What are the two types of ballast used in fluorescent lighting?
There are two categories of ballasts – magnetic and electronic. Magnetic ballasts are the most basic type and operate bulbs through a core and coil transformer.
What are the 4 ballast types?
Types of fluorescent ballasts
- Rapid start ballasts work kind of like preheating an oven.
- Programmed start ballasts are typically paired with occupancy or motion sensors.
- Probe start ballasts are the older type and not very easy on the HID lamp.
- Pulse start ballasts don’t use a starting probe electrode.
What do the numbers on a ballast mean?
The most common types are T12, T8, and T5. The T stands for tubular and the number indicates the diameter in 1/8 of an inch. Lamp diameter is determined by ballast type. A fixture with a T12 ballast must use a T12 bulb. A fixture with a T8 ballast must use a T8 bulb, etc.
What types of lamps require a ballast?
Fluorescent lamps and HID (high intensity discharge) light bulbs do require a ballast. Both lamp families use two different types of ballasts: magnetic and electronic. Magnetic ballasts use older technology but are still used with certain light bulbs. Electronic ballasts are generally more energy efficient.
How do I choose a replacement ballast?
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?
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 choose the right ballast?
How do I know what size ballast I need?
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.
How do I know if I have a T8 or T12 ballast?
If no markings are available, the size in diameter of the tube is the easiest way to determine the type you have installed. T8 tubes are 1-inch in diameter and T12 tubes are 1 1/2 -inch.
What happens if you put a T8 bulb in a T12 fixture?
T12 vs T8 Fluorescent Tubes All other things—socket sizes, lengths, distance between pins—are the same. T8 LED tubes won’t fall out if you try to install them in a T12 fixture—they’ll fit just fine.
Are T8 and T12 ballast interchangeable?
T12 primarily run off a magnetic ballasts and T8 bulbs operate on electronic ballasts. So the bottom line is that these are not interchangeable and if you’re going to upgrade from a T12 to a T8 bulb, then you also have to change out the ballast.
How do you tell what ballast you have?
What is the difference between old ballast and new ballast?
As shown in the picture, the old ballast (top of picture) has two 4 pin female T9 connectors, which connect to the 4 pins on the light bulbs. However, the one I purchased (bottom of picture), which appears to be a new design, has different wiring scheme, and does not have the two 4 pin connectors, therefore incompatible with old design.
What kind of ballast do you use for fluorescent light bulbs?
. Sunpark SL15T Electronic Fluorescent Ballast for 1 or 2 Linear Fluorescent of CFL light bulbs. This will NOT work for Circline Bulbs. Wiring Diagrams will show how to convert from the old 7 wire diagram to the new 6 wire version that is being shipped.
Do I need to match other lights to ballast?
If you have to match other lights, just buy those retail brands such as GE or Philips, (my other lights with Philips ballast still works… installed same time by builder) you have a better quality and better warranty. Do not worry about fit, they are all standard size and output. Hope it helps.