Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts: Technology Information Sheet

TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION SHEET
Originally published by SECDA

_______________________________________________________________________
FLUORESCENT LAMP BALLASTS
_______________________________________________________________________
1. Purpose of a Ballast Efficiency
Why is that black rectangular box contained in a Ballast efficiency is measured by 1) the Ballast
fluorescent light fixture called a ballast? Isn't the Factor which is the ratio of the actual light output of
term ballast the name given to the heavy objects the lamp when operating with the ballast versus the
that are at the bottom of a large ship? Actually, a specified lamp light output, and 2) the additional
ballast is defined as anything that adds stability or power that the ballast draws over and above the
steadiness. In that sense, it is the perfect name for lamps.
the function that the black box provides to the
fluorescent lighting system. As a ship's ballast Power factor (power used/line volts x line amps)
stabilises the vessel, so does a light's ballast and harmonic distortion are also an important
stabilise its operation. characteristics of ballasts.
A ballast is a device that is used with fluorescent 2. Electronic vs. Electromagnetic

and other discharge lamps to provide the required
current and voltage. The primary function is to There are two basic types of ballasts: low-frequency
provide the lamp with high voltage and/or cathode magnetic ballasts and high-frequency electronic
heating during start-up, and then to stabilise the arc ballasts. The functions of the two types of ballasts
by limiting the electrical current to the lamp. In are essentially the same; that is, they control the
addition, some ballast's can provide power quality starting and operating characteristics of the
correction and dimming capabilities. electricity for the appropriate fluorescent lamp. The
primary difference is in the frequency delivered to
Specifications the lamps and, obviously, the components that
generate the frequencies.
Ballast specifications are based on the number of
lamps (1 - 4) served by the ballast, the type of lamp Magnetic Ballasts
it is for, and line voltage. For example: "two lamp
F40T12 120V ballast." is designed for two 40 watt, The magnetic ballast uses a magnetic transformer of
T12, lamps which operates on 120V input. copper windings around a steel core to convert the
input line voltage and current to the voltage and
Ballast's are available in rapid start (lamps in series) current required to start and operate the fluorescent
or instant start (lamps in parallel) configurations. lamps. Capacitors are added to assist lamp starting
and power factor correction. But the output
Ballast's for tube fluorescent lamps are attached frequency is the same as the input frequency (60
inside the fixture behind the reflector. A ballast in Hz).
one fixture can be used to drive up to four lamps in
up to four fixtures. Ballast's for compact fluorescent Electronic Ballasts
and high intensity discharge lamps are usually
located in the base of the lamp. An electronic ballast uses integrated circuitry to
perform all functions of the ballast. It rectifies the
To build a sustainable EMTF network in Saskatchewan that will increase the awareness and promote the
benefits of energy management in commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities.
60 Hz AC input to DC and then produces a very High-frequency ballasts eliminate the flicker.
high frequency current (20,000 - 50,000 Hz) using Minimising light flicker improves the overall light
an inverter and power conditioning components. In quality and can enhance work performance1 .
most models, the electronics are also used to Electronic ballasts also weigh less than magnetic
provide current limitation, and improve power ballasts. Finally, the characteristic hum of magnetic
factor. ballasts is also eliminated.
Use of controllable integrated circuits in an Temperature and Life

electronic ballast allows the output to be varied and
the fluorescent lamps dimmable in response to Electronic ballasts operate at lower temperatures
manual or automatic (sensor) control. than magnetic ballasts, increasing lamp life, and
reducing air conditioning and maintenance costs.
Some “hybrid” ballasts use some electronic
circuitry to produce the high frequency current but
use conventional current limiting and power factor BENEFITS OF ELECTRONIC BALLAST
correction components.
- Noise typically 25% less than magnetic
Reliable integrated circuit electronic ballasts are - Weight typically 50% less than magnetic
available in Canada only at 120 volts and 277 volts - Operating temperature 30 dig C lower than
(US standard). Electromagnetic ballasts are magnetic
available in 120 and 347 volts.
3. Performance and Advantages of Electronic

Lamp Dimmability
Ballasts
One of the most significant features of full
Energy Savings integrated circuit electronic ballasts for future
lighting system designs, is its “dimmability”. With
The primary advantage of electronic ballasts is that the addition of light-level sensors, electronic
they draw less power and therefore provide energy ballasts can provide optimum power to the lamp to
savings. For example, magnetic ballasts consume maintain a constant level of light as daylight
12 or 13 watts internally, whereas the electronic
increases and decreases through the day.
ballasts may consume only 4 watts. The lower
power consumption also means that there is less In daylit perimeter spaces, daylight dimming can
heat generated by the ballast resulting in lower save up to half the lighting energy. In addition,
operating temperatures. The lower fixture dimming features can automatically increase light
temperatures and high frequency operation causes levels as the lamps age or reduce light levels when
the lamps, themselves, to operate up to 10% more new lamps are installed. The ability to dim
efficiently, i.e. the ballast factor is improved. fluorescent lighting means that light "management”
is now possible. (See the Automated Lighting
Controls Technology Information Sheet).
TYPICAL SAVINGS
Other Benefits
Standard electromagnetic ballast driving two
lamps draws 82 watts Low-frequency magnetic ballasts will consume
Electronic ballast operating the same lamps power even after the lamps have failed. Most high-
draws 60 watts frequency electronic ballast are designed with built-
in circuitry to cut out when the lamps are not
Savings 27% operating.
Finally electronic ballasts run on AC or DC and can

Reduced Flicker, Noise and Weight be used to drive several lamp types (e.g. all rapid
Electronic ballasts also provide additional benefits
to fluorescent lighting systems. A characteristic 1 An uncommon but serious result of flicker is the
flicker can occur from magnetic ballasts that are triggering of seizures among epileptic or
produced from the low frequency 60 Hz input. photosensitive people.
To build a sustainable EMTF network in Saskatchewan that will increase the awareness and promote the benefits of
energy management in commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities.
start T12s, T10s and T8s), whereas electromagnetic
ballasts must be matched with the specific lamp
types. This makes retrofitting with electronic
ballasts easier.
Other information about ballasts can be obtained

through publications listed on Efficient Lighting
Reference List.
4. Other Issues
Power Factor
Complex electrical loads (other than simple

resistive loads) have elements that change the ratio
of the useable power to the supplied power. In
other words, more supply power is required than is
utilised. This is defined as the power factor. Most
utilities penalise companies that have a low power
factor. Both magnetic and electronic ballasts have
components that reduce the power factor ratio 2 ; in
some cases it is less than 85%. Electronic ballasts
are now capable of power factor ratings of over
95% (some manufacturers claim greater than 99%).
When purchasing ballasts it is important to ensure
they have a power factor equal to or greater than
95%.
Total Harmonic Distortion
Many electrical devices, especially electronic

devices, can produce a harmonic distortion of the
shape (sine wave) of the electrical wave form. This
distortion degrades the quality of the electricity and
can subsequently decrease the effectiveness and
efficiency of the equipment. Total Harmonic
Distortion is defined as a ratio of the sum of all the
harmonics over the magnitude of the fundamental
power. Most magnetic ballasts have a total
harmonic distortion between 18% and 35%. Most
electronic ballasts have the total harmonic distortion
below 20% with some below 10%. It is advised to
purchase ballasts that have low distortion
specifications.
Environmental Impact
Electromagnetic ballasts used to contain PCB's, but

have not done so for many years.
2 An ideal Power Factor Ratio is 1.0, which means

that volt-amps supplied are equal to the power
used.
To build a sustainable EMTF network in Saskatchewan that will increase the awareness and promote the benefits of
energy management in commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities.
To build a sustainable EMTF network in Saskatchewan that will increase the awareness and promote the
benefits of energy management in commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities.

Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts: Technology Information Sheet

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts: Technology Information Sheet

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts: Technology Information Sheet

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION SHEET

Originally published by SECDA

1. Purpose of a Ballast Efficiency

A ballast is a device that is used with fluorescent 2. Electronic vs. Electromagnetic

Use of controllable integrated circuits in an Temperature and Life

3. Performance and Advantages of Electronic

Finally electronic ballasts run on AC or DC and can

Other information about ballasts can be obtained

Complex electrical loads (other than simple

Total Harmonic Distortion

Many electrical devices, especially electronic

Electromagnetic ballasts used to contain PCB's, but

2 An ideal Power Factor Ratio is 1.0, which means

You might also like