A quick fix to get greener fixtures

Did you know ballasts can account for up to 20% of the energy consumption for a fixture? These are easy targets when looking for energy efficient lighting.

Ballast efficiency factor (BEF) is the most important consideration when determining the energy efficiency of a ballast. BEF is the ratio of ballast factor, or the light output of a specific lamp-ballast combination, to its input power (in watts). The higher the BEF, the less energy it requires, and the more environmentally friendly it is. Electronic ballasts are generally seen as the most efficient ones on the market today.

Government regulations will phase out magnetic ballasts over the next few years. Under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, all 150 to 500 watt metal halide lamp luminaires manufactured after January 1, 2009 must contain ballasts meeting efficiency levels of at least 88% for pulse-start ballasts and 94% for probe-start ballasts. In addition, magnetic ballasts can’t be manufactured after 2009.

Links and downloads

Energy Savings Tours
How to buy an energy efficient fluorescent ballast (PDF)
Electronic ballasts (PDF)
Lamp and ballast replacement for energy efficiency