What do the letters on a ballast mean?

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. Lamp diameter is determined by ballast type. A T5 ballast must use a T5 bulb and so forth.

Can I replace a rapid start ballast with an instant start ballast?

The majority of commercial ballasts in the market that operate T8 lamps are instant start. Because of this, when retrofitting a rapid start system to an instant start system, some alterations to the socket wiring are required in order for it to work optimally.

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.

What do the letters and numbers mean on a ballast?

The most common types are T12, T8, and T5. The T stands for tubular and the number indicates the diameter in 1/8 of an inch. Lamp diameter is determined by ballast type. A fixture with a T12 ballast must use a T12 bulb. A fixture with a T8 ballast must use a T8 bulb, etc.

How do you determine the wattage of a ballast?

A ballast factor is a number, typically between 0.70 and 1.2, that tells you how much light a lamp will emit with that ballast. So how do you get that number? Ballast factor is calculated by dividing the lumen output of a lamp-ballast combination by the lumen output of the same lamp(s) on a reference ballast.

Can I use a 2 lamp ballast for 1 lamp?

A 1 lamp rapid start (series) ballast can be hard to find, but it can be replaced with a 2 lamp instant start (parallel) ballast.

How do I know if my ballast is fast?

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.

Can I put a T8 bulb in a T12 ballast?

As far as safety is concerned, you can exchange them. If you place T12 tubes in a fixture with a T8 ballast, you will wear out the ballast and have to replace it. If you place T8 tubes in a fixture with a T12 ballast, then the tubes will have a shorter life due to a higher current through the tube.

What happens if you put a T8 bulb in a T12 fixture?

T8 LED tubes won’t fall out if you try to install them in a T12 fixture—they’ll fit just fine. This is because T12 fixtures have non-shunted tombstones, exactly what you need for LED tubes. T8 fixtures have shunted tombstones, and those tombstones need to be replaced as part of the conversion to LED.

How many watts does a 4 ft fluorescent light use?

32-watt
ANSI considers the 4-foot, 32-watt T8 lamp to be a rapid-start lamp, but it is commonly operated using an instant-start circuit in which the two pins on each end of the lamp are electrically connected or shunted together.

How do I know what size ballast I need?

By selecting a ballast with an ideal ballast factor, you can optimize the light output of your fluorescent lighting system and maximize your energy savings. To estimate your total system lumens, multiply the rated lumens of your lamp by the ballast factor. For example, 3200 lumens x 0.77 BF = 2464 total system lumens.

What type of ballast do I need for T12 lamps?

The ideal ballast for T12 lamps is a linear fluorescent ballast that’s engineered to conveniently serve two lamps. It has a ballast factor of 0.9% for standard lamps and 0.86% for energy-saving lamps. The ideal ballast for T12 lamps is a linear fluorescent ballast that’s engineered to conveniently serve two lamps.

Is the Philips advance ambistar metal black ballast available curbside?

Curbside pickup available. The Philips Advance AmbiStar Metal Black Ballast is UTL, CSA and ETL listed. It offers metal construction for strength. This lightweight ballast has a traditional style and black finish. How can we improve our product information?

What is the phone number to replace a ballast?

It is intended to offer assistance in selecting a Universal ballast which is functionally equivalent to the ballast being replaced. If there is not an equivalent for a particular ballast, please contact us at 1-800-225-5278to determine an appropriate product substitution.

Is there a cross reference guide for a universal ballast?

This Cross Reference Guide is provided for informational purposes. It is intended to offer assistance in selecting a Universal ballast which is functionally equivalent to the ballast being replaced. If there is not an equivalent for a particular ballast, please contact us at 1-800-225-5278to determine an appropriate product substitution.