Similar products
49 Review
Common Problems with Traditional Ballasts and How Newer Electronic Ballasts Solve Them
For decades, traditional electromagnetic ballasts have been used to regulate power in fluorescent lighting systems. However, these older ballasts have some drawbacks that newer electronic ballasts aim to overcome.
Problems with Traditional Electromagnetic Ballasts
- Energy Inefficiency - Traditional ballasts waste power through heat loss. They're only about 50-60% efficient, losing substantial energy.
- Flicker - The AC power supply in electromagnetic ballasts causes annoying flicker that can lead to headaches and eye strain.
- Audible Noise - A buzzing sound is created by the 120 cycle per second operation of electromagnetic ballasts.
- Lack of Dimming Options - It's not feasible to use electromagnetic ballasts with dimmable lighting controls.
- Frequent Burnouts - Electromagnetic ballasts fail more often and have a shorter lifespan than electronic versions.
Advantages of New Electronic Ballasts
Electronic ballasts were introduced in the 1990s to overcome the limitations of electromagnetic ballasts. Here are some of the benefits they offer:
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Higher Efficiency | Electronic ballasts are around 90% efficient, converting a much higher percentage of input power to light output. |
| No Flicker | The high frequency operation of electronic ballasts eliminates the distracting flickering effect. |
| Quiet Operation | Electronic ballasts produce no audible humming or buzzing noise. |
| Dimming Capability | Many electronic ballasts work seamlessly with dimmable lighting controls for variable light levels. |
| Long Lifespan | Electronic ballasts last up to 50,000 hours, 2-3 times longer than electromagnetic versions. |
By upgrading old electromagnetic ballasts to newer electronic models, facilities can benefit from significant energy savings, improved lighting quality, and reduced maintenance costs over time.
Key Considerations When Upgrading Ballasts
- Ensure compatibility - Verify electronic ballast is suitable for existing lamps.
- Plan for labor costs - Ballast retrofits require hiring an electrician.
- Dispose properly - Fluorescent ballasts may contain PCBs requiring special disposal.
- Consider dimming needs - Install dimmable electronic ballasts if dimming capabilities are desired.
- Review safety issues - Proper lamp and ballast combinations minimize risk of fire or shock.
By making the switch to electronic ballasts, facilities can take advantage of the latest improvements in ballast technology for optimal lighting performance and cost savings.
Top products in 🔌 Ballasts
5 Review
Latest Innovations in Ballast Technology for Optimal Lighting
Ballasts play a critical role in lighting systems by regulating voltage and current to the lamps. Manufacturers are continuously innovating ballast designs to improve performance, efficiency, and capabilities. Here are some of the latest advancements in ballast technology.
Intelligent Ballasts
Smart ballasts contain microprocessors and sensors to carefully monitor and control light output. Benefits include:
- Adjustable light levels - Intelligent ballasts work with lighting controls to dim or brighten lamps.
- Maximized energy efficiency - Light output is optimized to save power.
- Minimized maintenance - Advanced diagnostics identify lamp issues before failure.
Connected Ballasts
Network-enabled ballasts can communicate remotely with lighting control systems and building automation. Advantages include:
- Centralized control - Ballasts across a building can be monitored and managed from a central dashboard.
- Usage insights - Real-time data enables analyzing ballast energy use and performance.
- Simpler installation - Control wiring is reduced by connecting ballasts digitally over Ethernet.
Controllable Ballasts
Controllable ballasts allow adjusting the light level, color, and other parameters of connected lamps. Features include:
| Feature | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Dimming | Adjust brightness to suit changing tasks or save energy. |
| Tuning | Shift color temperature for desired effect. |
| Zoning | Independently control groups of fixtures in different areas. |
Expanded Compatibility
Universal ballasts support multiple lamp types, simplifying lamp replacements and stocking of spares:
- Multi-lamp ballasts operate 2, 3 or 4 lamp formats.
- Multi-wattage ballasts work across a range of lamp wattages.
- Multi-voltage ballasts accept 120V to 277V input.
Longer Lifespans
High quality electronic ballasts boast lifespans up to 60,000 hours through features like:
- Overload and overheat protection
- Power factor correction
- Total harmonic distortion control
- Superior capacitors and circuitry
With technology improving longevity, ballast failures occur less frequently.
Miniaturization
Ballasts are getting smaller through advances like printed circuit boards. Benefits of miniature ballasts include:
- More installation options in tight spaces
- Lower material costs
- Less weight to reduce stress on fixtures
By leveraging the latest ballast innovations, lighting designers can create optimal solutions that are energy efficient, intelligently controlled, and exceptionally reliable.
How to Choose the Right Ballast Type for Your Application
Ballasts are an essential component in gas discharge lighting systems like fluorescents, HIDs, and LEDs. With various ballast types available, it's important to select the right one for your specific needs.
Step 1: Determine the Lighting Application
Consider factors like:
- Location - Indoor vs. outdoor; open space vs. enclosed fixture
- Light level - General ambient vs. focused task lighting
- Lamp type - Fluorescent, HID, LED
- Operating hours - 24/7 continuous or intermittent use
These details will guide your ballast selection.
Step 2: Choose Between Magnetic and Electronic Ballasts
| Ballast Type | Characteristics | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic |
|
|
| Electronic |
|
|
Step 3: Determine Special Ballast Performance Needs
Consider if you need:
- Dimmable ballast - For variable light level control
- Emergency ballast - For egress lighting on backup battery power
- Outdoor ballast - For operation in wide temperature ranges
- Harsh environment ballast - For high humidity, chemicals, dust, etc.
Step 4: Verify Ballast Specifications
Double check:
- Input voltage matches your electrical system
- Output is compatible with lamps
- Ballast complies with relevant safety standards
- Manufacturer provides 5+ year warranty
Step 5: Perform a Lighting Calculation
To determine the exact ballasts needed:
- Layout lighting design with luminaire types and mounting heights
- Select target light levels for each space
- Factor in room dimensions, surface reflections, and contingencies
- Run calculation using software to determine lamp and ballast quantities
Carefully choosing the right ballast for the intended application results in optimal lighting performance, visual comfort, and energy efficiency.
Ballast Buying Guide - Key Factors to Consider
Ballasts are a crucial component in gas discharge lighting installations. Here are the most important factors to evaluate when selecting and purchasing ballasts.
Ballast Type
Choose between magnetic and electronic ballasts based on factors like efficiency, lighting control needs, budget, and noise sensitivity.
- Magnetic ballasts are more affordable but inefficient. No dimming ability.
- Electronic ballasts maximize efficiency. Many support dimming.
Input Voltage
Verify the ballast's input voltage matches your building wiring for safe operation:
- 120 VAC for standard power in the U.S.
- 277 VAC for commercial buildings
- 347 VAC for Canada and industrial settings
Total Harmonic Distortion
Ensure electronic ballast THD is less than 20% to minimize interference on building wiring.
Power Factor
Aim for ballasts with a high power factor close to 1.0 to maximize electrical efficiency.
Lamp Compatibility
Ballast must match electrical requirements of connected lamp(s):
- Lamp type - fluorescent, HID, LED
- Lamp wattage
- Number of lamps
Environmental Protection
Outdoor or wet location ballasts feature:
- Water/humidity resistance
- Corrosion resistant housing
- Wide operating temperature range
Sound Rating
For noise sensitive areas, look for "A" sound rated ballasts.
Safety Certifications
Look for ballasts certified by UL or ETL to meet safety standards.
Warranty
Opt for 5-year or longer manufacturer warranties for reliability.
Brand Reputation
Choose ballasts from trusted brands like Philips, Osram Sylvania, or GE.
Ensuring ballasts meet the necessary specifications and ratings for your lighting infrastructure results in optimal performance and safety.
Another interesting products
7 Review
Top Ballast Brands Compared - Strengths and Weaknesses
When selecting ballasts, the brand makes a difference in factors like performance, reliability, and cost. Here is a comparison of strengths and weaknesses for leading ballast manufacturers.
Philips
Strengths:
- Very broad product range
- Industry-leading efficiency levels
- Excellent warranty and customer support
Weaknesses:
- Pricing is at the higher end
- Limited stocking distributors in some regions
Osram Sylvania
Strengths:
- Leading supplier of commodity fluorescent ballasts
- Cost-competitive pricing
- Easy to source through electrical distributors
Weaknesses:
- Average efficiency and power factor levels
- Lacks specialized ballast options
GE
Strengths:
- Wide selection of basic fluorescent ballasts
- UL listed products for safety
- Established brand recognition and history
Weaknesses:
- Few innovative or high-efficiency products
- Most models only carry 1-year warranties
Universal Lighting Technologies
Strengths:
- Leading ballast supplier for commercial lighting contractors
- Strong customer and technical support services
- Competitive pricing on commoditized ballasts
Weaknesses:
- Smaller research and development investments than giants like Philips
- Limited low-cost import product assortment
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of major brands, lighting designers can select the right ballasts to maximize value and performance.
Saving Money and Energy with Efficient Electronic Ballasts
Fluorescent and HID lighting accounts for a significant portion of electricity use in commercial buildings. Upgrading old magnetic ballasts to modern electronic ballasts provides major energy and cost savings.
The Efficiency Advantage
Electronic ballasts convert 90% or more of input power to lamp output, while electromagnetic ballasts only manage 50-60% efficiency. This table outlines the differences:
| Ballast Type | Efficiency |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Ballast | 50-60% efficient |
| Electronic Ballast | 90-98% efficient |
By virtually eliminating wasted energy, electronic ballasts reduce electricity consumption by up to 40% compared to magnetic versions.
Lower Operating Costs
The exceptional energy efficiency of electronic ballasts directly translates into lower operating costs. For a 100,000 sq ft facility with 800 fluorescent fixtures retrofitted with electronic ballasts, potential savings are:
- 40% reduction in lighting power use
- $8,000 less in annual energy costs (at $0.12/kWh)
- 4-year payback period on retrofit investment
Utility Rebates
Many utility companies offer rebates to encourage upgrading outdated magnetic ballasts. Typical incentives are:
- $10 rebate per 4-lamp electronic ballast
- $15 rebate per 2-lamp electronic ballast
- 50% funding on retrofit labor costs
Check with your local utility to maximize savings opportunities.
Lower HVAC Load
Since electronic ballasts use less power, they produce less heat. This reduces air conditioning requirements in summer. Savings add up especially in hot climates.
Federal Tax Deductions
As of 2023, U.S. businesses can claim federal tax deductions up to $1.80 per square foot for lighting system upgrades like electronic ballast retrofits.
Improved Light Quality
The high frequency operation of electronic ballasts eliminates flickering and humming, creating a better lit environment.
Taking advantage of today's most efficient electronic ballasts reduces operating expenses and environmental impact while improving lighting performance.
How to use your Amazon Prime to buy Ballasts
Amazon Prime provides free shipping on millions of items, making it a convenient way to purchase lighting ballasts for less. Here are some tips for leveraging Amazon Prime for your ballast purchases.
Search for Ballasts in the Electrical Department
From Amazon's homepage, select "See All Departments" then choose "Electrical" to browse their selection of ballasts. You can further filter results by fluorescent, HID, LED, or drivers.
Check Item Eligibility for Prime Shipping
Look for the "Prime Eligible" tag to confirm free 2-day shipping is available for that ballast. Over 80% of Amazon's inventory qualifies for Prime shipping.
Compare Pricing Against Other Retailers
Even with Prime shipping, it still pays to price check. Look at electrical distributors or lighting supplier websites to confirm you're getting the best ballast deal through Amazon.
Watch Out for Third Party Sellers
While buying from Amazon directly ensures fast shipping and easy returns, some ballast listings are sold by third party merchants. Double check that Prime benefits apply before purchasing.
Use Amazon Prime Visa Rewards
If you have the Prime Rewards Visa, you can earn 5% back on all Amazon purchases. Maximizing these rewards helps offset costs on ballast orders.
Bundle Orders to Meet Free Shipping Minimums
If an item doesn't qualify for Prime, orders over $25 ship free. Bundle multiple ballasts in one order to avoid shipping fees.
Check Availability at Nearby Warehouses
Amazon has over 175 fulfillment centers globally. If a ballast ships from a warehouse near you, it may arrive even faster than the 2-day Prime window.
With its massive selection, price competitiveness and fast Prime shipping, Amazon is a convenient option for sourcing lighting ballasts online while optimizing time and costs.
