When light bulbs were a new invention, a device was placed within the bulbs. The purpose of this device was to limit the amount of current in an electrical circuit. This device is known as a Ballast. If this was not used in the light bulbs and T8 light bulbs (tube Lights), there remained a risk of current rising to a destructive level. Ballast is still used in bulbs and tube lights to avoid current rise in the lights. Metal halide, mercury vapor, and HID are also the prime examples of lights using ballasts.
There are two main types of ballasts; magnetic ballast and electric Ballast (aka Electronic Ballast) and we will review both.
Magnetic Ballast
Magnetic ballasts are basically inductors that provide the proper starting and operating electrical condition to power certain lamps. The work as a transformer, providing clean and specific power. Invented in the 1960’s, they say big usage in the 70-90s. They are seen in Metal Halide, mercury vapory, florescent lamps, neon lamp, or High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps. Almost all major parking lot lights and street lights used this technology for about 30 years before LED started taking over around 2010.
Electric Ballast
In an electric ballast, an electric circuit is used to limit the load or amount of current. The electronic ballast attempted to maintain a more stable and precise current flow compared to the magnetic ones. These became popular in the 90s and through today where they are still installed. Believe it or not, even in 2017, some people are not buying LED light bulbs and still choosing old technologies.
Function of a Ballast
A ballast regulates the current to the lamps and provides sufficient voltage to start the lamps. Lamps have no regulator and can draw too much or too little power on their own. The ballast makes sure that the amount of current being provided to the lamp is not more than the specification of the light. Without a ballast, a lamp or a bulb will rapidly increase its current draw and it can become uncontrollable as well.
When a ballast is present in a lamp, the power becomes stable, and even if such lamps are connected to high power sources, the ballast will regulate the energy and avoid the current rise.
Why LEDs don’t use a Ballast
LEDs don’t need a ballast because of a number of reasons. First, large amounts of current aren’t needed in LED bulbs. Also, the LEDs typically use Direct current (DC) and thus need an AC to DC converter. This is why when retrofitting to LED Corn Light Bulbs you need to direct wire the socket. Lastly, the size of LEDs is much smaller than bulbs and tube lights, which leaves no extra space for a ballast to fit in. LED drivers can be engineered to be much smaller. Some technicians also believe that the absence of a ballast make LEDs energy efficient and they provide better light.
The real answer here is that LEDs use a driver, which does many of the same things as a ballast but operates much more effectively.
What is an LED Driver
An LED driver is an electrical device which regulates the power to an LED light. It has the capacity to regulate power to a single LED Light or strings of LEDs. An LED driver responds effectively to the changing power needs of the LED. The driver provides constant and uniform levels of power to the LED as its electrical properties change with temperature. LED drivers may become dim by means of pulse width modulation circuits and may have more than one channel for individual control of different LEDs. The power level of the LEDs is maintained at a constant level and it is done by the LED driver. The LED driver acts in the same way as the ballast but it is more efficient.
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I'm Dara Greaney, an expert in lighting technology and its historical evolution, particularly in the context of electrical circuits and illumination devices. With a deep understanding of the principles behind lighting systems and their components, I can shed light on the intricate details of ballasts, their types, and their role in various lighting technologies.
The article touches upon the crucial role played by ballasts in the early days of light bulb technology, emphasizing their significance in regulating current and preventing destructive levels of electricity. It correctly highlights that ballasts are still in use today, especially in specific types of lights like Metal Halide, mercury vapor, and High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps.
The distinction between magnetic ballasts, developed in the 1960s and widely used in the 70-90s, and electric ballasts (or electronic ballasts) introduced in the 90s is clearly articulated. Magnetic ballasts function as inductors, while electric ballasts utilize an electric circuit to limit current, aiming for a more stable flow compared to their magnetic counterparts.
The article successfully communicates the primary function of a ballast, which is to regulate the current to lamps, ensuring that it remains within the specified range. The absence of a ballast in lamps is highlighted as a potential risk, as it may lead to uncontrolled current rise and subsequent damage.
An intriguing aspect of the article addresses why LED bulbs don't use ballasts. It correctly points out that LEDs require lower current levels, typically operate on Direct Current (DC), and utilize LED drivers instead of ballasts. The information provided on LED drivers explains their role in regulating power to LED lights, ensuring constant and uniform levels even as electrical properties change with temperature. The comparison between LED drivers and traditional ballasts highlights the efficiency of LED drivers.
In conclusion, the article showcases a comprehensive understanding of lighting technology, especially the role of ballasts, and provides valuable insights into the transition from older technologies to LED lighting. It demonstrates a depth of knowledge that spans historical context, technological advancements, and practical applications in the field of lighting.
