Use and Care Guide

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Instant Start and Programmed Rapid Start Ballasts
There are two major families of ballasts. While the current limiting
function is the same, these ballasts differ in how they start the lamp.
Instant Start (IS) Ballasts apply a relatively high voltage (e.g. 550 volts)
to get the discharge going and the lamp starts instantaneously.
(GE’s UltraMax
®
family)
Programmed Rapid Start (PRS) Ballasts provide a gentler start
through cathode heating prior to application of starting voltage, and
are particularly useful when lamps are turned on and off frequently
(motion sensors, occupancy sensors). However, they are being used
even in one-start-a-day applications because they extend lamp life
significantly. (GE’s UltraStart
®
family)
Ballast Efficacy Factor (BEF)
BEF is BF (Ballast factor) divided by ballast input watts. For a given
BF and a certain number of lamps operated on the ballast, the more
efficient ballast will have lower watts and, therefore, a higher BEF.
Some industry groups write standards based on BEF in order to
identify more efficient ballasts. However, this measure is somewhat
obscure and an alternate measure that is simpler to understand is:
System Efficacy (Mean System LPW or MLPW)
This is the mean source lumens provided by the particular system
divided by the watts the system is using.
and
The Consortium on Energy Efficiency (CEE) uses both BEF and MLPW
in its documents on high performance T8 specifications and reduced
wattage T8 specifications. The rebate programs of many utilities
around the country currently use these two measures to determine
which systems will qualify for rebates.
Ballast Electrical Efficiency (BE)
A simple electrical measure of how efficiently a ballast performs is:
NEMA (National Electric Manufacturer’s Association) uses
Ballast Efficiency (BE) as an alternative method to designate
“NEMA PREMIUM” ballasts as those having 90% or greater
electrical efficiency. BE is gaining increasing acceptance as an
objective and reproducible measure because it excludes the
variability present in individual lamp performance and the
difficulties associated with accurate determination of lumens.
Ballast
Ballast Factor
Efficacy (BEF) =
Ballast Input Watts
x 100
Factor
System
Mean Source Lumens
Efficacy =
Ballast Input Watts
(MLPW)
Ballast
=
Watts Delivered to Lamps
Efficiency Ballast Input Watts
Mean
Lamp Mean Ballast Number
Source =
Lumen Rating
X
Factor
X
of Lamps
Lumens
Fluorescent Ballast
Application Notes
Ballast Operating Lifetime
Heat is the enemy of modern electronic ballasts. As ballast case
temperature increases, life expectancy decreases. GE ballast
designs feature patented high efficiency circuits that have less
losses and lower internal heat generation than competitive
ballasts. Ballast lifetime is developed from thermal testing
conducted per UL specified test conditions at a 40°C still air
ambient condition. Some GE ballasts are even UL approved
for use at 55°C ambient without exceeding the maximum
permissible case temperature. Since GE ballasts typically operate
well below the maximum temperature rating, the ballast lifetime
will usually extend longer that the design life of 60,000 hours.
Reducing the case temperature by 10°C will double the life
expectancy, but this depends on the operating environment
which includes ambient temperature, fixture thermal performance
and input voltage conditions.
EMI and RFI
All electronic ballasts operate at frequencies that generate
Electromagnetic Interference or Radio Frequency Interference.
GE Ballasts are tested by FCC certified labs to ensure their emis-
sions are well within the established limits for Class A Commercial
and Industrial applications. Some GE ballasts are designed for
Residential applications and meet a more stringent Class B
Consumer FCC rating. The Consumer rating will minimize chances
of the ballast interfering with radio and television reception. If
interference results, ensure the ballast case is properly grounded to
the metal fixture, and the fixture is grounded by a green ground
wire that connects directly to the service panel. As the electromag-
netic spectrum is increasing occupied, it is recommended to test a
sample lamp and ballast system in the intended environment to
ensure there are no undesired interactions with other equipment or
systems operating in the same environment.
Energy Saving Lamps
Energy saving lamps lower the lamp operating wattage by use of
special gas mixtures. These lamp are sometimes harder to strike or
break down than full wattage lamps and due to the gas mixture,
may be more susceptible to striations during operation. GE Ballasts
feature proprietary anti striation circuitry that minimize or
completely eliminate striation effect of energy saving lamps.
Ballast remote mounting distance is specified for standard full
wattage lamps only.
Fixture Wiring Techniques
Electronic ballasts are now much more popular than the old
magnetic ballasts, offering superior energy efficiency, greater lamp
efficacy, and cooler operation. The first electronic ballasts
operated only slightly above the audible frequency range around
22 kHz. As today’s ballasts operate at high frequency, typically 40
kHz and higher, some attention is needed to ensure the fixture
wiring does not create any starting or operational issues due to
wiring capacitance.