Whenever the topics of "energy-efficient lighting" or "visual ergonomic standards" are discussed, talk soon turns to electronic operating devices. Together with innovative lamps, they form a powerful, energy-saving duo.

Incandescent lamps and high-voltage halogen lamps (230 V) operate directly on mains voltage. Other lamps require operating devices:

• low-pressure and high-pressure discharge lamps work only with ballasts
• low-voltage halogen lamps require transformers
• lamps operated by magnetic ballasts also need starters and capacitors.
• high-pressure discharge lamps additionally require igniters.
  
  

Operating devices play a major role in the advances made by lighting technology. For example, electronic ballasts (EBs) have paved the way for dimmer control of fluorescent lamps. Operating devices thus not only improve lighting quality but also save energy and reduce operating costs.