t12 electronic ballast

[fireryan]

When changing out a t12 ballast to a t12 electronic ballast are you really seeing any energy savings? Isnt most of the energy savings coming into play when you are switching out to a t8 tube?

 

[tshea]

yes to both

 

[fireryan]

What energy savings are you seeing by just switching to a t12 electronic ballast?

 

[bob]

The ballast itself consumes wattage. Check the old ballast for wattage consumed. The electronic ballast consumption is near zero. You would be ahead to change the bulbs also. I am going on memory but 4 bulb t12 40w with 2 ballast consumes about 200 watts. 4 t8 consuption is about 112 watts.

 

[tshea]

GE Ballasts, 2 lamp, 120 volt, ballast factor .87:
2 lamp F34T12 magnetic ballast: system watts 93*
2 lamp F34T12 electronic ballast: system watts 63
2 lamp F32T8 electronic ballast: system watts 49

Source: GE Lamp & Ballast Catalog

*Note: no longer made. Also an educated guess based on current of .77 A * 120V = 92.4 watts.