Ballast for fluorescent lamps: why is it needed, how does it work, types + how to choose

When the ballast for fluorescent lamps (FL) fails, the lighting fixture stops functioning correctly.It can only be returned to normal mode by quickly replacing the damaged element with a serviceable one.

You can buy the part in a specialized store, the main thing is to choose the module of the correct modification. Our article is devoted to solving this issue.

We will tell you what ballast is and what tasks it performs in the operation of a fluorescent lamp. We will provide a detailed classification and also describe the specifics of the functioning and application of different modules. We will help you choose the appropriate ballast, taking into account the parameters of the lamp and the manufacturer of the control device.

Features of connecting LL to the network

A fluorescent lamp is a practical and economical module designed for organizing lighting systems in domestic, industrial and technical premises.

The only difficulty is that it is not possible to directly connect the device to centralized power supply communications.

Electromagnetic ballast consumes about 25% of the lighting fixture's power, thus reducing its efficiency and efficiency level by a quarter

This is due to the fact that the creation of a persistent activating discharge in fluorescent lamps and the subsequent limitation of the increasing current require the organization of some specific physical conditions. It is these problems that the installation of a ballast device solves.

What is ballast

Ballast is a device that regulates starting functions and connects fluorescent lighting fixtures to electrical communications.

Used to maintain correct operating mode and effectively limit operating current.

It becomes increasingly relevant when there is insufficient electrical load in the network and there is no necessary limitation on current consumption.

General operating principle of the element

Inside fluorescent lamps there is an electrically conductive gaseous medium with negative resistance. This is manifested in the fact that as the current between the electrodes increases, the voltage decreases significantly.

A ballast connected to the control system compensates for this moment and ensures correct operation of the lighting device.

When a large current is applied to any fluorescent device, it can fail. To prevent this from happening, a ballast is included in the lamp design, which acts as a converter

It also increases the overall voltage for a short period and helps the luminescent lights ignite when there is not enough resource for this in the central network. Additional functions of the module vary depending on its design features and type of execution.

Types and characteristics of ballasts

Today, electromagnetic and electronic ballast devices are extremely widespread. They work reliably and ensure long-term proper functioning and comfortable operation of fluorescent lamps of all types. They have the same general principle of operation, but differ slightly in individual capabilities.

Features of electromagnetic products

Electromagnetic type ballasts are used for lamps connected to the central electrical network using a starter.

The supply of voltage in this embodiment is accompanied by a discharge, subsequent intense heating and short-circuiting of the bimetallic electrode elements.

Electromagnetic ballast differs from electronic ballast even in appearance. The first has a more massive, tall design, and the second is an elongated thin board on which all the working elements are located

At the moment when the starter electrodes are short-circuited, the operating current increases sharply. This is due to the limitation of the maximum resistance of the choke coil.

After the starter has completely cooled down, the bimetallic electrodes open.

If the starter in the design of the electromagnetic ballast fails, a false start appears in the operation of the luminescent. At the same time, at the moment of switching on and immediately before full ignition, the lamp flashes 3-4 times and only then starts to burn. This leads to the consumption of excess energy and significantly reduces the overall working life of the light source

When the luminescent circuit is opened by the starter, an active high-voltage pulse is immediately formed in the induction coil and the lighting device is ignited.

The advantages of the device include:

• high level of reliability, proven by time;
• operational comfort of the electromagnetic module;
• ease of assembly;
• affordable price, making the product attractive to light source manufacturers and consumers.

In addition to the positive aspects, users note an extensive list of disadvantages that spoil the overall impression of the device.

Among them are the following items:

• the presence of a strobe effect, in which the lamp flickers at a frequency of 50 Hz and causes an increase in the level of fatigue in a person - this significantly reduces performance, especially when the lighting device is located in a work or educational area;
• longer time required to start the lighting device - from 2-3 seconds at the beginning and up to 5-8 by the middle-end of its operational life;
• audible specific hum throttle device;
• increased electricity consumption, leading to an inevitable increase in utility bills;
• low reliability starter element;
• bulkiness of the structure and its significant weight.

When purchasing, all these conditions must be taken into account in order to understand what the operation of a household lighting system equipped with fluorescents will cost in the future.

Electronic ballast modules

The electronic type ballast is used for the same purposes as the electromagnetic module. However, structurally and according to the principle of performing their duties, these devices differ significantly from each other.

Cheap electronic ballast, has a simple self-oscillator circuit with a transformer and a basic output stage operating on bipolar transistors. The big disadvantage of these devices is the lack of protection against abnormal operating conditions.

The products became widely popular in the early 90s. At this time, they began to be used in combination with a variety of light sources.

Manufacturers compensated for the initially high cost compared to electromagnetic products with the good efficiency of the devices and other useful characteristics and properties.

The use of electronic ballasts made it possible to reduce the total consumption of electrical energy by 20-30%, while maintaining full saturation, power and light flux.

This effect was achieved by increasing the base light output of the lamp itself at an increased frequency and significantly higher efficiency of electronic modules compared to electromagnetic ones.

The most vulnerable elements of the electronic ballast are the fuse (1), capacitor (2) and transistors (3). They are the ones that usually fail for various objective reasons and render the lamp inoperative.

Soft start-up and gentle operating mode made it possible to extend the life of luminescents by almost half, thus reducing the overall operating costs of the lighting system. Lamps needed to be changed much less frequently, and the need for starters disappeared altogether.

In addition, with the help of electronic ballasts, it was possible to get rid of operating background noise and pronounced irritating flicker, while at the same time achieving stable and uniform lighting of the premises even with voltage fluctuations in the network within 200-250 V.

To prevent a fluorescent lamp from humming or flickering, it is necessary to power it only with high-frequency current of 20 kHz or more. To implement this task, the switching circuit must include a rectifier, a high-voltage RF generator and a ballast, which plays the role of a switching power supply

Additionally, it became possible to control the brightness of the lamp, adjusting the light flow to the individual desires and needs of the user.

Among the main advantages of the products, the following criteria stood out:

• light weight and compact design;
• almost instantaneous, very smooth switching on, which does not put unnecessary load on the fluorescent lamp;
• complete absence of visible blinking and discernible noise effect;
• high operating power factor of 0.95;
• direct savings in electric current of 22% - the electronic module practically does not heat up compared to the electromagnetic module and does not consume unnecessary resources;
• additional protection built into the unit to ensure a high level of fire safety and reduce potential risks arising during operation;
• significantly increased service life of luminescent lamps;
• light flux with good color density, without changes, even with prolonged burning, does not provoke eye fatigue for people in the room;
• high operating efficiency of the lighting device at negative temperatures;
• the ability of the ballast to automatically adjust to the parameters of the lamp, thus creating an optimal operating mode for itself and the lighting device.

Some manufacturers equip their electronic ballasts with a special fuse. It protects devices from voltage surges, fluctuations in the central network and erroneous activation of a lamp without a lamp.

Today, labor protection authorities recommend that in order to improve working conditions and increase productivity, fluorescent lamps installed in office premises should be equipped with electronic rather than electromagnetic triggering devices

Among the disadvantages of electronic products, only the cost is usually mentioned, which is significantly higher compared to electromagnetic modules.However, this may only matter at the time of purchase.

In the future, during intensive use, the electronic ballast will fully work out its price and even begin to bring benefits, seriously saving electrical resources and removing part of the load from the light source.

Ballasts for compact lamps

Luminescent compact type lamps are devices similar to traditional incandescent lamps with E14 and E27 threaded bases.

They can be placed in modern and vintage chandeliers, sconces, floor lamps and other lighting fixtures.

Due to the design features of compact luminescent lamps, increased demands are placed on the electronic “filling”. Brands always take them into account during production, and unknown manufacturers, in order to reduce costs, change many elements to simpler ones. This significantly reduces the efficiency and service life of the module.

Devices of this class are usually equipped with a progressive electronic ballast, which is built directly into the internal structure and is usually located on the circuit board of the lamp product.

What to look for when choosing

When choosing a ballast for a fluorescent lamp, you first need to pay attention to such a parameter as the power of the module.

It must completely coincide with the power of the lighting device, otherwise the lamp simply will not be able to fully function and produce light output in the required mode.

It is strictly prohibited to connect ballast to the network without load. The device may burn out immediately and you will have to repair it or buy a new one.

Next, you need to determine what kind of ballast you need to purchase. Electromagnetic elements are more economical in price.Their cost is low and installation is usually not difficult.

True, such devices are considered obsolete, have bulky dimensions and consume additional energy. This significantly reduces their attractiveness, even despite the affordable initial price.

To check the serviceability of the electronic ballast, you will need a special measuring device - a pocket oscilloscope

Electronic devices are much more expensive. This point especially applies to products produced by cool branded manufacturers. But their price is more than compensated by energy efficiency, practicality, impeccable assembly and a high level of overall quality of the devices.

Selection of ballast by manufacturer

The manufacturing plant is another significant criterion when purchasing. You should not focus solely on price and purchase the cheapest model of all that is offered in the store.

Features of branded ballasts

An unnamed Chinese-made product can very quickly fail and lead to subsequent problems with the operation of the light bulb itself and even the lamp.

Branded manufacturers equip ballasts with high-quality, wear-resistant parts that ensure correct operation of the module throughout the entire operational period

It is better to give preference to brands with a reliable reputation, which have proven themselves in the long-term work in the market of lighting equipment and related elements.

Such devices will reliably work for the entire required period, ensuring the full functioning of the luminescent in any lighting device.

Ballast products produced at the enterprises of popular brands specializing in the manufacture of electrical equipment and related elements have a strong and durable outer casing made of a heat-resistant plastic composition that is not prone to deformation.

Markings on products degree of protection IP2 indicates that the device has a good level of overall security and is protected from foreign parts larger than 12.5 mm from entering the box.

Operation of the device is comfortable and absolutely safe. The design completely eliminates the possibility of user contact with conductive elements.

Ballast modules marked IP2 are reliable, practical and convenient for domestic use, however, they are vulnerable to dust penetration. Because of this small disadvantage, it is not advisable to place them in lamps that illuminate dusty work areas.

The normal temperature range for efficient and long-term operation of the device is quite wide.

Branded ballasts efficiently cope with the assigned tasks in frosts reaching -20°C and feel great on hot days when the air heats up to +40°C.

The best manufacturers of electromagnetic devices

Electromagnetic ballast devices manufactured under the brand are very popular among customers E.Next.

This is due to the fact that the company offers truly high-quality, reliable and progressive modules, manufactured at the highest level in strict accordance with the requirements for equipment of this class.

In addition to warranties and service, E.Next offers customers custom technical support through call centers.By calling there, the consumer can ask the operator a question of any complexity and within a few minutes receive a professional, understandable answer

The company provides a company guarantee for all products and offers customers high-quality service at all stages of cooperation.

No less in demand are electromagnetic ballasts created by a well-known and respected European manufacturer of electrical equipment and related elements - the company Philips.

The products of this brand are considered to be among the highest quality, reliable and effective.

Philips electromagnetic modules are presented in the widest range on the market. It’s not difficult to choose the right option for a lamp of any configuration.

Philips ballasts help save energy resources and neutralize the load that arises during the operation of fluorescent lamps.

Current electronic modules

Electronic products are a modern type of equipment and, in addition to traditional ones, also have additional functions. In this segment, the leading positions are occupied by products from the German company Osram.

Their cost is slightly higher than that of Chinese or domestic analogues, but significantly lower compared to competitors such as Philips And Vossloh-Schwabe.

Osram electronic ballasts have a number of advantages. They have a neat shape and modest dimensions, can operate in temperatures of -15...+50 °C and reliably serve for 100,000 hours

Among budget branded modules, electronic ballasts stand out clearly from competitors Horos.

Despite the reasonable price, these items demonstrate high operating efficiency and a good level of efficiency, eliminate delays during ignition, reduce energy consumption to a minimum and increase the light output of the lamp itself.

Using these means, you can eliminate annoying flicker in fluorescent lamps and make lighting devices as convenient and comfortable as possible.

A young, promisingly developing company does not lag behind the venerable old-timers of the market. Feron. It offers users European-level products at a very low, reasonable price.

Feron ballasts are neatly made. All parts have certificates of conformity. The outer casing, made of plastic, is an elongated flat rectangle. The product is lightweight and easy to install in fluorescent light sources of any configuration

Ballast-type devices from Feron protect lamps from unexpected electromechanical interference and voltage surges, eliminate eye-irritating flicker and help save more than 30% of electrical energy.

Controlled by Feron ballast, the fluorescent turns on/off instantly. There is no background sound effect during operation. The lighting is soft, uniform and creates a pleasant, calm atmosphere around.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

How does an electronic device work in a fluorescent lamp? Detailed description of the device and operating principle of the product:

What is the difference between electromagnetic and electronic ballasts? Features of each module and specific nuances of their use in household lighting devices:

Features of the operation of lamps equipped with different types of ballasts.Which elements are more effective and why. Practical recommendations and useful tips from the master’s personal experience:

To choose the right ballast for household fluorescent lamps, you need to know how this element is designed and what function it performs. Having such information, as well as understanding the types of devices, you will be able to purchase the desired modification without any difficulties.

The cost of the module depends on the manufacturer, but even branded products have a very reasonable price and do not harm the budget of the average consumer.

Do you have experience selecting and replacing ballast in a fluorescent lamp? Please tell readers which module you preferred and whether you are satisfied with the purchase. Comment on the post and participate in discussions. The feedback block is located below.