What is a ballast?

[@xoltron_5]

Hello Philips, I just want to say that you are probably my favorite lightning company of all time. I love your Fluorescent bulbs, Discharge, etc. Don’t stop making them. Thank you.

[@SignifyCompany]

Hi there, thanks for your support! We're so glad to hear you're a fan of our products. Thanks!

[@rohitchaturvedi3878]

I have several faulty Philips ballasts(I kept them instead of throwing away, they worked 2 or 3 years). I opened two of them( model = sumo) none of components(transistor, capacitors diode) are Philips or NXP or any reputed brand, instead cheap Chinese capacitors, and transistor are from some "Jilin sino microelectronics".

[@Celler2]

You are awesome to explain it so well. Thank you.

[@TheDuckofDoom.]

"Discover the difference between magnetic and electronic ballast", ...or just list a bunch of part numbers I can find in a catalog. This video is like explaining the difference between rotary and touch-tone telephones by reading a phone book.

[@Bodragon]

+wolfedog99 - Spot on. By the time I got to the end of the video I felt I had learned absolutely nothing. This guy really is clueless. He's just reading from a script. I mean: capacitors turn volts and amps into watts? Give me a freakin' break.

[@ednorris302]

Thanks. Good introduction to the topic.

[@xoltron_5]

Hello Philips, you forgot to mention about Pre-heat ballasts?

[@lao8277]

When converting from CFL to LED lamps, is it necessary to use ballasts?

[@davidperry4013]

Hid car headlights have electronic ballasts since the beginning and HID headlight bulbs are 30 watt xenon arc lamps.

[@nastygamer3045]

does the ballast makes a difference in light power? for ex1ample if i buy a 100$ balast or a 500$ ballast ? will the better one gives more power to the plants ? or it dosnt matter the ballast only the bulb ?

[@SignifyCompany]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out. Cost is not directly correlated to power, so a more expensive ballast won't necessarily be more powerful. Thanks!

[@heroknaderi]

Great information ℹ️ thanks 🙏

[@silvia_fuku0ka845]

Capacitors stabilise the output not convert amp s and volts to watts they are the same thing just a Different type of measurement like liters and gallons different measurements for the same amount of water or in this case electricity

[@Ky0l]

"helps to convert Volts and Amps into Watts" lol, this dude...

[@tubfragr2270]

What does that mean?

[@christopherdelcastillo0077]

@@tubfragr2270 using ohms law, voltage multiplied with amps gives you watts.

[@pr0h4ck3r2]

lighted = lit

[@maplelodgeproductions1442]

Great video, very informative

[@frankceasar317]

thanks for the info!

[@martycrowley5532]

I’m working on a monument sign that needs a new ballast. The old ballast is no longer manufactured and the new ballast wiring is not configured the same when I look at it.

[@xoltron_5]

Hello Philips, I have a question with Electronic ballasts when a lamp fails do the electrodes blow an orange color and flicker or does that only happen with magnetic ballasts?

[@SignifyCompany]

Cathodes glow as they cool down after current stops. Most failures occur when the cathode wears out due to emitter depletion. Typically they will fail to start.

[@xoltron_5]

Does that happen with both Electronic and Magnetic Ballasts?

[@SignifyCompany]

Hi there, sorry for our delayed response. Unfortunately on this occasion we are unable to provide you with an exhaustive answer to your query. Sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

[@jgwalling]

The electrodes can create an orange glow on the end of the bulb when the bulb goes out. This can happen with electronic ballast as well.

[@jasone3962]

Can you use a T12 fluorescent in a T8 fluorescent ballast?

[@SignifyCompany]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out. For the best assistance on this, please fill in our online contact form: signify.co/3sAbtZv Thanks!

[@xoltron_5]

Hello Philips I have a question. Can you bypass the ballast and still be able to use the CorePro Pl-C LED bulbs?

[@SignifyCompany]

Hi there, as previously mentioned we are unable to provide you with an exhaustive answer to your query. Sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

[@xoltron_5]

Okay, thank you Philips

[@fmn2628]

Is there any more use to a ballast now that LED lights have surpassed heavily the efficiency (lumen to watt ratio)? Or they are obsolete pieces of history now?

[@vinceje]

fmn2628 Obsolete for sure. It won't be long before all lighting is LED.

[@SignifyCompany]

Hi there, to answer your question, Ballasts continue to be used in fluorescent installations and will remain as long as the fluorescent lamp does. Of course, ballasts also operate UL Type A InstantFit TLEDs. While sales of ballasts in new luminaires is falling very rapidly, conversion of existing lighting to LED has a long way to go. Thanks!

[@johns128777]

I'm looking for somebody to explain the differences between a 2 lamp fluorescent light fixture with Transformers in starters there are 25 watt I'm looking specifically for a wiring diagram

[@SignifyCompany]

Hi John, thanks for reaching out. Unfortunately, we mainly sell LED products now, but please visit our online product catalog to see what may be close to what you are searching for, and click the download button on the leaflet for the wiring details: philips.to/2Jov2BK Many thanks.

[@innexum]

Misleading title. He just tells you all yhe features of the different ballasts. Does not explain how they work or what they do.

[@mohanakrishnan786]

Can we use a 150 watt ballast with a 125 watt lamp (hpsv/mh/mv)

[@criseldaechano5273]

Hello, i have a question, what will if we use a non shunted lampholders to an instant start ballast?

[@SignifyCompany]

Hi Criselda :) the simple answer is yes! Instant Start ballasts can be wired to unshunted sockets using a specific wiring method.

[@criseldaechano5273]

PhilipsLighting , thank you for your prompt reply. But what I need to know is, what will happen if we did not shunt the unshunted lampholders for instant start ballast specifically the Philips ICN 2P32? (Sorry, my previous query was incomplete). Thank you again, hope to hear from you soon.

[@edgarskrumins4972]

I removed 4 brand new electric balsts from lamps to put LED lamps in.. and seved then instead tothrow away, now im searching where else can i use them.. diy 4ever! :D any ideas?

[@ahilmakkah6052]

Amazing! Thanks you

[@1LElife]

I literally bought a T12 today wtf

[@JQUICK21]

I have an older tanning bed and needed new ballast. Was told they only have the new Triad ballast like those in your video. I have no idea how to hook it up or wire it after removing the old style 10 pin ballast. Is there any videos for how to do this as a homeowner and not a commercial salon?

[@SignifyCompany]

Hi there, thanks for getting in touch. please consult our customer care team for further assistance: philips.to/2oTn0TK. Thanks!

[@xoltron_5]

Hello Philips, how long do electronic ballasts last for?

[@SignifyCompany]

Hello Xirexter and thank you for getting in touch. It depends on the ballast and its application (fixture type and environment). For a US Advance Optanium or Centium T8 ballast, expected life is typically 50,000 hours (B10) provided the ballast is operating below its rated case temperature. Life expectancy can decline significantly if temperature rises.

[@xoltron_5]

What if the light fixture is outside would that do anything?

[@SignifyCompany]

Life expectancy can decline significantly if temperature rises. So, temperature does have an effect.

[@AlmostReady504]

I've noticed all t12s in Lowe's say commercial. is it really the case? also the blue and red wires are different on the new electronic ballast compared to the magnetic one I'm replacing.

[@SignifyCompany]

Hi there! Thanks for reaching out. Please can you share your location with us, so we can offer you the best level of assistance?

[@mikeharris8365]

What type of ballast is the one in my 96 Ford Explorer? It has a ballast for the 3rd brake light

[@wolfietigerstripes3248]

If it was converted to an led 3rd brake light, it would have a ballast or in terms of an led, it is called a driver. If its incandescent that i wouldn't know why it would have a ballast/driver

[@mikeharris8365]

@@wolfietigerstripes3248 it has a ballast, it looks to be factory too 🤔

[@scottlund4562]

Uhhhh, what was that? I did not see the workings or schematics of a ballast, I did not learn how a ballast does what it does, I did not get my monies worth on this free video. PS, I clicked because of my respect for the brand name Phillips and perhaps that is why I am disappointed enough to comment this way.

[@iosef3337]

Yea.

[@SignifyCompany]

Hi there, thank you for your response to our video. We welcome your engagement. We are looking into this internally.

[@iosef3337]

+PhilipsLighting :'D

[@StudioCluiss]

scott lund Look man it was free information why are you complaining. Maybe if you want those things you should look elsewhere, not complain that your free info that you have paid absolutely zero for is not up to your standards

[@Kingoftehill]

scott lund read the title. “What is a ballast?” If you want to learn how a ballast works, search “how does a ballast work?”

[@LionelMessi-dz5iq]

Nice

[@shashikantgupta7822]

is ballasts used for smart LED lights

[@Rudofaux]

Both yes & no. Well depending on the LED unit. Some can operate on the ballast but there are some that don't use the ballast at all & only use the mains voltage. My recommendation is to bypass the ballast & hook up the mains, because you'll lose efficiency with the ballast regards of type (magnetic or electrical). I hope my answer is of some help.

[@0786RICARDO]

What about why is a ballast?

[@tomcat2095]

How to install fluorescent lights from scratch

[@SignifyCompany]

Hi Thomas, please have a look at this page where you'll find more info on Fluorescent lights philips.to/2v0GDia

[@ok88warrior]

By calling an electrician

[@FM-not-AM]

I have a single ballast, 2 tube fluorescent fixture. Is it possible to turn off one bulb with a pull chain switch after the ballast. IF SO... which wire do I put this switch? ... THANKS!

[@shardnugget]

no :(

[@fm00078]

Well Pooh, said Winnie. It's not a dimmer type. Guess I'll install a small LED for a nightlight through a pull chain over the kitchen sink. THANKS.

[@shardnugget]

The only way you can do it if it is pre heat Forgot the other ballast you can do it with to idk

[@shardnugget]

And i guess parallel start

[@fm00078]

Na... it'll much simpler to install a mini florescent or LED and pull chain. Little more work but simpler.... and changeable is needed. I've been getting seasonal end sales of white LED Christmas light string. Tho in time they slowly turn bluish. EH, they're dirt cheap, maybe $2.50 set of 25. THANKS

[@calholli]

So a ballast is just a transformer?

[@applefanXXX]

Very informative but at no point did it actually explain what a ballast does lol

[@louisperri6569]

by the way you can still by a magnetic t12 ballast, so He lies to

[@dallas5374]

Louis Perri why would you buy one though moron when you can buy an electronic that saves energy?

[@robertsitch1415]

Magnetic ballasts are only available as new old stock.

[@evilwatermelon99]

You didn’t even explain what they do

[@darryls8066]

Come on man get into the future. I recently found that the BEST thing to do is to toss the flourescent bulbs and ballast and install LED bulbs they make them to fit almost all older flourescent fixtures. You may have to swap the ends that hold the bulb but I did not they fit right in. Just remove the ballast and wire straight in like a normal bulb. Better light/cooler and lasts longer. Just so you know.

[@Biageziopx]

Led lamps sucks

[@jonathaneastwood2927]

They really are not lasting as long.

[@darryls8066]

@@jonathaneastwood2927 3 years and going strong. Instant on and much brighter than the flourescent bulbs and best of all NO ballast LOL. I got these at the light Bulb Depot store off Lafayette Ave in Nashville TN these are good! I am sure that there are some inferior brands out there, you may wish to look up the ones that they sell at the light bulb depot as it has been THREE YEARS and I don't remember the brand Good Luck

[@jonathaneastwood2927]

Hi Darryl, i am in the UK and there really is some awful junk on sale here now.

[@utah133]

A ballast is a heavy power-wasting old-school component, and it's electronic replacement is better.. But LED lights are much better than fluorescents.

[@The_Mad_King_Aerys]

Stays lighted??? Stays lit you mean.

[@dallas5374]

The mad king Aerys no dummy

[@taunteratwill1787]

@Signify "We are looking into this internally" Pompous language for one indiviual who maybe ones had something to do with Philips and now bored out of his skull had to make an obsolete video. lmfao No matter how you good you try to sell it, they all will be phased out for led lighting. Way ahead of inevitable future regulations, i replaced all the lights in my house, workshop and garden with led.

[@iosef3337]

Can anyone explains me it better?

[@scottlund4562]

iosef Pindo Perhaps if we click on a video that says, "Different types of ballasts", we can get an explanation of the way they work. (The title on this video is wrong in my opinion.)

[@SignifyCompany]

Hi there Scott, we have looked into this. Thank you for your response, we have taken your comments into consideration and will address accordingly. Please keep your eye out for new videos discussing ballasts in the early new year.

[@cloviscareca]

I love these technology. LED sucks

[@Naitrio]

LED doesn't suck, they are just boring.

[@cloviscareca]

Well in my opinion LED lighting is weird and makes really bad to my vision. Of couse, LEDs are great in keyboards, notebooks, smartphones, flashlight... But as a lightbulb (or any source of illumination where you spend hours), it sucks.

[@Naitrio]

Oh that's too bad. The only reason I use LED is for efficiency. Otherwise, I would definitely choose CFL or Fluorescent tubes. Especially ones with an inductor or magnetic ballast to get that cool flicker effect when it turns on.

[@cloviscareca]

In my apartament I just use old incandescent lamps. There are three of them here. One with 28w (bedroom), one with 105w (kitchen) and one with 70w (bathroom). Given the time they are turned on, it only adds up about US$ 1/month in my electricity bill. I prefer the old yellow incandescent lamps over fluorescents one.

[@Naitrio]

Wow only $1 a month extra? That is pretty surprising.

[@MrLiamHenderson]

1:50 Hahaha

[@Jonnyweareten]

"lit"

[@zhumusic-ng9tr]

Wait you never said what a ballists does lol.

[@SignifyCompany]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out. Ballasts have two main functions: starting the lamp and controlling lamp operation. Thank you!

[@parisraven7588]

converting amps and volts to watts? huh

[@laurajeanlansdowne1047]

Amps X Volts = Watts

[@jerrylansbury9558]

Nothing about how the " ballast " works !

[@SignifyCompany]

Hi there - thank you for your feedback. Here is a great article that breaks down how a ballast works. signify.co/3yU7N7u We hope this helps!

[@megadeth1763]

Got that right Michael [XFPA], and no matter how deep one goes into the knowledge of how things work it's still the most BORING subject. But as that saying goes, 'to each his own' I'm mad at myself for taking 4 min and 50 secs of my time watching bored crap that you never hear of in the daily lives of people, Why ?? Because its so boring !

[@dennisgranados7029]

Great video! I’m a lighting tech and this helps out very much. Especially for people that are new to lighting

[@lopiklop]

I have just moved into a house built in the 80s. the bathroom has a magnetic ballast. it's weird. it sounds really stupid, but it almost seems like there a psychic link to the light. 9 times out of 10 the light turns on at the exact same second that my urine is released. it sounds stupid, but it's happening. Hard to find any information on this sort of thing, at also without seemed full blown crazy.

[@QuaaludeCharlie]

Ballasts man , don't scrap these , they are worth more to People interested in Lighting a Space

[@fabiodejesuscamargoeletricista]

Very good this vídeo l love so conglatulation

[@xoltron_5]

Hello Philips, I have a question. Can you bypass the ballast and still be able to use CroPro Pl-C LED bulbs?

[@SignifyCompany]

Hi Xirexter, can you please confirm if it is the CorePro Pl‑C LED bulb that you are referring to? many thanks.

[@xoltron_5]

Yes, that’s it. Philips

[@muhammadkafeel9842]

speak urdu

[@starswordsaber]

I want to know how you can tell which ballast is better than the other ballast. I mean durability.

[@whtabtbob]

He said 208 and the cc showed 'to wait' lol

[@DilshadAlikhan21]

Very informative video.keep it up bro

[@piousminion7822]

You lost me at "converts volts and amps to watts". That not how it works. lol