that showed the same.
So you could see your setup, we could not.
All we can assume is that you finally connected it correctly and found by trial and error why you blew the ballast in the first place.
Length of cables have no effect with magnetic ballast.