Class P: A ballast for a fluorescent lamp which meets the requirements of the Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc.; includes an automatic resetting thermal protector to remove the ballast from the circuit if its temperature exceeds a specified value. 4. Same as constant-wattage ballast.
What are the two types of ballasts?
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 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 ballast type?
And there are two types of ballasts in each family: magnetic and electronic. Magnetic ballasts are the older ballast technology. Today, most fluorescent and HID lamps operate off an electronic ballast. Electronic ballasts can put out multiple frequencies of electricity without altering the input voltage.
How do I know what type of ballast I have?
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.
How do I know what ballast to buy?
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 do I know what ballast I have?
What happens if I use the wrong ballast?
If the ballast is bad, then the needle won’t move. If you’re using a digital multimeter, often the digital readout will possibly list a “1” when it doesn’t find a measurable resistance.
How do I know if my ballast is T8 or T12?
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.
