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Electronic Ballast plays a important part in lights.We need a Ballast Tester to test the electronic ballast performance of a fluorescent light fixture. This is a basic process that can be accomplished quickly once you understand the operation of the high voltage transformer. The high voltage transformer is also encased in an oil bath that reduces the heat created by the action of the transformer. A low voltage, generally 120 VAC, is transformed into a high voltage, generally in thousands of volts. There must be a continuity between the wires of the high voltage side in order for the circuit to operate correctly. Heat can damaged the internal connections of the ballast. By using a volt ohmmeter the internal circuit can be quickly checked. Not only in the voltage, but also in the current and others factors. If you want to learn more details about electronic ballast and relevant instruments, see the related link.

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Q: What does the ballast do in a fluorescent light fixture?
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Does a fluorescent light fitting with 4 x T8 2' 18W tubes and a 48W ballast use all 120W when running?

No, a fluorescent light fitting with a 4xT8 2' 18W tube and a 48W ballast does not use all the 120W when running.


What does the ballast do in a fluorescent light?

Electronic Ballast plays a important part in lights.We need a Ballast Tester to test the electronic ballast performance of a fluorescent light fixture. This is a basic process that can be accomplished quickly once you understand the operation of the high voltage transformer. The high voltage transformer is also encased in an oil bath that reduces the heat created by the action of the transformer. A low voltage, generally 120 VAC, is transformed into a high voltage, generally in thousands of volts. There must be a continuity between the wires of the high voltage side in order for the circuit to operate correctly. Heat can damaged the internal connections of the ballast. By using a volt ohmmeter the internal circuit can be quickly checked. Not only in the voltage, but also in the current and others factors. If you want to learn more details about electronic ballast and relevant instruments, see the related link.


What the difference between ballast and 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. It stores power then releases it as needed. A common example of a ballast is on fluorescent lights. Initially, a fluorescent light needs a big blast of energy to excite the gas molecules into emitting photons (light). Then it only needs a small amount of energy to keep the gas molecules in an excited state. However, that power has to be of consistent amperage and voltage. The ballast is designed to do that. The electrical ballast stores energy in the same way that a water ballast stores water for stability. Because the electrical ballast stores far more power than the device it regulates requires, it too provides a kind of electrical stability. That's why you often see a fluorescent light flicker or "lose stability" when the ballast starts to go bad. A transformer transforms voltage and amperage up or down. A ballast provides a stabile power supply.


What is the voltage of fluorescent light bulbs?

Fluorescent light bulbs can not be connected to a constant voltage power supply, or they will self destruct. They must use a ballast in order for this not happening. This way they can operate under 430 mA, with a drop of 100 volts. The larger the bulb, the more voltage needed (going all the way up to 1.5 A).


How is fluorescent different from natural light?

Well.. the difference is that fluorescent light isn't natural and natural light isn't fluorescent . its not rocket science (:

Related questions

What is a pin based fluorescent light fixture?

A pin based fluorescent light fixture is the type of fixture that takes fluorescent tubes. On each end of the fluorescent tubes there are contact pins. These pins are used to hold the tube in the fixture and to supply the voltage to the tube from the fixture's ballast.


Can you use a 65 watt fluorescent bulb in a metal halide light fixture?

No, the ballast's output is not matched to operate a fluorescent bulb.


How many volts needed to run a fluorescent light?

The voltage of your area is what determines the operating voltage of all equipment. Equipment from other countries usually has to use a transformer to get the correct voltage. The voltage on a fluorescent fixture is printed on the ballast of the fixture. See if the voltage on the ballast matches the supply voltage of the system that you are going to use to operate the fixture.


If the ballast on a fluorescent light blows will the lamp still work?

If the ballast on a fluorescent light blows the lamp will not work.


How much power does a fluorescent fixture use with no tubes installed For example a switched on 8' fixture with a single tube with an old ballast.?

Depends if ballast is in fixture and switch is on. Several watts if new ballast and perhaps 15 watts for old ballasts....


Where is Fluorescent light wiring diagram?

For information about fluorescent tube lights see the answers to the Related questions and the Related link shown below.


If I remove two of the four lamps in my fluorescent fixture to save electricity should they be on the same ballast?

Yes


Does a fluorescent ballast use power when no bulbs are in the fixture?

Yes, there is an excitation current that flows through the primary side of the transformer which is located in the magnetic ballast's casing.


How many volts should I be reading at a fluorescent bulb?

The voltage present on the secondary side of the ballast (transformer) varies as to the type of fluorescent tube or bulb that is in the fixture. The voltage will always be higher that the applied line voltage that supplies the ballast.If the fluorescent bulb screws into a lamp type of fixture, then there is no way to measure the voltage at the bulb as the tube and ballast are a combined sealed unit.


Can you convert fluorescent tube fixture to accept a led light?

No, the fixtures do not have anything is common other that emitting light. If you are talking about removing the fluorescent fixture and installing a new fixture that can take a LED lamp then the answer is yes.


How do you wire plunger lamp holder of fluroscent light fixture?

It sounds like you are describing either a slimline or dc recessed base type of fluorescent fixture. There is a wiring diagram on the ballast of both of these types of fixtures. Do your wiring the same as what is shown and you will have no problem.


Why does a circular fluorescent light bulb not light up fully?

You have a failing bulb or ballast.