No, a fluorescent light fitting with a 4xT8 2' 18W tube and a 48W ballast does not use all the 120W when running.
A transformer changes the amperage and / or voltage. It literally "Transforms" electrical energy. A ballast is like a capacitor. Think of a ballast as a short-term battery. It stores power then releases it as needed. A common example of a ballast is on fluorescent lights. Initially, a fluorescent light needs a big blast of energy to excite the gas molecules into emitting photons (light). Then it only needs a small amount of energy to keep the gas molecules in an excited state. However, that power has to be of consistent amperage and voltage. The ballast is designed to do that. The electrical ballast stores energy in the same way that a water ballast stores water for stability. Because the electrical ballast stores far more power than the device it regulates requires, it too provides a kind of electrical stability. That's why you often see a fluorescent light flicker or "lose stability" when the ballast starts to go bad. A transformer transforms voltage and amperage up or down. A ballast provides a stabile power supply.
Fluorescent light bulbs can not be connected to a constant voltage power supply, or they will self destruct. They must use a ballast in order for this not happening. This way they can operate under 430 mA, with a drop of 100 volts. The larger the bulb, the more voltage needed (going all the way up to 1.5 A).
Well.. the difference is that fluorescent light isn't natural and natural light isn't fluorescent . its not rocket science (:
Electronic Ballast plays a important part in lights.We need a Ballast Tester to test the electronic ballast performance of a fluorescent light fixture. This is a basic process that can be accomplished quickly once you understand the operation of the high voltage transformer. The high voltage transformer is also encased in an oil bath that reduces the heat created by the action of the transformer. A low voltage, generally 120 VAC, is transformed into a high voltage, generally in thousands of volts. There must be a continuity between the wires of the high voltage side in order for the circuit to operate correctly. Heat can damaged the internal connections of the ballast. By using a volt ohmmeter the internal circuit can be quickly checked. Not only in the voltage, but also in the current and others factors. If you want to learn more details about electronic ballast and relevant instruments, see the related link.
Electronic Ballast plays a important part in lights.We need a Ballast Tester to test the electronic ballast performance of a fluorescent light fixture. This is a basic process that can be accomplished quickly once you understand the operation of the high voltage transformer. The high voltage transformer is also encased in an oil bath that reduces the heat created by the action of the transformer. A low voltage, generally 120 VAC, is transformed into a high voltage, generally in thousands of volts. There must be a continuity between the wires of the high voltage side in order for the circuit to operate correctly. Heat can damaged the internal connections of the ballast. By using a volt ohmmeter the internal circuit can be quickly checked. Not only in the voltage, but also in the current and others factors. If you want to learn more details about electronic ballast and relevant instruments, see the related link.
If you mean the ballast in a fluorescent light fitting where the ballast is wired in series with the tube, the answer is "No". Explanation: If no tube is in place, the light fitting's circuit is "open" so there is nothing to take any current from the "hot" supply wire and return it to the "neutral" wire.
If the ballast on a fluorescent light blows the lamp will not work.
No. You are not.
mercury
You have a failing bulb or ballast.
A ballast is an electrical component used with a fluorescent bulb (or mercury vapor lamp or arc lamp) to conduct electricity at each end of the tube. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are dependent on ballast because they use a gas to create light. when the gas is excited by electricity, it emits invisible ultraviolet light that hits the white coating inside the fluorescent bulb. The coating changes the ultraviolet light into light you can see.
No, the ballast's output is not matched to operate a fluorescent bulb.
Normally its the ballast that's different. Use an electronic ballast rather than a magnetic.
you need to replace a ballast
Fluorescent light replacement is easy as replacing light bulbs. Slowly twist the fluorescent until the lead of each end aligned to the path of ejection/insertion. Or just simply stretch both end of fluorescent ballast then remove/insert the fluorescent light.
only regular lights like in ur house if u want to dimm a fluorescent light u have to change out the ballast to a dimmable ballast
These tubes need a ballast to operate the tubes. The current and voltage will be marked on the fixtures ballast.