How can you tell the difference between magnetic and electronic ballast?
7 min read
Asked by: Mary Derbidge
Stand under the light or a place close to the light and point your cell phone camera at the light. If you can see some strong dark strips flickering in your camera, it must be a magnetic ballast based light. Otherwise it should be an electronic ballast based light.
How do I know if I have an electronic or magnetic ballast?
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.
What is the difference between a magnetic ballast and an electronic ballast?
Magnetic ballasts work at a frequency of around 60 Hz, whereas electronic ballasts work at an increased frequency of around 20,000 Hz. This is why fluorescent lamps using electronic ballasts do not flicker or emit any buzzing sounds. Electronic ballasts are also quite smaller in size and weight.
Can I replace a magnetic ballast with an electronic ballast?
Fortunately, compatibility isn’t really an issue, as most electronic ballasts have been designed to replace existing magnetic ballasts. A preferable electronic ballast is the T8 model. This option has several advantages over the T10 and T12, including improved lighting efficiency.
Can you mix magnetic and electronic ballasts?
There is no problem with replacing the magnetic ballasts with electronic ballasts, one at a time, light fixture by fixture, just keep track of the type of lamps that are specified on the label of the new electronic ballasts which will most likely be the T8 type lamps.
How do you know what ballast you need?
When purchasing a ballast, you’ll need to read the type of lamps it’s designed for, how many lamps it operates, and the voltage the lamps will run on. Choosing the right ballast for a lamp will optimize the light output and life of the bulb.
Will LED tubes work with magnetic ballast?
These LED tubes are the newest, easiest to install and most expensive. They work with any kind of existing technology – whether it is T12 (Magnetic Ballast) or T8 (Electronic Ballast). To install them all you need to do is take the old fluorescent tube out and install the LED tube in its place.
Does a magnetic ballast need a starter?
No Starters Required
Magnetic ballasts required a starter to get the lamp lit, electronic ballasts do not require a starter.
How do I know if I have 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.
How do you replace a T12 magnetic ballast with electronic ballast?
Okay specifically in this video we are going to show you how to replace an old magnetic ballast with a new electronic ballast now you want to pay attention to on your old ballast.
Are digital ballast better than magnetic?
Magnetic ballasts are easily the cheaper option when first buying. However digital ballasts, although pricey to begin with, will run more efficiently, use less energy and in effect help to lower your electricity bills over time.
What are the advantages of electronic ballasts over a magnetic ballast?
Electronic ballasts are more efficient and more compact in size and weight. They also provide the ability for continuous power adjustment at different settings. A disadvantage is that power fluctuations may cause a failure but this can be offset by adding a buffer capacitor. Operation of the ballasts generate heat.
What is magnetic ballast?
Magnetic ballasts
A magnetic ballast (also called a choke) contains a coil of copper wire. The magnetic field produced by the wire traps most of the current so only the right amount gets through to the fluorescent light. That amount can fluctuate depending on the thickness and length of the copper wire.
What is the purpose of magnetic ballast in fluorescent lamp?
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.
Does an electronic ballast need a starter?
Magnetic ballasts required a starter to get the lamp lit, electronic ballasts do not require a starter.
What are the different types of ballast?
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. For HIDs, some metal halides and HPS lamps use magnetic ballasts.
Can a fluorescent light work without a ballast?
All fluorescent bulbs require a ballast. All compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs require a ballast, which is often integrated. All HID bulbs require a ballast, which is sometimes integrated. No LED bulbs require a ballast, although some are engineered to work with an existing ballast.
Can you put LED bulbs in fluorescent ballast?
In short, YES!
New linear LED tube bulbs are simple plug-and-play and ballast compatible. You will simply need to remove your fluorescent bulb and plug in your LED light replacement.
Can I put LED bulbs in a fluorescent fixture?
You have fluorescent tube lights in your home or business already, and you’re wondering if you can pop LED tubes in these fixtures or if you’ll need to change out the fixtures for something designed for LED. Good news! You can use LED tubes in your existing fixtures!
Is it the bulb or the ballast?
If you’re still unsure your ballast has bit the dust, then you need to get your hands on a brand new bulb. This is a trial and error method. 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.
How do you test a magnetic ballast?
Disconnect primary supply to ballast and check all secondary leads for grounds. A short will give a low reading on the low resistance (OHMS) scale of the multimeter or the light will light on a simple continuity tester. This can be accomplished at the socket contacts or by probe puncturing the ballast leads.
How do I know if I have a T8 or T12 ballast?
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.
Can you bypass ballast for LED lights?
2. Ballast-bypass, line voltage, or direct wire linear LED (UL type B) Bypass the ballast linear LEDs – also known as line voltage or direct-wire linear LEDs – work straight off the line voltage flowing directly to the sockets, requiring you to remove the original fluorescent ballast. Jump ahead to pros and cons.
Why do some ballasts have yellow wires?
The other individual red wires connect from the ballast to push-in connectors on each side of the left holder of lamp 2. The common yellow wires connect from the ballast to push-in connectors on one of the right holders of lamp 1 or 2. Two yellow wires connect the common lampholders together.
Can I bypass the ballast for plug and play LED lights?
No, Plug and Play LED bulbs can operate in a fluorescent lamp base. But, if the ballast is an integral part of your current lighting system and you want to use ballast-bypass LED tubes then, remove the ballast. It could cost you or take up some valuable time if you don’t know how to replace them.
How do you bypass an electronic ballast?
How to Bypass A Ballast
- Step 1: Disconnect All Power So There is No Electrical Current. …
- Step 2: Find the Ballast. …
- Step 3: Locate and Cut Only the Hot and Neutral Wires. …
- Step 4: Cut the Socket Lead Wires. …
- Step 5: Remove the Ballast (if you wish) …
- Step 6: Connect the Wires. …
- Step 7: Reattach Any Coverings and Turn On.
Will ballast compatible LED tubes work without a ballast?
The T8 LED tube won’t work without the ballast, so you are forced to continue buying and replacing ballasts as long as you have an LED tube that is ONLY ballast dependent.
How can you tell shunted from non shunted tombstones?
Through the tombstone or socket all the way to the lamp spin non shunted sockets have separate contacts or entry.
