What is a self ballasted light?

The term “self-ballasted” simply means that the bulb doesn’t require a ballast to manage the electricity flow. Self-ballasted CFL lightbulbs are self-contained and can be screwed in like traditional incandescent bulbs. Simple and convenient, self-ballasted CFLs are the new go-to for standard lighting requirements.

Are LED bulbs self ballasted?

No LED bulbs require a ballast, although some are engineered to work with an existing ballast. You will find ballast-compatible or “plug-and-play” LEDs that are designed to replace linear fluorescents, compact fluorescents, or HIDs. Incandescent and halogen lamps do not require a ballast.

What is a F32T8 lamp?

A regular lamp size will look like this: F32T8. This means a T8 lamp is 8/8ths of an inch in diameter, or 1 inch. A T12 is 12/8ths of an inch, or 1.5″ in diameter. A T5 is 5/8″ in diameter. All F32 and F40 lamps are essentially 4 foot long lamps (47″ if you don’t count the pins).

What does a ballast do?

In a fluorescent lighting system, the ballast regulates the current to the lamps and provides sufficient voltage to start the lamps. Without a ballast to limit its current, a fluorescent lamp connected directly to a high voltage power source would rapidly and uncontrollably increase its current draw.

What is the difference between a ballast and a driver?

Fluorescent ballasts provide an initial spike of high voltage, generating an arc that travels from cathode to anode within the discharge tube. LED drivers convert high voltage, ac current into the low voltage, direct current that LEDs are designed to run on.

What type of lamp are light emitting diodes or LEDs?

LED lamps are often made with arrays of surface mount LED modules that replace incandescent or compact fluorescent lamps, mostly replacing incandescent lamps rated from 0.5 to 200 watts. A significant difference from other light sources is that the light is more directional, i.e., emitted as a narrower beam.

What does T8 stand for?

What does “T8” mean? The “T” designation in fluorescent lamp nomenclature stands for tubular — the shape of the lamp. The number immediately follow- ing the T gives the diameter of the lamp in eighths of an inch.

What does the F stand for in bulbs?

F = type of lighting. 32 = wattage. T8 = shape. “F” stands for fluorescent, which is the type of lighting.

What is the difference between CFL and fluorescent?

CFL is an acronym that stands for compact fluorescent light. Standard fluorescent lights are available in tubes (generally 48 to 84 inches in length). CFLs are much smaller. Fluorescent bulbs produce light by converting ultraviolet emissions with a fluorescent coating on the inside of the tube.

What does a “self-ballasted” led mean?

What is a self ballasted light bulb? The term “self-ballasted” simply means that the bulb doesn’t require a ballast to manage the electricity flow. Self-ballasted CFL lightbulbs are self-contained and can be screwed in like traditional incandescent bulbs.

What exactly is A GU24 base bulb?

The GU24 is a t-pin socket, usually containing two pins at the bottom that you line up with the base of the lighting fixture, twist, and then click into place. The Medium Base Socket, or Edison Screw, is threaded so a simple screw motion is required to get one in place.

What is a fluorescent light ballast?

Fluorescent light ballasts are the devices which run fluorescent lighting systems. They start the lamp and keep it operating through the proper application of the voltages and maintaining the life of the lamp. It’s typically located in the center of the light fixture under a metal cover.

What is electrical ballast?

An electrical ballast is a device placed in line with the load to limit the amount of current in an electrical circuit. It may be a fixed or variable resistor.