Electronic Ballasts
Efficient, durable, reliable
Electronic ballasts are essential for the safe and efficient operation of fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), and discharge lamps. Compared to conventional ballasts (magnetic ballasts), electronic ballasts offer clear advantages: they operate flicker-free, consume up to 25% less energy, and extend the lifespan of your lamps. Whether for T5, T8 fluorescent tubes, or TC-L lamps – at WATT24 you'll find high-quality ballasts from leading manufacturers such as OSRAM, Philips, Tridonic, and Helvar.
As an electrician or facility manager, you benefit from easy installation, high switching durability, and the ability to dim many electronic ballasts. Our selection includes single-lamp to 4-lamp devices for different power ranges – from 18 W to 80 W. With the right electronic ballasts, you can sustainably optimize your lighting systems in offices, workshops, warehouses, or production halls.
€23.47 net €19.72
Immediately available
€25.54 net €21.46
Immediately available
€22.56 net €18.96
No longer available
€6.60 net €5.55
Immediately available
€30.73 net €25.82
Immediately available
€26.54 net €22.30
Immediately available
€21.52 net €18.08
Immediately available
€24.80 net €20.84
No longer available
€35.07 net €29.47
Immediately available
€30.65 net €25.76
Immediately available
€15.96 net €13.41
Immediately available
€39.78 net €33.43
Immediately available
€16.28 net €13.68 €21.18
Immediately available
€12.72 net €10.69
No longer available
€18.43 net €15.49
Immediately available
€45.61 net €38.33
Immediately available
€25.73 net €21.62
Immediately available
- Comprehensive advice & support
- over 10,000 articles in the shop
- Shipping in 24 hours
- thousands of satisfied customers
KATHRIN BRANDT
Employee Purchasing from TroisdorfGreat advice and friendly service. I was helped immediately and competently with any questions. Gladly again.
OMAR NASER
Office Manager from Frankfurt a.M.Goods are well packaged and arrive safely, which is important to me. My mail was answered immediately.
RAINER SEIDEL
Master carpenter from WiesbadenHad to replace a lamp, but the same was no longer available. Great advice, found a suitable replacement and delivered it quickly.
What is an Electronic Ballast?
An electronic ballast regulates the current limitation and ignition of gas discharge lamps such as fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent lamps, or metal halide lamps. Without a ballast, the discharge current would increase uncontrollably through impact ionization and damage the lamp.
Electronic ballasts operate with high-frequency technology (25–50 kHz) and convert the mains voltage into an optimized operating voltage. Compared to magnetic ballasts, electronic ballasts are significantly more efficient, smaller, and quieter. They enable flicker-free starting, reduce power consumption, and increase the efficiency of your lamps by up to 10%.
Advantages of Electronic Ballasts at a Glance
Electronic ballasts have become the standard in professional lighting technology. The advantages over conventional ballasts are clear:
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | Up to 25% less power consumption compared to conventional ballasts through high-frequency operation |
| Flicker-Free Operation | High-frequency operation (25–50 kHz) eliminates visible flickering – more comfortable for the eyes |
| Longer Lifespan | Soft start protects lamp electrodes and increases switching durability by up to 50% |
| Compact Design | Significantly smaller and lighter than conventional ballasts – easier installation even in confined spaces |
| No Humming | Silent operation without the typical 50 Hz humming of magnetic ballasts |
| Dimmability | Many electronic ballasts can be dimmed (analog 1-10 V or digital via DALI) |
| Safety Shutdown | Automatic shutdown when lamp fails prevents overheating |
| Emergency Operation Capable | Many models support DC operation for emergency lighting |
What Types of Electronic Ballasts Are There?
By Operating Mode
| Ballast Type | Features | Application Area |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Dimmable | Fixed light output, simple installation, affordable | Warehouses, parking garages, stairwells – wherever dimming is not required |
| Analog Dimmable (1-10 V) | Stepless dimming via control voltage 1–10 V, no standby losses | Offices, meeting rooms, workshops – flexible light control without bus system |
| Digital Dimmable (DALI) | Digital control via DALI bus, addressable, standby operation required | Large buildings, smart buildings – precise control with light management systems |
| Touch DIM | Dimming by briefly pressing the light switch (without dimming cable) | Retrofitting in existing buildings without additional wiring |
By Number of Output Channels
- Single-lamp: For one fluorescent lamp (e.g., 1x58 W T8)
- Dual-lamp: For two lamps in parallel (e.g., 2x18 W T5)
- 3- or 4-lamp: For multiple lamps in linear fixtures or troffer luminaires
How to Choose the Right Electronic Ballast
For your electronic ballast to function optimally, several parameters must match:
1. Lamp Type
Electronic ballasts are designed for specific lamp types. Check whether the ballast matches your lamps:
- T5 Lamps: Compact 16 mm tubes (e.g., 14 W, 21 W, 28 W, 35 W)
- T8 Lamps: Standard 26 mm tubes (e.g., 18 W, 36 W, 58 W)
- TC-L/TC-F (CFL): Compact fluorescent lamps with 2- or 4-pin base
- HID Lamps: Metal halide lamps (HQI, HQL, CDM) – require special ballasts
2. Power
The output power of the ballast must match the lamp power. Many ballasts support multiple power levels:
- Example: A ballast "1x18–40 W" can operate lamps from 18 W to 40 W
- Example: A ballast "2x54–58 W" is designed for two lamps with 54 W or 58 W each
3. Form Factor and Mounting Holes
Electronic ballasts come in different sizes. Important for retrofitting:
- Mounting hole spacing: Distance between mounting points (e.g., 160 mm, 220 mm, 290 mm)
- Width: Often 30 mm (for narrow mounting plates) or wider
- Tip: Our multi adapt 4.1 adapter plate facilitates installation with different hole spacings
4. Dimming Function
Decide whether you want dimming capability:
- Non-dimmable: Simple solution for fixed light intensity
- 1-10 V: Analog dimming without standby losses – ideal for workshops and offices
- DALI: Digital dimming with addressing – perfect for large installations
| Criterion | What to Look For? |
|---|---|
| Lamp Type | T5, T8, TC-L, HID – must match the ballast |
| Power | Ballast output power = lamp power (e.g., 58 W) |
| Number of Channels | Single-lamp, dual-lamp, 3-lamp, or 4-lamp |
| Form Factor | Mounting holes and width must fit the luminaire |
| Dimmability | Non-dimmable, 1-10 V, DALI, or Touch DIM |
| Manufacturer | OSRAM, Philips, Tridonic, Helvar – proven quality |
Upgrading from Conventional to Electronic Ballasts – How the Conversion Works
Upgrading from conventional ballasts to electronic ballasts is economically worthwhile – especially with long operating hours. The energy savings and longer lamp lifespan often pay for the investment within 1–2 years.
Important Steps for Upgrading:
- Check compatibility: Is the electronic ballast suitable for your lamp type (T5, T8, TC-L) and power?
- Check form factor: Does the ballast fit into the existing luminaire? (mounting holes, width)
- Remove starters: Electronic ballasts don't need starters – remove or replace with bridges
- Adjust wiring: Electronic ballasts have different terminal blocks than conventional ballasts – follow wiring diagram
- Function test: After installation, test function – ballast automatically turns on again after lamp replacement
Benefits of Upgrading at a Glance:
- 25% less energy consumption – saves electricity costs with long operating hours
- Longer lamp lifespan – reduces maintenance effort and material costs
- No more flickering – more comfortable for employees in offices and workshops
- Silent operation – no humming like old conventional ballasts
Frequently Asked Questions About Electronic Ballasts
Electronic ballasts operate with high-frequency technology (25–50 kHz) and are significantly more efficient than conventional ballasts (magnetic ballasts). Electronic ballasts consume up to 25% less energy, operate flicker-free and silently. Conventional ballasts, on the other hand, use a magnetic coil system that operates at 50 Hz, often hums, and generates more power loss.
No, only specially designed electronic ballasts are dimmable. There are analog dimmable ballasts (1-10 V) and digitally dimmable ballasts (DALI). Non-dimmable ballasts cannot be retrofitted. When purchasing, make sure the ballast is explicitly marked as "dimmable".
No, electronic ballasts ignite the lamp electronically – starters are not needed. When upgrading from conventional ballasts to electronic ballasts, old starters must be removed or replaced with bridges. Otherwise, the lamp cannot ignite.
High-quality electronic ballasts have a lifespan of 50,000 to 100,000 operating hours – with usage of 10 hours per day, that's approximately 13–27 years. The lifespan depends on quality, ambient temperature, and load. Electronic ballasts from brand manufacturers such as OSRAM, Philips, or Tridonic offer the highest reliability.
It depends on the LED tube. There are LED tubes for electronic ballast operation (retrofit) and those for direct connection (AC 230 V). LED tubes for ballast operation are marked with "ballast-compatible" or "VVG/EVG". When upgrading to LED, we recommend checking the existing operation and selecting the lamps accordingly.
Electronic ballasts contain electronic components and must not be disposed of in household waste. Take them to recycling centers, municipal collection points, or specialized disposal companies. Many hardware stores also accept old electronic ballasts free of charge and recycle them.
The number of "lamps" indicates how many lamps can be operated in parallel on one electronic ballast. A single-lamp ballast supplies one lamp, a dual-lamp ballast supplies two lamps. Multi-lamp ballasts are space-saving and often more efficient than multiple individual devices – however, all connected lamps must have the same power rating.
Proven manufacturers of electronic ballasts are OSRAM (QTP series), Philips (HF-Performer, HF-Regulator), Tridonic, Helvar, and TCI. These brands offer high-quality products, long lifespan, and comprehensive warranties. At WATT24, you'll find exclusively electronic ballasts from these leading manufacturers.
Buy Electronic Ballasts at WATT24
At WATT24, you'll find a wide range of electronic ballasts for every application – from compact single-lamp ballasts for individual fluorescent tubes to powerful 4-lamp devices for linear lighting systems. Whether for T5, T8, or TC-L lamps, whether dimmable or non-dimmable – we offer you ballasts from brand manufacturers such as OSRAM, Philips, Tridonic, and Helvar.
Why WATT24?
- Wide Selection: Over 100 different ballast models for all common lamp types
- Fast Delivery: Shipping within 24 hours for items in stock
- Expert Advice: Our lighting experts help you choose the right ballast
- Top Brands: Only quality from OSRAM, Philips, Tridonic, Helvar, TCI
- Fair Prices: Competitive rates for electricians and commercial customers
Typical Applications for Electronic Ballasts
- Offices and Administrative Buildings: Flicker-free light for concentrated work, dimmable ballasts for flexible light control
- Workshops and Production Halls: Robust ballasts for long operating hours, high switching durability
- Warehouses and Logistics Centers: Energy-efficient lighting with long maintenance intervals
- Parking Garages and Underground Parking: Reliable ballasts with automatic shutdown when lamp fails
- Schools and Educational Facilities: Dimmable ballasts for adjustable lighting conditions in classrooms
- Supermarkets and Retail: High-frequency operation for pleasant, sales-promoting light
Do you have more questions about electronic ballasts or need support with selection? Contact our lighting experts – we're happy to help!