What is electronic ballast for fluorescent lights?
In a fluorescent lighting system, the ballast regulates the current to the lamps and provides sufficient voltage to start the lamps. Once the arc is established, the ballast quickly reduces the voltage and regulates the electric current to produce a steady light output.
What do the numbers on a ballast mean?
About Advance Ballasts and Fluorescent Lamps. Advance Ballasts that utilize fluorescent lamps usually come in two shapes, straight and u-shaped. Most fluorescent types are T5, T8, and T12. The T stands for tubular and the number provides the diameter in 1/8 of an inch. Therefore, a T12 ballast must use a T12 bulb.
How do I choose a ballast for a fluorescent light?
By selecting a ballast with an ideal ballast factor, you can optimize the light output of your fluorescent lighting system and maximize your energy savings. To estimate your total system lumens, multiply the rated lumens of your lamp by the ballast factor. For example, 3200 lumens x 0.77 BF = 2464 total system lumens.
What is a fluorescent ballast made of?
A magnetic ballast (also called a choke) contains a coil of copper wire. The magnetic field produced by the wire traps most of the current so only the right amount gets through to the fluorescent light. That amount can fluctuate depending on the thickness and length of the copper wire.
Does an electronic ballast need a starter?
Magnetic ballasts required a starter to get the lamp lit, electronic ballasts do not require a starter.
Does a ballast use electricity if no bulbs are present?
No, unlike LEDs, the fluorescent bulb itself (or rather the tube) can not use power when it burns out, however, the ballasts may use a trace of energy whether or not there is a bulb installed.
How do I know what ballast to buy?
It needs to fit the electrical requirements of the lamp that it will run. When purchasing a ballast, you’ll need to read the type of lamps it’s designed for, how many lamps it operates, and the voltage the lamps will run on. Choosing the right ballast for a lamp will optimize the light output and life of the bulb.
How do I know what type of ballast I have?
You can determine whether you have a compatible fixture in seconds. Simply turn the light on, then take a photo of the fixture using your smartphone or digital camera. If there are no dark bands on the resulting image, you have an electronic ballast that will work with direct drop-in LED tubes.
How do I know which ballast to buy?
Are electronic ballasts hazardous waste?
Ballasts manufactured through 1979 may contain PCBs. PCB-containing ballasts become a concern if they are leaking or they will be removed and disposed of as hazardous waste. According to EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulations, the material must be incinerated.
Can I throw away ballasts?
Ballasts that don’t contain PCBs have the words “No PCBs” printed on them. “No PCBs” ballasts can be disposed with normal trash in most states. Ballasts that have PCBs are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA).