How many volts does a ballast put out?

Asked by: Sergey Broad

Newer fluorescent ballasts are usually rated for both 120 volts and 277 volts. Some are rated for only 120 volts, others for only 277 volts (used in commercial environments).

What is the output 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.

What voltage comes out of fluorescent ballast?

120 to 277 volts

Many fluorescent ballasts are now universal voltage, meaning they can be run on line voltage from 120 to 277 volts. For international or industrial use, 347-480V ballasts are available.

What voltage does a T8 ballast put out?

These ballasts deliver >550 open circuit volts when starting lamps and operate lamps at high frequencies which offers flicker-free operation and better lamp efficiencies.

How many volts does a T12 ballast put out?

It can be used for many 1 and 2 tube T12 fluorescent tubes. This ballast takes a line voltage of 120 volts and converts it to the proper operating voltage for the lamps.

How do you test a ballast output?

To measure it, set your digital multimeter to around a thousand ohms resistance setting. Connect the black leads to the white ground wire on your ballast. Afterward, test every other wire with the red lead. When you do this test, a good ballast will return an “open-loop” or max resistance.

How do you check the voltage on a ballast?

Test the ballast’s voltage with a multimeter. Attach the multimeter’s leads to the sockets at the ends of the ballast. If the reading is not between five and nine volts, replace the ballast. Adjust the multimeter to measure frequency and replace the ballast if the reading is not between 20 and 50 kilohertz.

How much voltage is induced during starting in fluorescent tube?

“Fluorescent tubes and electroluminescent panels typically require 200 to 600 V for starting and running illumination.” A fluorescent light is a type of gas discharge tube, which contains an inert gas (such as argon, neon, or krypton) and mercury vapor.

How much power does a fluorescent ballast use?

They consume eight to 10 watts when operating with the lamp in the circuit. The ballast will consume about four watts when the lamps are removed although the ballast is still energized. Electronic ballasts start and regulate fluorescent lamps with the use of electronic components.

Is a ballast a transformer?

A transformer changes the amperage and / or voltage. It literally “Transforms” electrical energy. A ballast is like a capacitor. Think of a ballast as a short-term battery.

Does a ballast use electricity if no bulbs are present?

No, unlike LEDs, the fluorescent bulb itself (or rather the tube) can not use power when it burns out, however, the ballasts may use a trace of energy whether or not there is a bulb installed.

How many watts does a T12 ballast use?

1. Energy Consumption

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

T12 vs T8 Fluorescent Tubes
T12 tubes are 1.5″ in diameter while T8s are just one inch. All other things—socket sizes, lengths, distance between pins—are the same. T8 LED tubes won’t fall out if you try to install them in a T12 fixture—they’ll fit just fine.

Can I replace a T12 ballast with a T8?

The easiest and lowest price option to replace a T12 is a T8 linear fluorescent. They have become the go-to option for pre-existing T12s. If you still have magnetic ballasts, switching to a T8 will require a ballast swap. Another option is to move forward with an LED retrofit.