Do you need 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.
What happens when a ballast fails?
The ballast itself can go bad, which causes lights to flicker or even appear to be burnt out, when in fact they aren't. They require maintenance and energy to power, on top of the power used to light the fluorescent bulb.
How do you know if a ballast is broken?
If your fluorescent lighting is displaying any of the signs below, it could be a symptom of a bad ballast:Flickering. ... Buzzing. ... Delayed start. ... Low output. ... Inconsistent lighting levels. ... Switch to an electronic ballast, keep lamp. ... Switch to an electronic ballast, switch to a T8 fluorescent.More items...
What is a ballast in a circuit?
An electrical ballast is a device that limits the current through an electrical load. These are most often used when a load (such as an arc discharge) has its terminal voltage decline when current through the load increases.
How do you tell if it's the ballast or the bulb?
Take out your current bulbs and replace them with the new bulbs. If the bulbs fail to light up, then 9 out of 10 times the ballast is culprit. You could also try using a multimeter set to measure resistance.
How long do ballasts last?
A typical ballast will generally last about 20 years, but cold environments and bad bulbs can decrease this lifespan significantly. You can get a new ballast at a hardware store or home center and install it in about 10 minutes.
How much does a ballast cost?
A replacement ballast costs about $10-25 depending on capacity and brand. The bite is that an electrician trip charge (which includes 30 or 60 minutes work) is going to be $75-150 probably - for about 5 minutes work on each light fixture.
Can a ballast be repaired?
Sometimes, the colour coding on the old ballast does not match the new ballast. We recommend that you always hire a qualified electrician to have a ballast repair or ballast replacement service done.
How do you test a ballast?
To measure it, set your digital multimeter to around a thousand ohms resistance setting. Connect the black leads to the white ground wire on your ballast. Afterward, test every other wire with the red lead. When you do this test, a good ballast will return an “open-loop” or max resistance.
What is the main function of a ballast?
In a fluorescent lighting system, the ballast regulates the current to the lamps and provides sufficient voltage to start the lamps. Without a ballast to limit its current, a fluorescent lamp connected directly to a high voltage power source would rapidly and uncontrollably increase its current draw.
How do you change a light ballast?
2:037:26How to Replace a Fluorescent Light Ballast - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPiece out in the middle. And there's just some little clamps here but we just have to squeeze. AndMorePiece out in the middle. And there's just some little clamps here but we just have to squeeze. And pull in a little bit. And now we have the ballast exposed. This is what we're gonna replace.
What is a ballast used for?
To put it simply, a ballast is the functional heart of a fluorescent or HID light source. Just as a heart regulates blood flow to your body, a ballast ensures that a lamp stays lit by managing the distribution of energy throughout the fixture.
What happens when a fluorescent ballast goes out?
Without a ballast to limit current, a fluorescent lamp connected directly to a high voltage power source would rapidly increase its current draw, meaning that the lamp would overheat and burn out within seconds…
Can a bad ballast cause a fire?
As with any electrical situation where overheating is possible, a bad ballast can pose a fire danger. The overheated ballast could cause the plastic housing on the light itself to melt and, in the right conditions, flame up.
Can a ballast be repaired?
Sometimes, the colour coding on the old ballast does not match the new ballast. We recommend that you always hire a qualified electrician to have a ballast repair or ballast replacement service done.
How do you test a ballast?
0:292:33Fluorescent fixture ballest test - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYour other test lead to the wires. And see if your meter still reads open line it should read openMoreYour other test lead to the wires. And see if your meter still reads open line it should read open line open line if you have an analog meter it should not move.
What is ballast in fluorescent lighting?
What is a ballast? In a fluorescent lighting system, the ballast regulates the current to the lamps and provides sufficient voltage to start the lamps. Without a ballast to limit its current, a fluorescent lamp connected directly to a high voltage power source would rapidly and uncontrollably increase its current draw.
How does a ballast work?
Once the arc is established, the ballast quickly reduces the voltage and regulates the electric current to produce a steady light output. Maintaining an optimum electrode temperature is the key to long lamp life.
How many volts does a ballast use?
Traditionally, ballasts are designed to operate a specific number (usually one to four) and type of lamp (such as a four-foot T8 lamp) at a specific voltage (in North America either 120, 277, or 347 volts).
Do ballasts have a circuit?
Thus, some ballasts have a separate circuit that provides a low voltage to heat the lamp electrodes during lamp starting and typically during lamp operation (Hammer, 1995). To achieve full rated light output and rated lamp life from a fluorescent lighting system, a ballast’s output characteristics must precisely match the electrical requirements ...
What does a ballast do?
According to the Lighting Research Center, a ballast is a tool used to regulate the amount of current in a circuit. Whenever it’s used in fluorescent lighting, the current is limited through the tube. If this process didn’t take place, the florescent lamp connected to a high voltage power source would increase too quickly. This would cause the lamp to overheat and burn out in a span of one second.
How does a ballast properly function?
In order for this to happen, the ballast needs to quickly distribute a high voltage. Once this happens, a light output is created due to the ballast reducing the voltage and regulating the electrical current.
How long does a fluorescent ballast last?
Ballasts usually last around 20 years so replacing these is not a common need. However, cold air and poor quality light bulbs can greatly reduce the lifespan.
What do you need to know when buying a new light fixture?
When shopping for new a light fixture, ensure you find a ballast that’s suitable for whichever fixture purchased. A ballast must match specifically to the light bulb it operates. There are many different types of ballasts out there, so consulting with a professional before making the purchase is a safe option.
Why is it important to contact a professional for fluorescent lighting?
Whenever commercial fluorescent lighting is installed, it is crucial to contact a professional due to the extreme fire hazards and other electrical issues associated with it .
Why is commercial lighting more intense than residential lighting?
Electric say that commercial lighting is more intense than residential lighting because of the various procedures and activities that take place in this setting. Residential lighting produces a weaker magnetic inference and less heat. Whenever commercial fluorescent lighting is installed, it is crucial to contact a professional due to the extreme fire hazards and other electrical issues associated with it.
Can ballasts be replaced?
However, cold air and poor quality light bulbs can greatly reduce the lifespan. Ballasts are easily replaceable and sold at any hardware store. If you’re concerned about the price of replacement, ask Mr. Electric for other alternatives!
Why are ballasts used in lights?
These ballasts were developed so lights could be turned on and operated at their brightest at the first flick of the switch. Rather than pre-heat the electrodes, the ballast uses a high-voltage boost (around 600 volts) to heat and light the filaments and then the mercury gas. Though this makes them energy efficient, it also shortens their life, as the surge of voltage every time they’re switched on damages them over time. For this reason, they’re commonly used in spaces where the lights are left on for long periods, such as offices, shops and warehouses.
What is the ballast in a fluorescent light?
The ballast (sometimes called control gear) is a small device wired to the light’s circuitry which restricts the amount of electrical current travelling through it.
Why are ballasts needed?
The process that occurs inside a fluorescent light involves molecules of mercury gas being heated by electricity and made more conductive. Without a ballast to control this, there would be too much current for the light to take, and it would burn out and possibly even catch fire.
How does a fluorescent light ballast work?
Fluorescent lights use either an electronic or a magnetic ballast. Nowadays, magnetic ballasts are a rather outdated technology that manufacturers are phasing out, and so they’re usually only found on older types of lights.
Why do fluorescent lights flicker?
As the starter cools, it blocks the current’s path to the filaments and makes it seek another route. If the mercury gas is heated sufficiently, it’ll conduct the current, generate light and then remain lit. If it isn’t hot enough, the electricity will go back through the starter and begin the process again. This is what causes some old fluorescent lights to flicker.
How does a ballast work?
Designed for areas in which the lights are constantly switched on and off, these ballasts pre-heat the electrodes with controlled amounts of current before applying a higher voltage to start the light. They’re often a feature of lighting that’s activated by motion-detection sensors (for example, toilets in workplaces or public venues) and allows the fluorescent light to last for a long time.
How many volts does a ballast use?
Rather than pre-heat the electrodes, the ballast uses a high-voltage boost (around 600 volts) to heat and light the filaments and then the mercury gas. Though this makes them energy efficient, it also shortens their life, as the surge of voltage every time they’re switched on damages them over time.
What is a magnetic ballast?
Magnetic Ballast. Magnetic ballasts are basically inductors that provide the proper starting and operating electrical condition to power certain lamps. The work as a transformer, providing clean and specific power. Invented in the 1960’s, they say big usage in the 70-90s. They are seen in Metal Halide, mercury vapory, florescent lamps, neon lamp, ...
What are some examples of ballasts?
Metal halide, mercury vapor, and HID are also the prime examples of lights using ballasts. There are two main types of ballasts; magnetic ballast and electric Ballast (aka Electronic Ballast) and we will review both.
What happens to a lamp without a ballast?
Without a ballast, a lamp or a bulb will rapidly increase its current draw and it can become uncontrollable as well. When a ballast is present in a lamp, the power becomes stable, and even if such lamps are connected to high power sources, the ballast will regulate the energy and avoid the current rise.
Why don't LEDs need a ballast?
Why LEDs don’t use a Ballast. LEDs don’t need a ballast because of a number of reasons. First, large amounts of current aren’t needed in LED bulbs. Also, the LEDs typically use Direct current (DC) and thus need an AC to DC converter. This is why when retrofitting to LED Corn Light Bulbs you need to direct wire the socket.
Why is ballast used in T8 bulbs?
Ballast is still used in bulbs and tube lights to avoid current rise in the lights.
When was LED lighting invented?
Invented in the 1960’s, they say big usage in the 70-90s. They are seen in Metal Halide, mercury vapory, florescent lamps, neon lamp, or High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps. Almost all major parking lot lights and street lights used this technology for about 30 years before LED started taking over around 2010.
Do lamps have a regulator?
Lamps have no regulator and can draw too much or too little power on their own. The ballast makes sure that the amount of current being provided to the lamp is not more than the specification of the light. Without a ballast, a lamp or a bulb will rapidly increase its current draw and it can become uncontrollable as well.
What does a ballast do?
Ballasts are what help regulate the electrical arc in a bulb so that it doesn't blow. A ballast regulates how much electricity your bulb gets so that it can operate the way it needs to.
What is electronic ballast?
That’s where electronic ballasts come in. Electronic (Digital) Ballasts- Instead of coils and metal bases, electronic (aka digital) ballasts use a series of microchips, semiconductors, and electronic components to create and regulate that voltage.
How does a ballast work?
(Photo: Pinterest) Grow light bulbs use essentially two components to give you light: an electrical arc and gas (usually in a solid state like sodium). The bulb gets enough voltage to start that electrical arc in order to melt the solid into a gas.
What are the two types of ballasts?
There are basically two types of ballasts: magnetic ballasts and electronic ballasts. As we mentioned before, ballasts help give and regulate the voltage needed for the electrical arc that makes your bulbs shine.
Why are magnetic ballasts being phased out?
However, these two types of ballasts achieve this very differently: Magnetic Ballasts- The problem with magnetic ballasts- and a huge reason they’re being phased out- is because of the heat they generate. Magnetic ballasts are made up of a series of copper coils wrapped around iron (or other metal-based) connectors.
Can you use ceramic bulbs with a ballast?
The short answer: yes you can, but here's the thing about ceramic bulbs: The ceramic-based lights we've seen are either 315w, 630w, and 945w's, which are tricky to pair up with a ballast that's not made specifically for one of those wattages.
Can you use a ceramic ballast with a HID bulb?
The short answer: yes you can, but here's the thing about ceramic bulbs: The ceramic-based lights we've seen are either 315w, 630w, and 945w's, which are tricky to pair up with a ballast that's not made specifically for one of those wattages. Ceramic lights sit right outside standard grow light wattages, which makes finding a ballast a little hard. Give that bulb too much power and it'll blow, don't give it enough and it may not fire- see how a 400w ballast may not be compatible w/ a 315w bulb, or how a 600w ballast may not give a 630w bulb all it needs? That said if the ceramic HPS bulb you're interested matches the wattage of the ballast you're using there shouldn't be a problem. For example, if you have a 600w electronic ballast (dimmable or otherwise), you shouldn't have a problem using it with your CHPS bulb. However, if you have a 630w CHPS/CMH bulb and a 600w ballast there's a good chance that the bulb will either not work or it will perform poorly. As long as you're not over- or under-powering your bulb you'll be fine. We would, however, suggest going with a digital ballast over a magnetic ballast for that CHPS bulb.
What are the two types of ballasts?
There are two lamp families that work with a ballast: fluorescent and HID. And there are two types of ballasts in each family: magnetic and electronic.
What is a programmed start ballast?
Programmed start ballasts. Programmed start ballasts are typically paired with occupancy or motion sensors. If you turn fluorescent lights on and off repeatedly under short time spans, you’re actually using more energy than if you had left the light on.
How does a rapid start ballast work?
Imagine if an oven was preheated all the time so you could bake cookies at any given moment. Rapid start ballasts rely on this preheating method so when the light switch is turned on, the lamp turns on right away.
Why do my ballasts buzz?
Magnetic ballasts are typically the culprit for buzzing and flickering because they regulate electricity incrementally.
What are the drawbacks of rapid start ballasts?
There are two drawbacks to rapid start ballasts: Rapid start ballasts are not very energy efficient. Lamps paired with rapid start ballasts will not reliably turn on if they are in sub 50-degree climates, like a freezer room or outside in cold climates. Shop rapid start ballasts.
How many watts does an instant start ballast use?
Instead, they send a high amount of voltage across the lamp upon the strike. Typically, instant start ballasts use 1.5-2 watts less per lamp than rapid start ballasts. Instant start lamps also start reliably at temperatures as low as zero degrees. Shop instant start ballasts.
How many starting methods are there for HID ballasts?
There are only two types of starting methods for HID ballasts.
Why is an inductive ballast used in fluorescent lamps?
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 the negative differential resistance of the tube's voltage-current characteristic . Ballasts vary greatly in complexity.
What is ballast in an engine?
Ballast was also a component used in early model automobile engines that lowered the supply voltage to the ignition system after the engine had been started. Starting the engine requires a significant amount of electrical current from the battery, resulting in an equally significant voltage drop.
How does a fluorescent lamp work?
In operation, an increase in current through the fluorescent tube causes a drop in voltage across it. If the tube were connected directly to the power line, the falling tube voltage would cause more and more current to flow, until it destroyed itself. To prevent this, fluorescent tubes are connected to the power line through a ballast. The ballast adds positive impedance (AC resistance) to the circuit to counteract the negative resistance of the tube, limiting the current.
Why use a ballast resistor?
Ballasts can also be used simply to limit the current in an ordinary, positive-resistance circuit. Prior to the advent of solid-state ignition, automobile ignition systems commonly included a ballast resistor to regulate the voltage applied to the ignition system.
What is a lamp starter?
A lamp starter, required with some inductor type ballasts. It connects the two ends of the lamp to preheat them for one second before lighting. An electrical ballast is a device that limits the current through an electrical load. These are most often used when a load (such as an arc discharge) has its terminal voltage decline when current ...
How does a ballast resistor work?
Some ballast resistors have the property of increasing in resistance as current through them increases, and decreasing in resistance as current decreases. Physically, some such devices are often built quite like incandescent lamps. Like the tungsten filament of an ordinary incandescent lamp, if current increases, the ballast resistor gets hotter, its resistance goes up, and its voltage drop increases. If current decreases, the ballast resistor gets colder, its resistance drops, and the voltage drop decreases. Therefore, the ballast resistor reduces variations in current, despite variations in applied voltage or changes in the rest of an electric circuit. These devices are sometimes called " barretters " and were used in the series heating circuits of 1930s to 1960s AC/DC radio and TV home receivers.
Why do vacuum tubes need a ballast?
Since the voltage drop across all the heaters in series was usually less than the full mains voltage , it was necessary to provide a ballast to drop the excess voltage. A resistor was often used for this purpose, as it was cheap and worked with both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC).
What is ballast in light?
In its simplest form, a ballast uses magnetic energy that erupts into the lamp when it is turned on, stimulating the electrodes to make a current and the lamp glows. Today's fluorescent ballasts are mainly electronic, and they have a number of positive attributes including energy efficiency, reduced flicker of light, and even dimming capabilities.
Why use a ballast for a lamp?
Rather than warming up the lamp's electrodes gradually, the ballast a rather large initial voltage to get it going. Although this helps save energy since there's less energy used when compared to other ballast types, the lamp degrades quicker. We recommend this for fixtures that will not turn off and on all the time.
How does a rapid start ballast work?
Rapid Start. A rapid start ballast works differently from an instant start as it does allow the lamp time to preheat by initially using a low voltage. Then when the lamp's cathodes are nice and warm, the voltage increases to light the lamp. One plus of rapid start ballasts is they work in a parallel lamp service.
What is the job of a fluorescent ballast?
The job of the fluorescent ballast is to manage this entire process by giving the lamp the voltage it needs to get the process done. At the same time it makes sure it doesn't take in so much that it burns out. That is because a fluorescent lamp is inherently has a negative resistance, meaning it will just keep on taking in voltage until its power supply can't take anymore. To combat this, the ballast supplies the opposite resistance -- positive -- to restrict the current.
How does a ballast work?
How Fluorescent Ballasts Work. When a fluorescent lamp is turned on, the lamp's electrodes heat up and release electrons. These mix with the mercury gas and other gases that are in the lamp. When this happens, the electrons actually bump into atoms that are in the gas, releasing wavelengths of ultraviolet light that are consumed by ...
What is a ballast for fluorescent lights?
Fluorescent ballasts come in a variety of types to meet the needs of different fixtures. For instance, ballasts will specify how many fluorescent lamps they can regulate at one time (such as one or four). They also say what types of lamps they work with (such as T5, T8, T10 or T12).
What is the job of a ballast?
Another job of the ballast is to provide the energy -- or voltage -- the lamp needs to get going. The ballast gives the lamp the amount of voltage it needs to create the current – or arc – between its electrodes, and then automatically lowers and monitors the voltage to make sure there is the perfect amount to keep the light going.
