Ballasts

The ballast is an integral, energy consuming part of a fluorescent or HID fixture. It provides proper starting and running voltage and current for the lamps. Ballast draws power when the fixture is switched on and is an important determinant of the energy efficiency of the entire lighting system.

New types of ballasts now available can reduce lighting energy consumption by as much as 8 percent, without loss of light. Other new ballasts, that reduce light output to a small degree, can cut lighting energy consumption by as much as 18 percent. As such, replacing ballasts should be considered an effective lighting energy management option that can be implemented on a group reballasting basis, or integrated into routine lighting maintenance operations.

Here, we will talk more about the two types of Ballasts, the Electronic ballast, and the Magnetic Ballast:

Electronic Ballast Current Standards establishes a minimum acceptable ballast efficiency level. For the highest efficiency, you can buy an electronic ballast that uses less power than a magnetic one and can operate all the common types of fluorescent tubes. This type of ballast reduces both flicker and waste heat generation. Dimming ballasts are also now available in electronic versions, for those situations requiring dimmers.

Magnetic Ballast Standards today require that manufacturers increase the efficiency of the magnetic ballasts they produce for use in four-foot and eight-foot fluorescent fixtures. So, any replacement ballast you buy is likely to be more efficient than the burned out one. Ballasts that meet the standard have a certification label with an "E" for efficiency. Look for it on replacement ballasts and on the ballasts in any new fixtures you buy.