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How do I know if I have an electronic ballast?
You can determine whether you have a compatible fixture in seconds. 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.
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 is the difference between magnetic and electronic ballast?
A magnetic ballast uses coiled wire and creates magnetic fields to transform voltage. An electronic ballast uses solid state components to transform voltage. It also changes the frequency of the power from 60 HZ to 20,000 HZ or higher depending on the ballast.
What are the advantages of electronic ballast?
Electronic ballasts are more efficient and more compact in size and weight. They also provide the ability for continuous power adjustment at different settings. A disadvantage is that power fluctuations may cause a failure but this can be offset by adding a buffer capacitor. Operation of the ballasts generate heat.
How long do electronic ballasts last?
It is economical to turn off fluorescent lights if they are not being used. According to the Certified Ballast Manufacturers Association, the average magnetic ballast lasts about 75,000 hours, or 12 to 15 years with normal use.
Do all fluorescent lights have a ballast?
All fluorescent bulbs require a ballast. All compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs require a ballast, which is often integrated. All HID bulbs require a ballast, which is sometimes integrated. No LED bulbs require a ballast, although some are engineered to work with an existing ballast.
What does a ballast do for LED lights?
A ballast regulates the current that’s coming at a lamp. It gives an initial burst just to get things going, then it makes sure the electric current is controlled and steady. A ballast for Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights is not required – instead a driver is required.
Does an electronic ballast need a starter?
Magnetic ballasts required a starter to get the lamp lit, electronic ballasts do not require a starter.
Why are my fluorescent lights flickering?
If your fluorescent bulbs flicker, most likely the problem is with the bulb itself. If the bulb is very dark on either end, it may be defective and burned out. The best way to test the functionality of a bulb is to put it into a fixture you know works. Flickering fluorescent lights can also be a result of temperature.
How do you use an electronic ballast?
It does this through the principle of electrical gas discharge. An electronic ballast will convert power frequency to a very high frequency to initialize the gas discharge process in Fluorescent Lamps – by controlling the voltage across the lamp and current through the lamp.
What are the different types of ballast?
Types of Ballast Broken stone Ballast. Broken stone is a widely used ballast in railways. Sand Ballast. Sand can also be used as a ballast material. Gravel Ballast. Ad. Moorum Ballast. Moorum is formed by the decomposition of laterite. Coal Ash or Cinder Ballast. Brickbat Ballast.
How does an electronic fluorescent ballast work?
In a fluorescent lighting system, the ballast regulates the current to the lamps and provides sufficient voltage to start the lamps. Once the arc is established, the ballast quickly reduces the voltage and regulates the electric current to produce a steady light output.
What’s the difference between digital ballast and electronic ballast?
Electronic ballasts are preferred by commercial growers. Digital ballasts have higher output and will give almost 30% more light. They are cooler and provide better spectral output. They have adjustable wattage, which allows you to use power your grow lamp at different wattages.
How can you tell an electronic ballast from a magnetic ballast?
Stand under the light or a place close to the light and point your cell phone camera at the light. If you can see some strong dark strips flickering in your camera, it must be a magnetic ballast based light. Otherwise it should be an electronic ballast based light.
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.
Do digital ballasts wear out?
For optimum efficiency, you should replace your magnetic ballast every 2-3 years. Digital ballasts last much longer, and have a consistent output over their life. They only need replacing if they stop working, which can be 10+ years.
Why are magnetic ballasts being replaced?
Magnetic Ballasts or Electromagnetic (EM ballasts) fluorescent ballasts are rapidly being replaced by electronic ballasts for improved energy efficiency and function. New DOE requirements and long-term cost savings are driving the change.
What is the advantage of electronic ballast to magnetic ballast?
Some of the other benefits of electronic ballasts, compared to magnetic ballasts, include: Reduced heat. The need for fewer ballasts. Instant start, and programmed start options.
