Fluorescent ballast types

Preheat Operation Lamp electrodes are heated prior to initiating the discharge. There are two types of ballasts in the fluorescent family: magnetic and electronic. Magnetic ballasts are actually the older ballast technology.

Both Tlinear fluorescents and two-pin CFLs use magnetic ballasts. At HOW FLUORESCENT LIGHTS WORK we explain that. Fluorescent T8s and 4-pin CFLs, meanwhile, use an electronic ballast.

To start the lamp, a high voltage surge is needed to establish an arc in the mercury vapor. The magnetic ballast is capable of withstanding exposure to fluctuations and transients within an electric system, along with temperature extremes. Typically, the magnetic type of ballasts is used with fluorescent and neon lamps. The low frequency electronic ballast is a variation of the magnetic one, incorporating some electronic components. Because they go with the most common fluorescent lamp types , chances are you will need an F32Tballast , F40Tballast , or F54Tballast , but your lamp may be different and require a different light ballast.

Determine what that lamp type is before you go any further. The most common types are T1 T and T5. Lamp diameter is determined by ballast type.

A fixture with a Tballast must use a Tbulb.

According to the California Energy Commission, electronic ballasts and magnetic ballasts are the two main types on the market. Adaptable ballasts are a specific type of electronic ballast. They provide it with the correct voltage for start-up and the running of the lamp. An electrical ballast is a device placed in line with the load to limit the amount of current in an electrical circuit. It may be a fixed or variable resistor.

Check out our buying guides. Guaranteed UK Next Day Delivery! Ballast converts power frequency to very high frequency that initializes gas discharge process by controlling voltage and current through the lamps. More common in older types of fluorescent light fittings. Electronic starters - With a wattage range of - 1watts, these electronic starters are a one-stop solution to all electronic ballast fittings.

Their gentle start is designed to reduce wear and tear on the lamp. With instant start ballasts you must know the burn time of your lamps. Instant-start is a good choice for applications where the lamps burn for hours or more. In a fluorescent lighting system, the ballast regulates the current to the lamps and provides sufficient voltage to start the lamps.

Without a ballast to limit its current, a fluorescent lamp connected directly to a high voltage power source would rapidly and uncontrollably increase its current draw. The ballast is built into the lamp base. Such types can be used as a direct replacement for standard Edison Screw or Bayonet lamps.

The electronic ballast eliminates the flicker commonly associated with fluorescent lighting.

Nowadays, magnetic ballasts are a rather outdated technology that manufacturers are phasing out, and so they’re usually only found on older types of lights. US fluorescent lighting practices, ballast types , tube types , cost and common issues are different to those of the UK. To make matters worse, the terminology is also different, and in some cases the same terms are used to mean something different here versus there. A ballast is the functional heart of a fluorescent or HID light source.

This causes many a crossed wire. Just as a heart regulates blood flow to your body, a ballast ensures that a lamp stays lit by managing the distribution of energy throughout the fixture. Hearts work to distribute blood via channels, or arteries, in the body to keep a body active and alive. Most new fluorescent fixtures are either rapid-start or instant-start types that do not require starters.

Ballasts do the same for the fluorescents and HIDs in your. Some low-wattage desk fixtures and fluorescent lanterns require a person to be the starter by holding down a push button until the lamp ignites. The increasing use of electronic ballasts is making starters obsolete. We will do our upmost to rectify any problem.

Image for illustration purposes only. All of our products are n. Tube fluorescent bulbs are ideal for large rooms or commercial installations and come in linear, U-shaped and circline designs with single, bi- and four-pin configurations. These bulbs require an electronic ballast to regulate the flow of electricity. The type of ballast in the fixture will depend on the age of the light fixture. On newer fixtures or those that have been update the ballasts are electronic and are more energy-efficient and quieter than older-style magnetic ballasts.

A ballast is a long, rectangular box that controls and regulates the output of the fluorescent lights. Many different types of ballasts exist and you can buy one that matches your lighting needs. Others can regulate the light output of different fixtures. Maybe you want to switch off or dim half of your lights at a certain time.

A multi- ballast system could do this and.