1. | 1 Universal Lighting Technologies ULT Marketing Ballast Basics I Presented by: Your Name HERE

2. | 2 Universal Lighting Technologies Topic Outline Fluorescent Lamp & Ballast Functions Ballast Types Ballast Starting Methods Attributes and Measurements Advanced Ballast Definitions Standards & Regulations Lighting Retrofits & Energy Savings Controllable Lighting | 2

3. | 3 Universal Lighting Technologies Before Fluorescent… Incandescent lamps were the only available electric lighting source, and they are still common today for a variety of applications. But… Incandescent lamps are not efficient and don’t last long. Have you ever touched an incandescent or halogen lamp while it was on? The heat that incandescent lamps generate demonstrate their inefficiencies as lighting sources. Fluorescent Ballast Basics | 3

4. | 4 Universal Lighting Technologies Incandescent 18 LPW750 hrs. life Fluorescent 60-105 LPW20,000+ hrs. life Fluorescent lamps are significantly more efficient than incandescent lamps, using less energy and lasting significantly longer. This efficiency can be measured in terms of Lumens per Watt (LPW). This is similar to Miles per Gallon with an automobile. Fluorescent lamps provide Energy Efficiency & Longer Life For a basic understanding of fluorescent ballasts, a brief overview of fluorescent lamps is necessary: Why Use Fluorescent? | 4

5. | 5 Universal Lighting Technologies What makes a fluorescent lamp glow? 1.As an arc current passes through the gas in the fluorescent tube, the electrons flowing from the electrode at the ends of the lamp collide with the mercury atoms that are in the gases of the lamp. 2.The impact of the electrons and the mercury atoms produces ultraviolet rays. These ultraviolet rays strike the phosphors on the glass wall of the lamp, causing them to fluoresce and produce visible light. Fluorescent Ballast Basics | 5

6. | 6 Universal Lighting Technologies Incandescent Lighting…. No Ballast 120 V An incandescent lamp operates directly off the power line. Current flows through the filament, and the filament glows, providing light. The filament also acts as a resistor to limit the current passing through it. Fluorescent Ballast Basics | 6

7. | 7 Universal Lighting Technologies Which lamps need ballasts? All arc discharge lamps such as fluorescent and high intensity discharge (HID) require ballasts for proper operation. Without a ballast, these lamps will not work. Screw-in compact fluorescent lamps include an extremely small ballast built into the plastic base where the socket is located. Circline Fluorescent HID Compact Fluorescent U-Bend Fluorescent Linear Fluorescent Fluorescent Ballast Basics | 7

8. | 8 Universal Lighting Technologies 1. Supply power to preheat lamp filaments prior to starting (not required for instant start lamps) 2. Provide a high voltage to initiate an arc through the gas in the lamp 3. Control the lamp’s current to within its specifications to provide proper light output and rated life BALLAST Input Voltage 1. Filament Heating 2. High Voltage Across the Lamp 3. Controls Current Going to the Lamp The fluorescent lamps require a power device (ballast) that is connected to them to provide basic operating functions. The Ballast’s Function | 8

9. | 9 Universal Lighting Technologies Ballasts are an integral part of the lighting fixture. They are typically located within the fixture covered by a metal channel. In down light fixtures for compact fluorescent lamps, the ballast is mounted on the outside of a junction box that is part of the lighting fixture. Ballast Location | 9

10. | 10 Universal Lighting Technologies  Electromagnetic – The lowest efficiency  Electronic – The highest efficiency There are primarily two categories of ballast constructions that define the technologies and materials used to manufacture the ballasts: Fluorescent Ballast Types | 10

11. | 11 Universal Lighting Technologies The first fluorescent lighting systems were developed with electromagnetic ballasts having two copper or aluminum wire coils assembled on steel laminations to create a transformer. The transformer was designed to provide the right voltage for starting and was usually connected with a capacitor to provide the proper lamp current. Transformer with two coils assembled with laminations Capacitor Electromagnetic Ballasts | 11

12. | 12 Universal Lighting Technologies  Inefficient circuitry – Generates heat which wastes power – High operation costs compared to electronic ballasts – Operates lamps at power line frequency (60Hz)  Limited flexibility – Typically designed for one lamp or for two lamp operation – Common three or four lamp fixture requires two ballasts – Single product options, typically no alternatives depending upon application requirements  Lamps are connected in series, when one lamp fails, the other lamp extinguishes  Audible, sometimes annoying hum Electromagnetic Technology Due to their inefficient operation, magnetic ballasts for popular lamp applications have been outlawed by the Department of Energy, but there is still a large installed base. | 12

13. | 13 Universal Lighting Technologies The DC Voltage is then converted to a high frequency AC Voltage The High frequency voltage is then increased to a higher voltage so that it can ignite the lamps while also being able to limit the lamp current 60 Hz Input Alternating Current (AC) Voltage is converted to a Direct Current (DC) voltage, like a battery High Frequency output > 20KHz Electronic Ballasts operate the lamps at very high frequencies which improves lamp efficiencies and performance. Components in an electronic ballast on a printed circuit board. (Components include transistors, diodes, capacitors, IC’s, resistors, etc.) A block diagram is an easy way to explain how an electronic ballast operates Electronic Ballasts | 13

14. | 14 Universal Lighting Technologies – At low frequencies, fluorescent lamps actually re-ignite every half cycle of the input power’s sine wave, using additional energy. – At high frequencies, the fluorescent lamp does not extinguish, saving energy by not having to re-ignite. Actual Frequency Depicted is 1500 Hz 1/60 Second Low Frequency and High Frequency Sine Waves 60Hz200Hz1KHz5KHz20KHz Light output as frequency increases with constant lamp power Electronic ballasts are designed to take advantage of this by maintaining existing light levels and saving energy The High Frequency Advantage Fluorescent lamps increase in efficiency by more than 10% when operated at high frequency | 14

15. | 15 Universal Lighting Technologies  Efficient Operation –Technology for lowest operating cost for fluorescent lighting –High frequency lamp operation improves lamp efficiencies  Application Flexibility –Products available for operating up to four lamps at once –Most ballasts are designed for operating different lamp types and quantities –Multiple product options to choose from depending upon application requirements  Quiet Operation –The operating frequency of the lamps is higher than the human ear can hear. Electronic Technology | 15

16. | 16 Universal Lighting Technologies Rapid Start – Magnetic & Electronic Instant Start – Magnetic & Electronic Programmed Start – Electronic Only There are a number of different methods for starting fluorescent lamps. T8 & T5 lamps may be started by more than one method. The following is a list of the starting methods and which ballast technologies employ these methods. Instant Start and Programmed Start are the methods currently used for most lighting applications. Starting Methods

17. | 17 Universal Lighting Technologies Rapid Start Rapid Start ballasts provide filament voltage (heating) and lamp voltage simultaneously. When the lamp filaments reach a temperature that is sufficient for ignition with the lamp voltage applied, the lamps ignite. –Glowing of the lamps is visible prior to ignition. –Depending upon the lamp voltage, this may not guarantee that the filament is sufficiently heated, resulting in poor lamp life. –Cathode voltage remains after the lamp has started consuming approximately 2 Watts per lamp. It was believed that electronic rapid start ballasts would provide longer lamp life than instant start ballasts but this has been proven incorrect.

18. | 18 Universal Lighting Technologies Instant Start ballasts operate without heating the filaments. A high voltage is used to ignite the lamps. Instant start operation is more efficient since there is no additional power consumed for heating filaments. –Single pin instant start (slimline) lamps must be instant started. –Some Bi-pin lamps such as the F32T8 and F54T5HO can also be instant started. Programmed Start is growing in popularity but Instant Start is still by far the largest segment. Instant Start

19. | 19 Universal Lighting Technologies Programmed Start ballasts A.K.A Programmed Rapid Start –Utilize electronic technology to provide optimal starting for lamps to achieve the longest lamp life possible. –Tests have shown lamp life to be extended three times as long as traditional rapid start ballasts in applications where the lamps are frequently cycled on and off. –Programmed Start ballasts can be used in place of rapid start ballasts since they usually wire the same way in the fixture, hence the addition of “Rapid” in the name. Technology for long lamp life! Programmed Start

20. | 20 Universal Lighting Technologies Step 1: Application of Filament Voltage (heating) – Lamp Voltage is kept very low to minimize glow current – Duration of Step 1 is approximately 800 milliseconds Assures that filament temperature is optimal for starting Very low glow current during starting prevents damage to lamps Step 2: Application of Starting Voltage to the Lamps – When the voltage is applied across the lamps, they quickly ignite since their filaments are already hot – Short transition prevents lamp damage by minimizing filament sputtering & end blackening Step 3: Steady State Operation – Ballast regulates current through the lamp – Filament voltage is shut off or reduced to improve operating efficiency How Programmed Start Circuits Work: This technology incorporates a “programmed” starting sequence: Programmed Start | 20

21. | 21 Universal Lighting Technologies Which Electronic Ballast Starting is Best? For the lamp types with a choice of starting methods:  Identify the application and expected operating/switching cycle. – Expected operating hours between starts. – Is the ballast connected to an occupancy sensor? Use Programmed Start to maintain lamp life when:  Ballasts are connected to occupancy sensors which will switch frequently.  If the lighting is going to be switched on and off frequently. – Typically less than three hours per start. Use Instant start to maximize savings when:  Ballasts are going to typically remain on for at least three hours between starts. Best Starting Method

22. | 22 Universal Lighting Technologies Ballast Factor (BF) is also referred to as percent light output. It is a measurement of the ballast’s output and the light level it is driving or controlling the lamp at. A ballast factor of 1.00 means that the lamp connected to the ballast will be operating at 100% of its rated lumens. Similarly, a ballast factor of.88 translates to 88% light output of the lamp. The same lamp will provide different light levels when operated with different ballast factors. BALLAST Low Ballast Factor BallastHigh Ballast Factor Ballast F32T8 Lamp Ballast Factor is a key component in determining the light output of a system Ballast Factor | 22

23. | 23 Universal Lighting Technologies To calculate the lumens coming from a lamp/ballast system, the following equation is used:  The rated lamp lumens are found in lamp manufacturers catalogs  The ballast factor is specified by the ballast manufacturer System lumens for a 3-lamp F32T8 fixture with two magnetic ballasts: Ballast Factor | 23

24. | 24 Universal Lighting Technologies Per ANSI (American National Standards Institute) .925 is the minimum BF for a full light output magnetic ballast .85 is the minimum BF for a full light output electronic ballast However, ballast factors can range from.60 to 1.20  Magnetic residential shoplite ballasts have had BFs as low as.60 – Hence the reason for poor light levels with these fixtures! As Ballast Factor goes up...... the input power for the lighting system also goes up. Ballast Factor | 24

25. | 25 Universal Lighting Technologies  0.88 - Standard Light Output T8 – Common for new construction and retrofits – Used for frequently switched applications including occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting. – Good solution for education, commercial offices and retail.  0.78 - Low Power Instant Start T8 – Used primarily for retrofit applications – Matches light levels of F40T12/ES (34W) systems – Applications include stairwells, hallways, bathrooms and other areas that are lit partially during the day.  1.18 - High Light Output T8 – Used with New construction and retrofits – Ideal for de-lamp applications, high bay fixtures (including warehouses and manufacturing). – It is common for facilities to stock a single lamp and control light output for specific applications with different BF ballasts. As electronic ballast product lines continue to expand, their BF options continue to grow based on the different applications they are serving. Electronic BF Options | 25

26. | 26 Universal Lighting Technologies  A Ballast Factor of.78 with an F32T8 provides more lumens than the F34T12 lamp with a magnetic ballast (.90 BF)  If more light output is needed, a higher ballast factor ballast can be installed but it will use more energy. The example below compares the lumens before and after a lighting retrofit. Retrofit Example © 2013 Universal Lighting Technologies | 26

27. | 27 Universal Lighting Technologies  Ballast input circuit draws current from the power line and internally regulates the DC voltage within the ballast. As a result of the regulated DC voltage, the output to the lamps remains constant.  Ballasts operate from 108 to 305 Volts, 50 or 60 Hertz. – 120 (-10%) to 277 (+10%) – Installer Friendly, two wires, no special taps Electronic ballast technology has lead to the development of ballasts that can be connected to different input voltages. This simplifies inventory carrying requirements and prevents wiring a ballast to the wrong input voltage. How it works: Universal Input Voltage Universal input voltage is now common and available for a wide variety of lamp applications. © 2013 Universal Lighting Technologies | 27

28. | 28 Universal Lighting Technologies Series: All Magnetic & Some Electronic Parallel: Available only with electronic Some ballasts operate the lamps in series, some in parallel: When one lamp fails, the other lamps extinguish. When one lamp fails, the other lamps remain “on.” Lamp Configuration: Series VS. Parallel © 2013 Universal Lighting Technologies | 28

29. | 29 Universal Lighting Technologies  Ballasts are selected based upon the application – Identify voltage (Typically 120 or 277 volts) – Identify lamp type – Identify the quantity of lamps the ballast operates  Refer to Navigator Catalog, Ballast selector Guide or online BallastSpecs, and using the application information from above, identify the appropriate ballast  Refer to cross references available on www.unvlt.com Selecting a Replacement Ballast © 2013 Universal Lighting Technologies | 29

30. | 30 Universal Lighting Technologies THANK YOU For Additional Information, please visit our website www.unvlt.com or use your QR Reader for Smart Phone instant access. | 30 Website: www.unvlt.com Nashville Customer Service: (800) 862-8666 Universal Technical Engineering Services: 1-800-BALLAST (1-800-225-5278)