What is electronic ballast?
An electronic ballast (or electrical ballast) is a device that controls the starting voltage and the operating currents of lighting devices. It does this through the principle of electrical gas discharge.
What is the function of electronic ballast?
An electronic ballast uses solid state electronic circuitry to provide the proper starting and operating electrical conditions to power discharge lamps. An electronic ballast can be smaller and lighter than a comparably-rated magnetic one.
What are the two type of electronic ballast?
electronic ballasts. There are two lamp families that work with a ballast: fluorescent and HID.
Does an electronic ballast need a starter?
Electronic ballasts do not need starters so if you are upgrading your fitting from a magnetic to electronic ballast, remember to remove the starter and starter cage.
Why is it called ballast?
The term “ballast” comes from a nautical term for the stones used to stabilize a ship. Not all types of railway tracks use ballast.
What is the output voltage of an electronic ballast?
Newer fluorescent ballasts are usually rated for both 120 volts and 277 volts. Some are rated for only 120 volts, others for only 277 volts (used in commercial environments). CFLs for the home have a built-in ballast at the base of the bulb.
Are digital ballast better than magnetic?
Magnetic ballasts are easily the cheaper option when first buying. However digital ballasts, although pricey to begin with, will run more efficiently, use less energy and in effect help to lower your electricity bills over time.
What does an electronic ballast do?
An electrical ballast is a device placed in series with a load to limit the amount of current in an electrical circuit. A familiar and widely used example is the inductive ballast used in fluorescent lamps to limit the current through the tube, which would otherwise rise to a destructive level due to…
How do I WIRE an electronic ballast?
Connect the ballast to the power from the breaker panel by wiring the black wire from the breaker panel to the black wire on the ballast, using a wire nut. Connect the white wire from the breaker to the white wire from the ballast.
What is an instant start electronic ballast?
Instant-start electronic ballasts are the most popular type of electronic ballast today because they provide maximum energy savings and they start lamps without delay or flashing. Since they do not provide lamp electrode heating, fluorescent ballast consume less energy than comparable rapid-start, program rapid-start or programmed-start ballasts.
What causes electronic ballast failure?
Premature ballast failure is often caused by the surrounding environment. Heat and moisture are enemies #1 and #2 to your ballast. When it’s too hot or too cold, the ballast can burn or fail to start your lamps at all. Heat combined with prolonged condensation inside an electronic ballast can cause corrosion.