A ballast in a fluorescent lamp does two things: it steps up the voltage to drive the lamp, and it provides a "load" or operating resistance when the lamp "fires" and conducts. In a fluorescent application, the correct voltage for the lamp should be used, and the ballast supplies this by stepping up the line voltage. The ballast must also help with current limiting. When the gas in the fluorescent lamp ionizes and conducts, it basically forms a "short circuit" because the ionized gas presents a low resistance to the voltage source. But when the operationg current is routed through the ballast, the ballast is just basically stepping up the voltage until the lamp fires, and then when all the current tries to flow through the lamp, the windings in the ballast say, "Whoa, there, partner." This limits current. Remember that during both the positive and negative cycle of the sine wave that is driving the lamp, the lamp fires and the light comes on. For every cycle of line voltage, there are two "blinks" of the lamp.
The lighting fixture may have 1 ballast, or 2 ballasts. If it has only 1 ballast all 4 lamps must be good in order for it to work properly. It is recommended to replace all lamps at the same time, rather than just the one that is bad. Testing has shown that replacing just one, will shorten the life of the others controlled by that ballast. If 2 ballasts are used, each one is wired to 2 lamps. So, if one pair has a problem the other 2 will still work. To find out how many ballasts you have you must open the fixture. You can't miss them they are the big black rectangular objects.
On the older fluorescent fixtures a four bulb fixture required two ballasts. Two lamps for each ballast. If you have changed the tubes and it still does not work, it sounds like one of the ballasts is not working. You might want to consider replacing the ballast with an electronic one. One electronic ballast will operate four tubes. The existing end sockets can be re used but they will have to be rewired. There is a diagram on the ballast label that shows the connections. This will allow you to use T8 lamps which are lower wattage. This will save money to you in the long run.
Florescent light-bulbs CFL Compact Fluorescent Lamp
Digital ballast are much more efficient and more reliable than the traditional transformer ballasts. Digital ballasts are more efficient at producing light than a transformer ballasts. The digitals also run much cooler than transformers and are much more silent. Though some user may enjoy the transformers more, digital ballasts are more popular and are sold more often online. Yes, a ballast transformers has two special secondary windings to provide the proper low current. Also, Ballasts can operate more than one type of lamp.
No, bulbs do not make use of magnets to work. Light bulbs function by passing electricity through a filament, which then emits light and heat. Magnets are not involved in the process of generating light in bulbs.
Florescent Bulbs are full of gases that create light when electricity is put threw them.
no
Dimmers do not work well with florescent lights. The should only be used with incandescent bulbs.
The quick way if the bulb is flickering or out, replace if still flickering or out you need a new ballast!
blackbody radiation
yes
Florescent bulbs are environmental-friendly. Yellow bulbs use more electricity, but their lighting is generally better. Most florescent bulbs take at least a full minute to reach their full lighting, therefore conserving energy when you don't need full lighting. Florescent bulbs are environmental-friendly. Yellow bulbs use more electricity, but their lighting is generally better. Most florescent bulbs take at least a full minute to reach their full lighting, therefore conserving energy when you don't need full lighting.
It is used to fill incandescent lightbulbs, florescent lightbulbs, and bulbs used for photography (flash bulbs)
No, T8 and T12 LED bulbs are not interchangeable because they have different sizes and require different ballasts.
In incandescent bulbs, gases (other than oxygen) prolong the life of the filament. In florescent bulbs, the gas takes the place of the filament.
No, T12 bulbs cannot be used in a T8 fixture because they have different diameters and require different ballasts.
No they are controlled by an electronic ballast. It's t12 and magnetic ballasts that are phased out