I cannot imagine any purpose for a multi-voltage ballast to be made in such a way that it can accept any voltage in the specified range or list when first used, but not do so afterwards. If it has the circuitry that can operate on any voltage, it would seem to me that it would be more complicated to make it remember that and intentionally malfunction when a different voltage it has the capability to handle is later used. If such a beast exists, I would sure like to get hold of one (to take apart and see what they are doing).
OK, I can see one purpose ... to destroy the market for used ballasts.
