T5 Ballast Guide
Non-dimming & Dimming Ballasts
Vode lighting systems accommodate many different ballast
types, i.e. instant start, programmed start, dimming, emergency.
If required ballast type is not listed here, please contact your
local Vode agent or the factory directly.
Dimming Ballasts
Dimming ballasts are 120-277v electronic, thermally protected
Class P and Sound Rated A. Three general dimming ballast types
available: 3-wire control, 0-10v control and multi-input digital.
Depending on availability of the products listed below, Vode may
Non-dimming Ballasts
supply other manufacturers ballast that meet the same or similar
Depending on availability of the products listed below, Vode
specification.
may supply other manufacturers ballast that meet the same or
•
3-wire control is a line-voltage phase control dimming
method. Along with Hot and Neutral, the dimming signal
similar specification.
is communicated via a third wire called Dimmed Hot. All
Programmed Start, non-dimming
Vode code: A
Programmed-start for all T5 lamps
three wires are rated Class 1 and can be run within the same
conduit. 3-wire control is stable over long wire runs, allows
for maximum circuit loading, and is very easy to wire.
Vode normally supplies Osram Sylvania’s Quicktronic Professional or HighEfficiency ballasts. Programmed rapid start electronic, voltage range 120277v or 347v, 50/60Hz, high power factor, thermally protected Class P, sound
rated A, minimum start temperature 0°F/-18°C, UL and CSA listed. Bal¬last
factor 1.0. To ensure full-rated lamp life, programmed rapid start design
preheats lamp cathodes for approximately 1.2 seconds before applying full arc
voltage. Ideal for system designs with occupancy sensor and/or other controls
where lamp may cycle more than 15K times over the rated lamp life.
• Maximum remote distance from furthest socket is 18’ (5486mm).
• This ballast is normally used with integral ballast housing or remote
ballast housing for non-dimming applications. This ballast is not
compatible with ballast in Vode j-box (JR & JS).
For more information on Osram Sylvania’s Quicktronic Professional or HighEfficiency ballasts please visit: http://www.sylvania.com/en-us/products/
ballasts/Pages/default.aspx
Instant Start, non-dimming
Vode code: I
Instant-start for 14w/21w/28w/35w HE and 24w/39w/54w/80w HO T5
lamps
For these lamps Vode normally supplies Fulham Workhorse ballasts. Instant
start electronic, voltage specific in 120v or 277v (230v or 347v not available),
50/60Hz, high power factor, thermally protected Class P, sound rated A,
minimum start temperature -20°F/-29°C, UL and CSA listed. Instant-start
technology applies full-arc voltage instantly immediately striking lamp. This
ballast is not recommended in applications with more than 15K starts over the
rated lamp life.
• Maximum distance from furthest socket is 3’ (914mm).
• This ballast is normally used with ballast in Vode j-box (JR & JS)
applications.
• However, depending on lamp wattage, it can be used with integral ballast
housing and all remote applications within the maximum allowable
distance.
For more information on Fulham Workhorse please visit: http://www.fulham.
com/Detail_Ballasts.php?ID=WH2-120-C
•
0-10v control is an analog low-voltage DC dimming method.
•
Multi-input digital is a wired communication technology
that facilitates individual ballast addressing, connection of
multiple control devices and control of ballasts individually
or in groups.
Lutron Ecosystem, 10% dimming
Vode code: E
EcoSystem® multiple control input ballast for 14w/21w/28w/35w HE and
24w/39w/54w HO T5 lamps
Continuous, flicker-free dimming from 100% to 10%. Digital dimming
electronic, voltage range 120-277v, 50/60Hz (347v not available), high power
factor, thermally protected Class P, sound rated A, minimum start temperature
50°F/10°C, UL listed and CSA certified. Ballast factor 1.0. 100% compatible
with all Lutron 3-wire fluorescent controls (neutral, switched hot, dimmed
hot) and EcoSystem digital controls (neutral, constant hot, control E1, control
E2) such as EcoSystem® Bus Supply, GRAFIK Eye® QS control unit and
Quantum® software. Provides power for and responds to one occupancy
sensor, one photo sensor, and one personal control input (infrared receiver or
wallstation). Integral sensor connection provides power and signal input for
one occupancy sensor, one photo sensor, and one personal control (infrared
receiver or wallstation). Communicates status and sensor inputs over the
EcoSystem digital link. To ensure full-rated lamp life while dimming and cycling,
programmed rapid start design preheats lamp cathodes before applying full arc
voltage. Lamps turn on to any dimmed level (without flashing to full brightness.)
• Maximum remote distance from furthest socket is 7’ (2134mm).
• This ballast is normally used with integral ballast housing or remote
ballast.
• This ballast is not compatible with ballast in Vode j-box (JR & JS).
For more information on Lutron EcoSystem please visit: http://www.lutron.
com/Products/FluorescentBallasts/EcoSystemBallasts/Pages/Overview.aspx
(Dimming Ballasts cont. next page)
21
T5 Ballast Guide
Non-dimming & Dimming Ballasts
Dimming Ballasts (cont.)
Lutron Hi-lume 3D, 1% dimming
Vode code: H
Hi-lume® 3D digitally addressable ballast for 14w/21w/28w HE and
24w/39w/54w/ HO T5 lamps
Continuous, flicker-free dimming from 100% to 1%. Digital or phasecontrol dimming electronic, voltage range 120-277v, 50/60Hz (347v not
available), high power factor, thermally protected Class P, sound rated A,
minimum start temperature 50°F/10°C, UL listed and CSA certified. Ballast
factor 1.0. 100% compatible with all Lutron 3-wire fluorescent controls
(neutral, switched hot, dimmed hot) and EcoSystem digital controls
(neutral, constant hot, control E1, control E2) such as EcoSystem® Bus
Supply, GRAFIK Eye® QS control unit and Quantum® software. To ensure
full-rated lamp life while dimming and cycling, programmed rapid start
design preheats lamp cathodes before applying full arc voltage. Lamps turn
on to any dimmed level without flashing to full brightness.
• Maximum remote distance from furthest socket is 7’ (2134mm).
• This ballast is normally used with integral ballast housing or remote
ballast.
• This ballast is not compatible with ballast in Vode j-box (JR & JS).
For more information on Lutron Hi-Lume 3D please visit: http://www.
lutron.com/Products/FluorescentBallasts/Hi-Lume3D/Pages/Overview.
aspx
Lutron Ecosystem H-Series, 1% dimming
Vode code: J
H-Series digitally addressable ballast for 14w/21w/28w HE and
24w/39w/54w HO T5 lamps
Lower-cost, continuous, flicker-free dimming from 100% to 1%. Digital
dimming electronic, voltage range 120-277v, 50/60Hz (347v not available),
high power factor, thermally protected Class P, sound rated A, minimum
start temperature 50°F/10°C, UL listed and CSA certified. Ballast factor
1.0. 100% compatible with EcoSystem digital controls (neutral, constant
hot, control E1, control E2) such as Lutron Energi Savr Node(TM) with
EcoSystem unit, GRAFIK Eye® QS control unit, PowPak(TM) dimming
module with EcoSystem unit, and Quantum® software. To ensure fullrated lamp life while dimming and cycling, programmed rapid start design
preheats lamp cathodes before applying full arc voltage. Lamps turn on to
any dimmed level without flashing to full brightness.
• Maximum remote distance from furthest socket is 7’ (2134mm).
• This ballast is normally used with integral ballast housing or remote
ballast.
• This ballast is not compatible with ballast in Vode j-box (JR & JS).
0-10v, 1% dimming (for HE lamps)
Vode code: F
0-10v analog dimming ballasts for 14w/21w/28w/35w T5 HE lamps
Vode normally supplies Universal Lighting Technologies’ SuperDim ballasts.
Depending on availability, Vode may from time to time supply ballasts from other
manufacturers that meet the same or similar specification. Continuous, flickerfree dimming from 100% to 3%. Compatible with most 0-10v DC control systems.
Check with controls manufacturer to ensure compatibility with this ballast. 0-10v
dimming electronic, voltage range 120-277v (347v not available), 50/60Hz,
high power factor, thermally protected Class P, sound rated A, minimum start
temperature 50°F/10°C, UL listed and CSA certified.
• Maximum remote distance from furthest socket is 6’ (1829mm).
• This ballast is normally used with integral ballast housing or remote ballast.
• This ballast is not compatible with ballast in Vode j-box (JR & JS).
For more information on Universal Lighting Technologies’ SuperDim ballasts
please visit: http://www.universalballast.com/techSupport/application-notes/
superdim/index.html
0-10v, 1% dimming (for HO lamps)
Vode code: F
0-10v analog dimming ballasts for 54w/80w T5 HO lamps
Vode normally supplies Philips Advance Mark 7 ballasts. Continuous, flicker-free
dimming from 100% to 1%. Compatible with most 0-10v DC control systems.
Check with controls manufacturer to ensure compatibility with this ballast. 0-10v
dimming electronic, voltage specific 120v or 277v (240 and 347v not available),
50/60Hz, high power factor, thermally protected Class P, sound rated A, minimum
start temperature 50°F/10°C, UL listed and CSA certified.
• This ballast can ONLY be used with integral ballast housing with minimal arm
length (1.25”). Can not be remote mounted.
• This ballast is not compatible with ballast in Vode j-box (JR & JS).
For more information please visit: http://www.usa.lighting.philips.com/connect/
tools_literature/additional-literature/electronic-fluorescent4.wpd
For more information on Lutron H-Series please visit: http://www.lutron.
com/Products/FluorescentBallasts/EcoSystemH-SeriesBallasts/Pages/
Overview.aspx
22
T5 Ballast Guide
Non-dimming, Dimming Ballasts and Emergency Ballasts
Additional Information
More about Lutron...
Vode is an OEM fixture partner with Lutron.
5-year limited warranty with Lutron field service commissioning (3-year
standard warranty) from date of purchase. All Lutron ballast and driver
warranty claims should be made through Lutron Electronic Company.
Lutron Technical Documentation and Support Overview
http://www.lutron.com/Service-Support/Technical/Pages/Overview.aspx
Lutron’s Technical Guide for Fluorescent Dimming Systems
http://www.lutron.com/TechnicalDocumentLibrary/366-606_FDS_TG.pdf
(cont. next page)
Commercial Systems Limited Warranty
http://www.lutron.com/ResourceLibrary/warranty/Limited%20Comm.pdf
Ballast/Driver Three Year Limited Warranty
http://www.lutron.com/TechnicalDocumentLibrary/Ballast%20and%20
Driver%20Warranty.pdf
Lutron technical assistance 24/7 +1-800-523-9466
Technical sheets on Technical Sheet for Fulham WorkHorse 2
Ways to Obtain Seasoned Lamps:
•
Operate new lamps continuously (time period might include a weekend or
holiday)
• Remove lamps with over 100 hours of use from another (non-dimmed) area;
re-install in dimming area
• Many contractors and facilities personnel use a lamp burn-in station to build
an inventory of properly seasoned lamps.
Contact the lamp manufacturer for their recommendations on lamp seasoning.
As a general guideline, NEMA recommends 12 hours of operation at full intensity
before dimming. See NEMA LSD 23-2010 “Recommended Practice - Lamp
Seasoning for Fluorescent Dimming Systems.”
Emergency Ballast
Emergency ballasts allow luminaires to operate in battery
mode during a power outage. Standard Vode emergency
ballasts provide reduced lumen output to one lamp for a
minimum of 90 minutes and operate at 120-347v.
Electrical
90º C Wire required for supply connection to ballast or Vode power harness.
Check local codes for maximum load allowed per circuit. All ballasts are
provided with NEC compliant luminaire disconnect.
Prewiring
Multi-rail, integral ballast systems delivered with factory-installed wiring
harnesses and quick-connects. Vode wiring harnesses are supplied with #12
AWG type THHN wire for branch circuits. For luminaires to accommodate
special circuits such as emergency, daylight sensors, etc. in-field wiring is
required.
Lamp Life
Lamp life of fluorescent lamps is defined as the time for which the lamp can
operate within its performance specification, i.e. produce the specified light
output and strike within specification. Dimming fluorescent lamps without
seasoning can reduce performance and lamp lifetime.
Emergency Ballast Initial Lumen Output
High Efficiency (HE) lamp
High Output (HO) lamp
Lamp Type/Watts
Initial Lumen Output
2' HE lamp, 14w
700
3' HE lamp, 21w
850
4' HE lamp, 28w
1200
5' HE lamp, 35w
1300
Lamp Type/Watts
Initial Lumen Output
2' HO lamp, 24w
700
3' HOlamp, 39w
1100
4' HO lamp, 54w
1300
5' HO lamp, 80w
n/a
Lamp Seasoning
Some fluorescent lamp manufacturers recommend that new fluorescent lamps
be operated at full output (“seasoned”) before they can be dimmed. Please
contact your lamp manufacturer for seasoning requirements.
Why keep the lamps at full intensity before dimming?
New fluorescent lamps can have impurities in them that lamp manufacturers
cannot eliminate completely. Properly seasoning lamps prior to dimming will
render lamp impurities inert, ensuring proper dimming performance and
average rated lamp life.
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