Electronic Ballast Fundamentals


The job of a ballast

In all fluorescent lighting systems, the ballast’s basic tasks include:

Providing the proper voltage to establish an arc between the two electrodes.

Regulating the electric current flowing through the lamp to stabilize light output.

In some fluorescent lighting systems, the ballast also provides a controlled amount of electrical energy to preheat or maintain the temperature of the lamp electrodes at levels specified by the manufacturer. This is required to prevent electrode filaments deteriorating prematurely and shortening the lamp life.


Starting Methods

For many years there were only three types of lighting systems: preheat, rapid start and slimline instant start. With the introduction of electronic ballasts, two additional types of lighting system circuits have been added: instant start for T8 lamps and programmed start. Each requires a special ballast design to operate the lamps in the circuit properly.

Instant start electronic ballasts start lamps without delay (<0.1 seconds) or flicker by providing a starting voltage that is sufficiently high to start a discharge through the lamps without the need for heating lamp electrodes. For F32T8 systems, the starting voltage is about 600V. The elimination of electrode heating maximizes energy savings – typically saving two watts per lamp compared to rapid start ballasts. Instant start ballasts are best suited for applications with limited switches each day. Lamps operated by instant start ballasts typically operate 10,000 to 15,000 switch cycles before failure.

Rapid start electronic ballasts start lamps quickly (0.5 – 1.0 seconds) without flicker by heating the lamp electrodes and simultaneously applying a starting voltage. The starting voltage of about 500V for F32T8 systems is sufficient to start a discharge through the lamps when the electrodes have reached an adequate temperature. Electrode heating continues during operation and typically consumes two watts per lamp. Lamps operated by rapid start ballasts typically operate 15,000 to 20,000 switch cycles before failure.

Programmed start electronic ballasts also start lamps quickly (1.0 -1.5 seconds) without flicker. Programmed start ballasts are designed to provide maximum lamp life in frequent lamp starting applications such as in areas where occupancy sensor controls are used. Programmed start electronic ballasts precisely heat the lamp electrodes, tightly controlling the preheat duration before applying the starting voltage. This enhancement over rapid start ballasts minimizes electrode stress and depletion of emitter material, thereby maximizing lamp life. Lamps operated by programmed start ballasts typically operate up to 50,000 switch cycles before failure.