Better Lighting With Ballasts
If you look at the back of a fluorescent or neon lamp, you’ll see a fixture attached to it called a ballast. You may not have given ballasts much thought, but they’re a necessary part of certain lighting systems that could be all over your house or your commercial property.
When Do You Need Ballasts?
Ballasts are necessary to control the voltage of lighting systems that discharge gas. Gas-discharge systems can’t regulate the voltage, or amount of electrical current, that runs through them. These lighting systems include:
- Neon lights
- Fluorescent lights
- High-intensity discharge (HID) lights
- Sodium and metal halide lamps
- Some LED bulbs
Without a lighting ballast, these lights would receive too much voltage and instantly burn themselves out or cause an electrical fire. Getting the correct voltage is critical to having lights that work properly and safely. When you’re replacing any gas-discharge lights, always make sure you know what the correct voltage is before you put the new lamp in.
What Types of Ballast are There?
There are several different types. You’re likely to see one of these three in the typical light fixture.
Magnetic ballasts. The original ballasts were magnetic. These are still the ones you’ll find in the wiring of older homes. Magnetic ballasts are generally sturdy and able to withstand wide fluctuations in temperature, making them a good choice for commercial applications. Because they regulate voltage intermittently, magnetic ballasts can cause you to hear buzzing or see flickering when the lights turn on.
Electrical ballasts. These are the newer players on the ballast block. They don’t create the buzzing and snapping noises that magnetic ballasts make. They’re also more reliable and safer to use.
Digital Ballasts. Get more light for less energy with digital ballasts. This new type includes a digital control that regulates current flow depending on the temperature of the bulb. When it’s hotter, the ballasts releases less current. When it’s cooler, the ballasts adjusts the flow to be higher.
Time to Switch?
If your current lighting system includes magnetic ballasts, consider swapping them out for electrical or digital ones and experience more steady, reliable lighting that doesn’t flicker or buzz.
When you do replace them, decide whether you want rapid-start, programmed-start or instant-start ballasts. Using the correct ballast type will save you energy and help preserve the life of your fixtures.
Fixtures that you tend to leave on for many hours at a time should take a rapid-start ballast. If you’re controlling your lights with sensors or other smart automation, use a programmed-start ballast. Fixtures that you turn off and many times during the day do better with an instant-start ballast.
Retrofitting Fixtures
If you’re retrofitting older fixtures with new ballasts, be certain you’re using new ballasts that exactly match the old ballasts’ wiring, insulation and fastener type. Mixing them up will lead to serious electrical problems. The safest approach might be to replace the fixtures entirely.
Ask your SESCOS electrician to recommend the best ballasts for your lighting needs and how to upgrade safely.
Stay Safe
If you’re working with fluorescent lamps, make sure you dispose of them properly. Don’t let them near any sources of heat or fire. All fluorescent lamps contain mercury, which is not a substance you want to take chances with.
When it comes to electricity, always put safety first. Electrical fires are a leading cause of death and property damage, and most of them can be prevented. Always keep yourself and your property safe by letting a trained, knowledgeable electrician do the work.
A Better Ballast with SESCOS
If your gas-discharge lights are old or you’re worried that their ballasts might not be working properly, call SESCOS. We’ll check the ballasts and replace them if necessary. We’ll also give you expert advice on the best lighting systems that will save you money and keep your days shining brightly.