Electronic ballasts are sophisticated equipment for managing electric currents in fluorescent lamps among many lighting types. It can do so by employing transistors and integrated circuits among the electronic parts used in regulating the current flow of electricity. Consequently, it will become an energy-saving device in comparison to magnetic ballasts. Electronic ballasts therefore help decrease the power of the lamp consumed and heat evolution. Additionally, they also aid in eliminating flicker, as created from older ballasts. They therefore offer stable smoother light output. Additionally, the electronic ballasts have other features including direct dimming capabilities and extended lamp life because of current being under good regulation control.
CFLs require a particular ballast to their wattage range, for instance, 11 watts or 18 watts. The Ballast for CFL is a critical ballast because it serves as the one which starts the lamp through the generation of high voltage that causes gas ignition within the lamp after which turns the lamp on, managing to regulate the current to always keep the lamp turned on and running smoothly and stably upon ignition. Only when there is good matching of ballast is performance delivered. Luminaires may flicker, lamp life reduced, or even fail to start due to an inappropriate ballast. These balasts are designed to be compact and will fit inside the CFL fixture without interfering with the lamp's operation.
A balast is used for signage and aesthetic applications, particularly for neon tubes or LED modules. Ballasts used in neon signs transform a higher voltage to excite the neon gas present in the tubes, and this leads to the bright, colorful glow. Since neon signs are usually installed outdoor in the exterior display advertisements, the ballasts which are applied to neon signs must withstand the outdoor environment. The ballast controls the current forwarded to the LED lights in order to have the correct brightness and color temperature in LED sign boards. This is also because the type of ballast also influences the general appearance as well as the reliability of the sign. Hence, it is advisable to choose one matching the specific requirements of the signage.