Ballast factor efficiency refers to the actual lumen output for a specific lamp and ballast system as compared to its rated lumen output . Or, commercial ballast lumen output divided by American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard ballast output.
What is the ballast factor?
Ballast factor efficiency refers to the actual lumen output for a specific lamp and ballast system as compared to its rated lumen output . Or, commercial ballast lumen output divided by American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard ballast output.
How do you calculate ballast factor?
Ballast factor is calculated by dividing the lumen output of a lamp-ballast combination by the lumen output of the same lamp(s) on a reference ballast .
What do the numbers on a ballast mean?
About Advance Ballasts and Fluorescent Lamps. Advance Ballasts that utilize fluorescent lamps usually come in two shapes, straight and u-shaped. Most fluorescent types are T5, T8, and T12. The T stands for tubular and the number provides the diameter in 1/8 of an inch . ... Therefore, a T12 ballast must use a T12 bulb.
What is low power ballast factor?
It is the calculation of the lumen output of a luminaire in combination with a ballast against the reference ballast and luminaire when designed and manufactured. ... For example, a standard T-8 fluorescent tube that is rated at 2,000 lumens would on a low ballast factor produce 1,560 lumens (2,000x . 78).
How do I choose a ballast?
It needs to fit the electrical requirements of the lamp that it will run. 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 much power does a ballast consume?
They consume eight to 10 watts when operating with the lamp in the circuit. The ballast will consume about four watts when the lamps are removed although the ballast is still energized. Electronic ballasts start and regulate fluorescent lamps with the use of electronic components.
What is a high output ballast?
Description. In a fluorescent lighting system, the ballast regulates the current to the lamps and provides sufficient voltage to start the lamps. ... This electronic high output rapid start ballast is suitable for a variety of uses. It can be used for many 1 and 2 tube T12 fluorescent tubes.
What is a light ballast?
ballast – A device required by electric-discharge light sources such as fluorescent or HID lamps to regulate voltage and current supplied to the lamp during start and throughout operation.
What is ballast loss?
Lights that use 39 to 175 watts of energy will lose between 14.6 and 37.6 watts of energy when used with a magnetic ballast, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. By comparison, an electronic ballast with the same lights will only lose between 5.2 and 15.2 watts, a savings of 9.4 to 22.4 watts.
Can you wire a ballast wrong?
Replacement ballast should always match in voltage, wattage and brand. Wrong ballast types can cause fires or shorts .
What is the difference between T8 and T12 ballast?
T12 and T8 lamps also differ on the ballast that they are operated with most of the time . T12 primarily run off a magnetic ballasts and T8 bulbs operate on electronic ballasts. ... Most commercial buildings and people that use them in their homes have the instant start ballast that operates the T8 light bulb.
How long do electronic ballasts last?
According to the Certified Ballast Manufacturers Association, the average magnetic ballast lasts about 75,000 hours, or 12 to 15 years with normal use.
How many types of ballasts are there?
And there are two types of ballasts in each family: magnetic and electronic. Magnetic ballasts are the older ballast technology. For the fluorescent family, both T12 linear fluorescents and two-pin CFLs use magnetic ballasts.
Do I need a ballast for LED lights?
No LED bulbs require a ballast , although some are engineered to work with an existing ballast. You will find ballast-compatible or “plug-and-play” LEDs that are designed to replace linear fluorescents, compact fluorescents, or HIDs. Incandescent and halogen lamps do not require a ballast.
