A ballast is a critical yet relatively unknown component of fluorescent lights. It plays a crucial role in extending the fluorescent light's lifespan and enabling its energy efficiency. 

Ballast, also known as control gear, is a small, rectangular electronic device that provides the voltage the lamp requires to start and regulates the amount of electrical current flowing through it for safe operation. Tons of ballast options are available in the market, and home and business owners find it overwhelming to choose the right one.

Let's consider a few essential factors to help select the right fluorescent ballast.

Light type

The first thing to keep in mind while buying a ballast is the fluorescent light type it will be used with, compact fluorescent or fluorescent tubes. Consider attributes like the bulb type (1 pin, two- pins, T5, T12, or T18), wattage, tube shape and length, and base type to narrow down the suitable options. Choose a ballast that is appropriate to start the particular tube type.

Magnetic or electronic

When selecting the ballast, people have two design choices: magnetic or electronic. Magnetic ballasts are obsolete now and only found on old light types. When purchasing a new light or a new fixture, always choose the ones with a modern electronic ballast. Though magnetic ballast costs are low, they buzz, flicker, and are less energy efficient. Electronic ballasts are more silent, smaller, lighter, do not flicker, and use more energy-efficient technology. 

Starting method

A crucial thing after determining the fluorescent bulb type is the start method. Choosing the ballast with an incorrect starting method will cause the bulb to burn out prematurely. The four fluorescent bulb starting ways include preheat, instant start, rapid start, and programmed start.  

• Preheat start (magnetic design): It comes only with a magnetic ballast and usually has a built-in starter. The starting process may take several seconds to complete. 

• Rapid start (magnetic and electronic): The ballast uses a low voltage initially to preheat the filament to a specific temperature and then increase it to light up the bulb. Rapid start ballasts increase lamp life by protecting it from a high-power surge in the beginning.

• Instant start (electronic): This method offers a higher initial voltage to get the bulb going instead of warming it up gradually.

• Programmed start (electronic): This start type is the latest entry into the ballast market. They operate similarly to rapid ballasts. They are suitable to use with fixtures that are turned on and off frequently. Programmed start ballasts provide energy-efficient lighting and increase lamp life by allowing less burnout.

Ballast factor

The ballast factor indicates the strength with which the ballast drives the tube. Choose the ideal ballast factor to optimize the light output and maximize savings. Below 0.77 is the low ballast factor, from 0.77 to 1.1 is considered standard ballast factor, and more than 1.1 is the high ballast factor.

Without ballast, the lamp draws too much power and overheats, burns out, or catches fire eventually. Choosing the right fluorescent lighting ballast and ensuring its correct installation by a professional electrician is essential. Contact a local electrical contractor for assistance in selecting the best ballast.

If you need a highly-reviewed, licensed electrician in the Phoenix Valley area, call Efficient Electric at 623-900-1461. We would love to hear from you!