Opportunities for Improvement

If you are evaluating a fluorescent lighting upgrade, consider the many potential benefits of specifying electronic ballasts.

Energy Savings. High-frequency electronic ballasts can increase the efficiency of fluorescent lighting systems by as much as 29% over systems utilizing magnetic ballasts. If upgrades to T-8 lamps are performed at the same time, the efficiency gains jump to as much as 59%.

Electronic ballasts also use less wattage than magnetic models, so electronic ballast/lamp systems generate less heat. This can potentially reduce facility cooling requirements. Saving energy may also mean a lowering of your facility¡¦s peak electric demand (kW) and help to further reduce your total utility costs.

Labor & Inventory Savings. Heavy magnetic ballasts typically operate only one or two lamps each, but a single lightweight electronic ballast can operate up to four lamps. This can reduce inventory, shipping and installation costs.

Improved Operation. Operating at high frequency levels, electronic ballasts eliminate much of the audible humming and light ¡§flicker¡¨ associated with fluorescents. In fact, electronic models emit only about 25% of the noise generated by magnetic ballasts. Additionally, the more consistent light output and better voltage/temperature regulation provided by electronic ballasts can help to make the most of newer, energyefficient fluorescent technologies.

Selecting Electronic Ballasts

You should consider a number of equipment options and installation issues related to the use of electronic ballasts at your facility.

Ballast Factor. This measurement indicates the percentage of light output a particular ballast model will provide in combination with a given type of lamp. In comparison to a theoretical standard of ¡§1¡¨ ¡X which would indicate that the ballast will provide 100% of a lamp¡¦s standard light output ¡X ballast factors can easily range from a relatively low but useful 0.7 to a highoutput 1.3.

Some facilities deliberately install lower-factor ballasts in specific light fixtures to costeffectively reduce illumination in particular areas. Lower-factor ballasts are less expensive to purchase. Maintenance costs may be reduced as well, with less time spent ensuring that specific wattages are used in different locations.

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). Along with computers, copy machines and other common equipment, electronic ballasts can produce harmonic distortion in a facility¡¦s electrical system. Using ballast models with a THD of less than 20% will help to lessen this power quality problem.

Ballast Start-Up. Instant Start (IS) ballasts produce a high starting voltage, which is then quickly reduced. Rapid Start (RS) ballasts heat the lamp cathodes before triggering illumination. This technology does not operate as efficiently as the Instant Start option, but it does help to maximize the life of the ballast. When running two or more lamps, IS ballasts are approximately 5% to 8% more efficient than RS models. If operational cycles run three hours or less, IS ballasts will reduce lamp life by as much as 25%. At 12-hour operating intervals, both technologies have about the same life.

Dimmable Lighting. For the highest energy savings, use daylight dimmable ballasts in areas with high ambient light. Different models allow manual or automatic dimming.

Additional Considerations. A ballast must match the electrical requirements of the lamp for input voltages, power factor, operating temperatures and dimming capabilities.

It is also important to consider the environment in which the lighting equipment needs to function. Most lamps and ballasts are rated for operation above 50¢X F, but some models are available for use in unheated warehouses and other cold settings.

Save It Easy®

The Save It Easy® concept enables you to get the benefits of using electronic ballasts without the hassle out of retrofitting. By using a patented clip on mechanism throughout its product suite, Save It Easy® can be fitted by anyone. With its different options, dimmable lighting and motion sensing can be part of your lighting system. Energy can also be saved further as Save It Easy® facilitates the use of smaller FTLs in a larger fitting.