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A ballast in a fluorescent lamp does two things: it steps up the voltage to drive the lamp, and it provides a "load" or operating resistance when the lamp "fires" and conducts. In a fluorescent application, the correct voltage for the lamp should be used, and the ballast supplies this by stepping up the line voltage. The ballast must also help with current limiting. When the gas in the fluorescent lamp ionizes and conducts, it basically forms a "short circuit" because the ionized gas presents a low resistance to the voltage source. But when the operationg current is routed through the ballast, the ballast is just basically stepping up the voltage until the lamp fires, and then when all the current tries to flow through the lamp, the windings in the ballast say, "Whoa, there, partner." This limits current. Remember that during both the positive and negative cycle of the sine wave that is driving the lamp, the lamp fires and the light comes on. For every cycle of line voltage, there are two "blinks" of the lamp.
No. The principle of incandescent lighting is that a current flows through a filament resulting in extreme heating of the filament and consequently light being emitted from the super heated filament. As the filament heats up, its electrical resistance increases and it does not need a ballast to limit the current.
A cold filament, as when a bulb is first turned on, has the lowest resistance and has the most current going through it. That is when a filament is most likely to burn out and when an incandescent bulb is most likely to fail.
Other Answer
Lighting requiring ballasts are commonly fluorescent and HID lighting. The purpose of the ballast is to provide a spike of current to trigger a chemical reaction in substances such as neon and such.
A small amount of Mercury vapor inside the tube supports an electrical arc which emits UV light. The chemical coating on the inside of the tube transforms the UV light to visible light.
The ballast is responsible for regulating the voltage and current in the electrical arc through the mercury vapor so that the bulb starts, maintains constant light, and does not damage itself or nearby objects.
Answer 2:
The entire theory of how florescent lights work is beyond the scope of this forum, but here's an overview.
Florescent bulbs have a small amount of mercury in vapor form in an inert gas such as argon all contained in a glass tube/bulb. This mercury vapor is heated to start the flow of electric current through it which causes the vapor to glow. But the current would run out of control if not regulated. The ballast regulates this current flow this flow of current to keep the current and amount of light constant. The mercury vapor is a quite efficient emitter of light but it is outside of our visual range (ultraviolet light), so the inside of the tube/bulb is coated with a powder that glows with visible light when the ultraviolet light strikes it. This glowing is called fluorescing thus the name florescent light.
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Will a fluorescent lighting fixture that uses 4 4 ft T8 bulbs operate with only 2 bulbs installed?
Yes, a fluorescent lighting fixture that uses 4 4 ft T8 bulbs can still operate with only 2 bulbs installed. However, the light output will be reduced, and you may notice uneven lighting or dark spots in the fixture. It's recommended to replace all bulbs or adjust the ballast to maintain optimal lighting performance.
On your 4 bulb fluorescent only 2 bulbs come on?
This could be due to a faulty ballast that is not supplying enough power to all bulbs, or it could be an issue with the non-functioning bulbs themselves. Try replacing the non-working bulbs first to see if that solves the problem. If not, you may need to replace the ballast.
What is the green efficient squiggly light bulb called?
The green efficient squiggly light bulb is called a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL). It is designed to save energy and last longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs.
Is a digital ballast better than transformer ballasts?
Digital ballast are much more efficient and more reliable than the traditional transformer ballasts. Digital ballasts are more efficient at producing light than a transformer ballasts. The digitals also run much cooler than transformers and are much more silent. Though some user may enjoy the transformers more, digital ballasts are more popular and are sold more often online. Yes, a ballast transformers has two special secondary windings to provide the proper low current. Also, Ballasts can operate more than one type of lamp.
Do bulb make use of magnets to work?
No, bulbs do not make use of magnets to work. Light bulbs function by passing electricity through a filament, which then emits light and heat. Magnets are not involved in the process of generating light in bulbs.
How does a florescent bulb work?
Florescent Bulbs are full of gases that create light when electricity is put threw them.
Do burnt out florescent bulbs use more energy than working florescent bulbs?
no
What shouldn't dimmers be used for?
Dimmers do not work well with florescent lights. The should only be used with incandescent bulbs.
How do you check florescent light ballasts?
The quick way if the bulb is flickering or out, replace if still flickering or out you need a new ballast!
Do florescent light bulbs use less electricity?
yes
What is the scientific term for florescent light bulbs?
blackbody radiation
What is the difference between white fluorescent lights and yellow ones?
Florescent bulbs are environmental-friendly. Yellow bulbs use more electricity, but their lighting is generally better. Most florescent bulbs take at least a full minute to reach their full lighting, therefore conserving energy when you don't need full lighting. Florescent bulbs are environmental-friendly. Yellow bulbs use more electricity, but their lighting is generally better. Most florescent bulbs take at least a full minute to reach their full lighting, therefore conserving energy when you don't need full lighting.
How is krypton used by man?
It is used to fill incandescent lightbulbs, florescent lightbulbs, and bulbs used for photography (flash bulbs)
Why gases are used in bulbs?
In incandescent bulbs, gases (other than oxygen) prolong the life of the filament. In florescent bulbs, the gas takes the place of the filament.
Are t8 bulbs being discontinued?
No they are controlled by an electronic ballast. It's t12 and magnetic ballasts that are phased out
You have an H8 HID 75W kit the ballasts say 75W but the bulbs have a tag on them that says 35W will they work?
No. The bulb has a maximum rating of 35Watts. If you put 75Watts to a bulb that can only withstand half of that capacity, the bulb will fail.
How is power factor improved in fluorescent lamps?
the old ones with transformers you can correct with capacitors incandescent lamps have unity power factor the newer florescent ballasts are closer to unity but tend more towards capacitance
