What is the difference between a digital ballast and an electronic one

If the image displays dark bands or stripes, your fluorescent lamp is driven by a magnetic ballast. A modern, electronic ballast drives the lamp at a much higher frequency, and a picture of these lamps will be clearly different , without such bands.

Beside above, what is in a magnetic ballast? A magnetic ballast is a piece of lighting equipment often used in small and large growrooms.

There are three basic types of ballasts : magnetic , electronic, and digital. Like all ballasts , a magnetic ballast regulates the voltage a fluorescent light receives so that the bulb doesn't overheat and immediately explode. Older fluorescent light fixtures utilized a magnetic ballast to control the flow of electricity through the light bulbs. If you have an older fixture, you can switch from a magnetic ballast to an electronic ballast in a few minutes with some basic hand tools.

Some disadvantages of the inductive ballast are: they are less efficient than capacitive ballasts , they cost more, they weigh more, and they take up more space. Magnetic ballasts are typically used in reactors using medium pressure MP lamps. Asked by: Shakira Fichet asked in category: General Last Updated: 18th January, What is the difference between electronic ballast and magnetic? Electronic ballasts alter the flow of electricity in the light bulb by using a series of induction coils that are separated from one another.

In contrast, magnetic ballast uses 1 induction coil and not a series. How do I know if I have a t8 or t12 ballast? This will reveal a lot about your current fluorescent tube and usually indicate if the bulb is T8 or T If no markings are available, the size in diameter of the tube is the easiest way to determine the type you have installed.

Do you have to remove the ballast for LED lights? The following data shows the extremely high start up currents and running watts on standard new magnetic Core and coil ballasts within Australia. Brands A and B are some of the most widely used ballasts in the country!

Older used ballasts have an even higher start up current and wattage use, making them even more inefficient! This data shows why so many customers blow their Timer contacts and mains fuses when only igniting 2 x w lights at the same time.

While the digitals can be ignited at up to 4 lights at a time off a single 10amp fuse or timer! Also when connecting large numbers of ballasts you can you can turn on or stagger many more lights at a time more frequently because they reach full output within approximately 2 minutes not 20 minutes like magnetics.

Another thing that happens with larger setups is when connecting multiple ballasts your power voltage drops as you use more lights, which means you lose light output.

No more blown contacts! How does an electronic ballast work? Working Principle of an Electronic Ballast. Kameliya Turke Reviewer. What voltage comes out of a ballast? The label on the ballast shows two important labels. Fluorescent lamps use a ballast which transforms line voltage to a voltage to start up and operate the lamp s. Newer fluorescent ballasts are usually rated for both volts and volts.

Ildelfonso Cid Reviewer. What is a preheat magnetic ballast? Preheat start is a magnetic ballast technology that is used exclusively with preheat start lamps. Starting voltage for the lamp is about V for a 4 ft T8 lamp. Augusta Biquendi Reviewer. What's inside a magnetic ballast? The transformer which is called a "choke" in a ballast is a coil of wire called an inductor. It creates a magnetic field. The more current you put through, the bigger the magnetic field, however the larger magnetic field opposes change in current flow.

Liberio Robakidze Supporter. How do you bypass a ballast? How to Bypass a Ballast. Turn off the power. Locate your ballast. Cut the hot and neutral wires. Cut the socket lead wires. Remove the ballast. Connect the input wires to the output wires. Circe Indabere Supporter. Can a fluorescent light work without a ballast? So, you can drive a fluorescent with a pulse width adjustable power supply, but this is what is in an 'electronic' ballast.

Frits Lupanov Supporter. What is a ballast made of? The simplest sort of ballast , generally referred to as a magnetic ballast , works something like an inductor. A basic inductor consists of a coil of wire in a circuit, which may be wound around a piece of metal. Ask A Question. Co-authors: Updated On: 6th May,