Q: How do high-efficiency lighting systems reduce my energy
bills?
Answer: High Efficiency lighting systems not only
reduce power consumption by each individual light source
by creating more light with less energy, they also cut your
cooling costs in the warm months by running at a lower operating
temperature.
Ballast Basics
Fluorescent and HID lamps require a ballast to apply starting
voltage to the lamp and establish current flow – an
"arc" – between the lamp electrodes. Once
the lamp is operating, the ballast also regulates lamp current
and power. Ballast types fall into two broad categories:
1. Magnetic (Old Systems)
A simple device that uses a core and coil assembly transformer
to perform the minimum functions required to start and operate
a lamp. Magnetic ballasts are often found in HID systems,
as well as older fluorescent systems.
2. Electronic
A more complex device that substitutes electronic components
for the core and coil assemblies found in magnetic ballasts.
Electronic ballasts, such as Electronic Ballast® products,
are significantly smaller, lighter and quieter than their
magnetic counterparts – and offer distinct advantages
in energy efficiency and lamp operation.
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