Metal Halide Ballast Kits

Metal halide ballasts work by converting a range of electrical voltages into optimal charges to initiate and sustain the electrical arcs that provide illumination in gas-discharge lights. Fluorescent ballasts use energy more efficiently than incandescent lights by converting between 20 and 30 percent of electrical output into light. Fluorescent lamps last up to 18 times longer than incandescent lights and continue to deliver up to 80 percent of their initial light throughout the bulb's life cycle. Modern ballasts operate at higher cycling rates than older equipment, so you get less humming and flickering than was common with older fluorescent technology.

Choosing the Right Ballast

Designs and functions are different for each type of lamp, so choose the right ballast based on the lamp's ANSI rating, start method, bulb type and ballast factor. Fluorescent lamps can deliver a range of lumen outputs, and ballasts control how bright the actual output will be. Modern ballasts can often work with more than one type of lamp by allowing voltages that range from 100 volts to 300 volts.

Comparing Lighting Options

Compare lighting requirements to see whether you can use one type of ballast for multiple lamps to simplify ordering or whether it makes better sense to stock specific ballasts for each application to save energy and extend bulb life. The federal government is gradually phasing out incandescent lighting, so installing more energy-efficient lamps is becoming increasingly more essential for home and business owners.