Rapid start ballasts appear to have a slight turn on delay compared to instant start. They will typically not be able to start lamps reliably under 50 degrees F. Instant Start (IS) Instant start ballast apply high voltage across the lamp with no preheating of the cathode. THIS IS THE MOST ENERGY EFFICIENT starting method for fluorescent lamp ballasting. I.S. ballast use 1.5 to 2 watts less per lamp than rapid start ballast.
Do rapid start ballasts come in series?
Like traditional rapid start ballasts, they are typically wired in a series, but some do have series-parallel lamp operation for lamp units three and four for redundancy so that other lamps can remain operable in case a lamp ceases to work.
What is an instant start ballast?
Instant start ballasts. Instant start lamps don’t use a preheating method. Instead, they send a high amount of voltage across the lamp upon the strike. Typically, instant start ballasts use 1.5-2 watts less per lamp than rapid start ballasts. Instant start lamps also start reliably at temperatures as low as zero degrees.
What is the difference between instant start and rapid start?
Simultaneously, a starting voltage (lower than that used in instant start) is also applied to strike the arc. When the cathodes are hot enough, the lamp will strike. The filament voltage continues to be applied throughout the operation of the lamp. Rapid start ballasts appear to have a slight turn on delay compared to instant start.
What is the difference between pulse start and emergency ballast?
Using a pulse start ballast can actually extend the life of the lamp, so the lumens don’t depreciate as fast. Pulse start ballasts are also more energy efficient than probe start ballasts. Emergency ballasts belong in their own category. Their purpose is to power a lamp at reduced light output for up to 90 minutes.
Can you replace an instant start ballast with a rapid start ballast?
2:277:07Replace Rapid Start Ballast with Instant Start - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe old magnetic ballast install the new electronic ballast with the black and white wires facingMoreThe old magnetic ballast install the new electronic ballast with the black and white wires facing the wires on the fixture that connect to the line. Voltage.
What is the difference between rapid start and instant start?
Rapid Start (RS) The filament voltage continues to be applied throughout the operation of the lamp. Rapid start ballasts appear to have a slight turn-on delay compared to the instant start. They will typically not be able to start lamps reliably under 50 degrees F.
What is a rapid start ballast?
Rapid start ballasts are designed with a independent set of windings that transmit lower voltages – approximately 3.5 volts to the electrodes for a second before the lamp ignites. Rapid start ballasts are normally wired in series so if one lamp fails, all remaining lamps in the circuit cease to operate.
What is the difference between programmed start and instant start ballasts?
While programmed start and rapid start ballasts are quite similar, programmed start ballasts apply the starting voltage once the cathodes are known to be heated. In comparison, rapid start ballasts may apply the starting voltage before the cathodes are sufficiently heated.
How do I know what kind of ballast I need?
When purchasing a ballast, you'll need to read the type of lamps it's designed for, how many lamps it operates, and the voltage the lamps will run on. Choosing the right ballast for a lamp will optimize the light output and life of the bulb.
How do I know which ballast to replace?
0:231:24How To Choose A Ballast - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe only things that matter when you're replacing a ballast are we're number one the number of bulbsMoreThe only things that matter when you're replacing a ballast are we're number one the number of bulbs number two the type of bulbs number three the voltage.
How do I know if I have an instant start ballast?
You can determine whether you have a compatible fixture in seconds. Simply turn the light on, then take a photo of the fixture using your smartphone or digital camera. If there are no dark bands on the resulting image, you have an electronic ballast that will work with direct drop-in LED tubes.
Does rapid start ballast require a starter?
Today, the most popular fluorescent lamp design is the rapid start lamp. This design works on the same basic principle as the traditional starter lamp, but it doesn't have a starter switch. Instead, the lamp's ballast constantly channels current through both electrodes.
How do you replace a rapid start ballast?
2:0916:57How to replace a Rapid Start Florescent Ballast - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what we're going to do is we're going to take off the bulbs now to do that you just have to turnMoreAnd what we're going to do is we're going to take off the bulbs now to do that you just have to turn on one quarter of a turn in one direction to line them up.
What is the difference between magnetic and electronic ballast?
Magnetic ballasts work at a frequency of around 60 Hz, whereas electronic ballasts work at an increased frequency of around 20,000 Hz. This is why fluorescent lamps using electronic ballasts do not flicker or emit any buzzing sounds. Electronic ballasts are also quite smaller in size and weight.
What are rapid start sockets?
Rapid-Start Linear Lamp Sockets Rapid-start sockets can accept 4 wires (2 for wires from the ballast and 2 for wires to another socket). Note: Instant-start sockets, which can only accept two wires, MUST be replaced with 4-pin rapid-start sockets.
How long does a fluorescent light ballast last?
12 to 15 yearsAccording to the Certified Ballast Manufacturers Association, the average magnetic ballast lasts about 75,000 hours, or 12 to 15 years with normal use. The optimum economic life of a fluorescent lighting system with magnetic ballasts is usually about 15 years.
What is a rapid start ballast?
Rapid Start (RS) Rapid start ballast applies a low filament voltage to preheat the cathodes. Simultaneously, a starting voltage (lower than that used in instant start) is also applied to strike the arc. When the cathodes are hot enough, the lamp will strike.
How does an instant start ballast work?
Instant start ballast apply high voltage across the lamp with no preheating of the cathode. THIS IS THE MOST ENERGY EFFICIENT starting method for fluorescent lamp ballasting. I.S. ballast use 1.5 to 2 watts less per lamp than rapid start ballast. Other I.S. ballast benefits typically include parallel lamp circuitry, (ballast wired with parallel lamp circuitry is what allows other lamps to continue burning when one or two go out without damage to the ballast or lamp), longer remote wiring distance, easier installation due to less complicated wiring, and capability to start lamps at 0 degrees F versus 50 degrees for rapid start.
How to achieve full rated lamp life?
In order to achieve full rated lamp life, a ballast should start a lamp so that the time from when the lamp begins to glow to the time the lamp arc strikes should be as short as possible.
How does a rapid start ballast work?
Imagine if an oven was preheated all the time so you could bake cookies at any given moment. Rapid start ballasts rely on this preheating method so when the light switch is turned on, the lamp turns on right away.
How many watts does an instant start ballast use?
Instead, they send a high amount of voltage across the lamp upon the strike. Typically, instant start ballasts use 1.5-2 watts less per lamp than rapid start ballasts. Instant start lamps also start reliably at temperatures as low as zero degrees. Shop instant start ballasts.
What ballasts are used for fluorescent lamps?
Magnetic ballasts are the older ballast technology. For the fluorescent family, both T12 linear fluorescents and two-pin CFLs use magnetic ballasts. For HIDs, some metal halides and HPS lamps use magnetic ballasts. Magnetic ballasts are typically the culprit for buzzing and flickering because they regulate electricity incrementally.
What is a programmed start ballast?
Programmed start ballasts. Programmed start ballasts are typically paired with occupancy or motion sensors. If you turn fluorescent lights on and off repeatedly under short time spans, you’re actually using more energy than if you had left the light on.
Is a rapid start ballast energy efficient?
Rapid start ballasts are not very energy efficient. Lamps paired with rapid start ballasts will not reliably turn on if they are in sub 50-degree climates, like a freezer room or outside in cold climates. Shop rapid start ballasts.
Do pulse start ballasts have electrodes?
Pulse start ballasts don’t use a starting probe electrode. Instead, they use a high voltage igniter that works right alongside the ballast. This technology pulses to start the lamp. Using a pulse start ballast can actually extend the life of the lamp, so the lumens don’t depreciate as fast.
Your Ballast Must be Compatible
There are many different types of ballast. Each type is for the specific operational patterns of various different lamps. For instance, some ballasts are not suitable for lamps that switch on and off frequently. When the ballast and the lamp are not compatible, you can reduce the operational efficiency and longevity of the lamp.
What are Instant Start Ballasts?
Instant start ballasts are ideal for use with fluorescent lamps that do not switch on and off frequently. Such a type of ballast provides a high amount of voltage to the lamp when it switches on, but without pre-heating the cathodes either during the start or while the lamp is on.
How does a rapid start ballast work?
With ionizing the gas, the rapid start ballast obtains a low current flow of electricity moving through the lamp which causes the ballast to glow lightly. This helps start heating the gas throughout the lamp which further illuminates the light and adds ionization and further lowers the gas resistance. At the same time, the ballast is directing ...
How many ballasts are needed for a rapid start fluorescent?
Most rapid start fluorescent feature two, three, four T12 (1.5″ diameter) lamps with one ballast managing a limit of two lamps each. When there are more than two lamps, it is common that two ballasts are employed.
What is rapid start?
The majority of fluorescent fixtures with more than two lamps are typically known as rapid start. This style of ballasts do not contain a starter and instead leverage a minimal amount of electrical current circulating to filaments continuously, or for some models, during the start-up period which also usually leverages a capacitor ...
How many volts does a ballast have?
Rapid start ballasts are designed with a independent set of windings that transmit lower voltages – approximately 3.5 volt s to the electrodes for a second before the lamp ignites. Rapid start ballasts are normally wired in series so if one lamp fails, all remaining lamps in the circuit cease to operate.
