Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: deucejmp, Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Asked on: Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 9:22 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 3:42 am EDT
Question: Hi,I have ten 26 year old 2' x 4' flourescent troffers with T12 magnetic ballasts (4 lamps & 2 ballasts each) in my basement. Over the last year or so the ballasts are all starting to fail.I'm retrofitting the troffers over to T8 ballasts and lamps. My plan was to start tonight with the 3 ballasts I picked up today--maybe do 3 a week over the next few weekends.I was choosing between two GE electronic models. They're in the same case. One was GE432-120RES-DIY, said "residential electronic ballast" and is Class B 120V single tap. The other was GE432MV-N-DIY, said "high-performance electronic ballast" and is Class A 120-277.I choose the "high performance" one. The load with 4 lamps is only 0.9 A @120V as opposed to almost twice that with the regular "residential" one. (the load per lamp with the "residential" ballast was only slightly less than the existing T12 ballasts) The previous owner skimped on the electrical when the basement was finished in 1985 and the circuits tend to get full, so taking 2 A off each 15A circuit will help get the load cut down.After tearing off the plastic on the first one, the folded up paper from GE fell out and up on reading, it states several times "This ballast should only be installed in a commercial invironment. Do not install this ballast in a residential environment."Can anyone explain why the literature states this and why I shouldn't install this ballast in a residential basement?Thanks!
Reasons for Warning Against Residential Use
High Harmonics
Class A ballasts produce higher levels of harmonic distortion, which can interfere with electronic devices and sensitive equipment in residential environments.
RFI/EMI Interference
Class A ballasts can emit radio frequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can disrupt wireless devices and cause noise on audio/video systems.
Flicker
Class A ballasts may exhibit more flicker than Class B ballasts, which is undesirable for residential environments where flicker can be annoying.
Low Crest Factor
Class A ballasts have a lower crest factor, meaning they draw a spikier waveform from the power supply. This can strain the electrical system and reduce its efficiency.
Why It May Still Be Suitable for Your Basement
Commercial-Grade Construction
The GE432MV-N-DIY ballast is designed for commercial environments, which typically have higher electrical capacity and are less susceptible to interference.
Basement Environment
Basements are typically less sensitive to RFI/EMI and flicker than other residential areas.
Electrical Capacity
The low load of this ballast (0.9 A) may be acceptable for your 15A circuits, especially if you are taking other measures to reduce the load on those circuits.
Recommendations: Consider installing a Class B ballast if you are concerned about potential interference or flicker in your basement. If you do install the Class A ballast, monitor your electrical system for any signs of strain or interference. If you experience any problems, consider switching to a Class B ballast or reducing the number of lamps used with the Class A ballast.Ultimately, the decision of whether to use the Class A ballast in your residential basement depends on your specific circumstances and preferences. If you are not concerned about RFI/EMI, flicker, or electrical capacity, then the GE432MV-N-DIY ballast may be a suitable option. However, if you are concerned about these issues, it is best to use a Class B ballast. Flag for review