11 Products
Fluorescent & HID Light Ballasts – Magnetic, Electronic & Dimming Options
A ballast functions as an essential electrical component which controls voltage and current levels to enable proper ignition and operation of fluorescent and HID lamps. These lamps would consume excessive current and fail rapidly without the presence of a ballast. The ballast provides both the necessary high startup voltage and controls the steady-state operation to deliver safe and stable lighting.
Modern ballasts come in two main categories: magnetic (electromagnetic choke-based) and electronic (solid-state). Electronic ballast units are more compact, energy-efficient, flicker-free, and quieter than their magnetic predecessors, which are larger, heavier, and often buzz.
Beyond these types, advanced versions like instant-start, programmed-start, dimmable, hybrid, and emergency ballasts accommodate different startup behaviors, lamp life, dimming capabilities, and emergency lighting needs. The selection of appropriate ballasts represents a critical decision for both fluorescent system upgrades and HID fixture maintenance because it determines performance levels and ensures compliance and extends product lifespan.
💡Why is the right ballast important? The wrong ballast can shorten lamp life, cause flickering or buzzing, and lead to energy waste. A compatible high-quality ballast selection enhances performance and reduces maintenance needs while meeting all lighting safety standards.
Replacing a Ballast? It Might Be Time to Switch to Emergency Lighting
If you’re dealing with flickering lights, failing ballasts, or just tired of constant maintenance on your old fluorescent or HID fixtures, you’re not alone. A growing number of facility managers and building owners are replacing ballast-dependent lighting with modern LED emergency light fixtures—and for good reason.
These all-in-one units take the guesswork out of lighting upkeep. There’s no ballast to replace, no tubes to swap every few months—just reliable, long-lasting illumination with built-in battery backup. Whether the power goes out during a storm or there’s a need for code-compliant egress lighting, these fixtures are ready when it matters most.
Depending on where you’re installing them, you’ve got plenty of smart options:
- For outdoor areas like loading docks or stairwells, check out our wet-location area emergency lights—they’re weather-sealed and built to handle rain, snow, and humidity.
- Got a damp indoor space like a utility room or parking structure? Our damp-rated emergency light fixtures are made for those in-between environments where moisture is a factor.
- Want a more finished look for your building exterior? Browse our selection of commercial wall pack lights with integrated emergency lighting. They blend in while delivering full NFPA and OSHA compliance.
💡 Pro Tip: Replacing your old ballast setup with a modern emergency light doesn’t just save energy—it also cuts down on maintenance headaches and gives you peace of mind when the power goes out.
