What ballast do I need for fluorescent light?
What ballast do I need for fluorescent light?
Which light bulbs need a ballast?
| Technology | Ballast dependent? |
|---|---|
| Incandescent | No incandescent bulbs require a ballast. |
| Halogen | No halogen bulbs require a ballast. |
| Fluorescent | All fluorescent bulbs require a ballast. |
| Compact fluorescent | All compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs require a ballast, which is often integrated. |
What is a Class P type ballast?
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 ballast used in fluorescent lighting?
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. Magnetic ballasts are the older ballast technology. For the fluorescent family, both T12 linear fluorescents and two-pin CFLs use magnetic ballasts.
Are T8 and T12 ballast interchangeable?
T12 primarily run off a magnetic ballasts and T8 bulbs operate on electronic ballasts. So the bottom line is that these are not interchangeable and if you’re going to upgrade from a T12 to a T8 bulb, then you also have to change out the ballast.
Are all T8 ballast the same?
Not every T8 ballast is created equal. In such a case, a programmed start ballast might be better choice. Programmed start ballasts also work well in dimming applications, because as a lamp is dimmed, the electrodes cool. Programmed-start ballasts can heat the electrodes as they cool, prolonging lamp life.
Can you use T8 instead of T12?
T8 tubes are simply 1 inch in diameter versus the 1.5 inch diameter of T12 tubes. In an effort to make LED tube lights compatible with the internal dimensions of most fixtures, you will find that most LED tube lights feature a T8 or 1 inch diameter. They can indeed be used in T12 fixtures.
