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T8 TECHNOLOGY: Instant-Start Ballasts vs Program-Start Ballasts
Sep 14 2009
The instant-start ballasts frequently used with fluorescent tube lamps provide full voltage and current instantly to the lamp cathodes. This creates a thermal shock to the cathodes that will degrade the cathode and may cause the lamp to fail prematurely. As a result, lamps on instant-start ballasts will only withstand about 12,000 to 15,000 on/off cycles before burning out. In contrast, program-start ballasts go through a soft-start sequence that gently starts the lamp without thermal shock. This enables lamps on program-start ballasts to withstand 50,000 to 100,000 on/off cycles before burning out.
Given this drastic difference in lamp life between the two ballasts, it is highly recommended if a lamp is turned on and off more than six times a day a program-start ballast be specified. This will avoid premature failure, reducing contractor callbacks and customer complaints.
Knowing which ballast to use in different situations is essential as more and more customers are demanding both high efficiency and performance from their lighting. Applications where an occupancy sensor is installed whether in high traffic areas such as warehouses, industrial spaces, lunchrooms, restrooms and gyms or in individual offices, conference rooms and storage areas, should definitely use program-start ballasts. In areas where lights are on continuously, or on during normal working hours (typical 12 hours/day), then instant-start is the best option. Instant-start ballasts are less expensive and slightly more efficient than program-start.
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