ECN Forum Forums Technical Discussion Electrical Theory and Applications Checking Fluorescent light ballist

What should the voltage output on a ballist be on a standard 2 or 4 bulb 4ft fluorescent light fixture. How would you determine they are bad if its not visually obvious?

There are many different "standard" ballasts and lacking experience and not knowing if you are measuring starting voltage or filament voltage, I do not know the common answer. The answer would be available from your ballast manufacturer.

Now stating that, Lithonia offers "Fluorescent Ballast Testing" information in the back of their catalog which includes how to test and meter settings. The information appears to be fairly comprehensive.

Remember to wear proper PPE while doing this and take precautions (it would not be in your best interest to fall off a ladder).

Goodluck,
Shane

Allrightee-Now Here's some data per current issue...

For the Common type Lamp-Ballast Assembly, using "Magnetic" (Linear Reactor) type Ballasting to drive either one or two 48" Lamps, via Rapid Start and Hot Cathode operation method:

** 1: F32T8 Lamp Types:
a: Single Lamp -
* Starting Voltage = 200 VAC,
* Fillament Voltage = 3.4 to 4.5 VAC
b: Two Lamp -
* Starting Voltage = 300 VAC,
* Fillament Voltage = 3.4 to 4.5 VAC

** 2: F40T8 Lamp Types:
a: Single Lamp -
* Starting Voltage = 250 VAC,
* Fillament Voltage = 3.4 to 4.5 VAC
b: Two Lamp -
* Starting Voltage = 385 VAC,
* Fillament Voltage = 3.4 to 4.5 VAC

** 3: F40T12 Lamp Types:
a: Single Lamp -
* Starting Voltage = 200 VAC,
* Fillament Voltage = 3.4 to 4.5 VAC
b: Two Lamp -
* Starting Voltage = 256 VAC,
* Fillament Voltage = 3.4 to 4.5 VAC

These are 430 MA (Milli Amp) Lamps - the ones with the "Standard" Bipin ends.

Ratings for "H.O." (800 MA) and "V.H.O." (1500 MA) types are about the same for their 430 MA counterparts, when Started at 0°F, and around 15% lower when Started at 50°F.

Preheat methods require minimum Voltages of like 108 VAC for smaller Lamps, and like 176 VAC for larger Lamps.

Instant Start methods range from 270 VAC for smaller Lamps, to 675 VAC for larger Lamps.

This should be what you were looking for!

Scott35