skip to main content

Growing under Lights

fluorescent fixtures, ballasts and safe circuit capacity

17 years ago

A simple (I hope) question arising out of my limited knowledge of ballasts in fluorescent light fixtures . . .

In determining the load that a fluorescent fixture contributes on a circuit, does the ballast figure in? That is, the load from 36 40W bulbs would just meet the safe "constant use" (80%) threshhold on a 15A circuit, but what about the ballasts in the fixtures? If ballasts make a contribution, where is the information to calculate it?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

zink
17 years ago
ez,

Here is the extra power consumed by the ballasts. These figures are per each bulb:

Magnetic Ballast(40w) = 6.0 watts
Electronic Ballast Rapid Start (32w) = 3.5 watts
Electronic Ballast Instant Start (32w) = 2.5 watts

Zink
turtlegreen
17 years ago
Also, the amps that the ballast draws is always printed on the ballast case. In the case of the HD Sunpark ballasts, it's 1.0 amp. And that's probably a maximum figure at startup.

Related Stories

LIGHTING 5 Questions to Ask for the Best Room Lighting

By Karen LeBlanc Design TV Host & Writer/Blogger

Get your overhead, task and accent lighting right for decorative beauty, less eyestrain and a focus exactly where you want

LIGHTING What to Know About Switching to LED Lightbulbs

By Karen Egly-Thompson

If you’ve been thinking about changing over to LEDs but aren't sure how to do it and which to buy, this story is for you

LIGHTING The Lowdown on High-Efficiency LED Lighting

By Karen LeBlanc Design TV Host & Writer/Blogger

Learn about LED tapes, ropes, pucks and more to create a flexible and energy-efficient lighting design that looks great

MOST POPULAR How to Get the Closet of Your Dreams

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Do you cringe every time you open your closet door? It may be time for a makeover

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Install a Dimmer Switch

By Mary Jo Bowling

New project for a new year: Take control of your lighting to set the right mood for entertaining, dining and work

FUN HOUZZ 31 True Tales of Remodeling Gone Wild

By Mitchell Parker

Drugs, sex, excess — the home design industry is rife with stories that will blow your mind, or at least leave you scratching your head

BATHROOM DESIGN 4 Secrets to a Luxurious Bathroom Look

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Give your bathroom a finished feel with a few splurges and budget-stretching moves

REMODELING GUIDES 10 Tips to Maximize Your Whole-House Remodel

By Ventana Construction LLC

Cover all the bases now to ensure many years of satisfaction with your full renovation, second-story addition or bump-out

REMODELING GUIDES Home Elevators: A Rising Trend

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

The increasing popularity of aging in place and universal design are giving home elevators a boost, spurring innovation and lower cost

BATHROOM DESIGN Warm Up Your Bathroom With Heated Floors

By Tiffany Carboni

If your bathroom floor is leaving you cold, try warming up to an electric heating system

Sponsored

CHC & Family Developments

4 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Franklin County, Ohio

More Discussions

Agrobrite bulb FLC27D 27W 5400K 120V 60Hz: suitable 4 seed starting?

0

Anyone use heat mats for cuttings?

9