Electronic ballasts (EBs) save a great deal of energy and offer maximum lighting comfort in an efficient lighting system. Thanks to their low energy consumption, they are at the top of the table of the European Energy Efficiency Index (EEI).

High-frequency operation saves energy

Discharge lamps always require ballasts. Where they are operated on EBs, they actually consume less energy than the manufacturer intended: they operate below their rated wattage. This is due to the way EBs work: they convert the incoming 50 Hertz (Hz) frequency of the line current and work with a high-frequency (HF) alternating voltage of 25 to 70 Kilohertz (kHz).

The following example shows the energy efficiency of EBs. A 58 W lamp operating on a A2 electronic ballast has a power input of just 50 W. The power loss of an EB amounts to 5 W. So the system as a whole consumes just 55 W – a saving of 23 percent compared to a system with a conventional ballast.

EU promotes EB use

The use of energy-saving, efficient ballasts is being encouraged by the European Union. Today, more than 40 percent of new or refurbished lighting installations are fitted with fluorescent lamps and EBs. Apart from considerable energy savings, which result in short pay-back times, the high frequency operation of discharge lamps on EBs also makes for a much better quality of lighting.