Amp
An amp is a measure of electrical current.
Ballast Efficiency Factor (BEF)
A measure of the efficiency of the lamp/ballast combination. A lamp/ballast with a higher BEF is more efficient than an equivalent lamp/ballast with a lower BEF. BEF is calculated as BF * 100 / Input Watts.
Ballast Factor (BF)
Often abbreviated BF, ballast factor is used to quantify the amount of light a given ballast/bulb combination will produce relative to the bulb's rated lumen output. A BF of 0.92 means that the ballast/bulb combination will produce 92% of the bulb's rated output. A BF of 1.21 means that a ballast bulb combination will produce 121% of the bulb's rated output. A ballast's BF depends on the type of bulb being used, and may not be the same for all types of bulb.
A low ballast factor may be desirable in cases where less light is needed, or when attempting to save energy, although a lower ballast factor does not necessarily mean the ballast will be more efficient. See ballast efficiency factor.
A high ballast factor may be desirable in cases where maximizing light output is important, or when trying to reduce the number of fixtures required to produce a given amount of light. A high ballast factor may reduce the life of bulbs.
Instant Start
Instant start ballasts use a high voltage to initiate an arc between the two electrodes. The voltage is lowered once the lamp has ben illuminated. By skipping the preheating phase, these ballasts can be more energy efficient and are able to start very quickly, but the high voltage spike causes more electrode wear than other starting methods, which can lead to shorter lamp life. Instant start is most appropriate in situations where lamps are infrequently turned on and off.
Power Factor
Power factor is a measure of how efficiently a device makes use of the electrical distribution system. A low power factor leads to higher losses in power lines and other components of the electrical distribution system, so electrical utility companies will sometimes charge a higher fee for customers whose equipment has a low power factor. A power factor of 1.0 is ideal.
Preheat Start
Preheat ballasts run a briefly run a current through the lamp electrodes to preheat them before the lamp illuminates. An automatic switch controls the heating duration. When the heater current is disconnected, a voltage spike is creates that starts the lamp. If the lamp fails to illuminate, the cycle repeats, which can lead to flickering when turning on the lamp.
Program Start
Program start ballasts are similar to rapid start ballasts, except that electrode heating is discontinued once the lamp has been activated. This gives program start ballasts the enhanced lamp life of a rapid start ballast and the energy efficiency of an instant start ballast.
Rapid Start
Rapid start ballasts continuously heat the lamp electrodes. This reduces the voltage required to start the lamp, and is therefore easier on the lamp electrodes, leading to longer lamp life than instant start ballasts. Since energy is required to heat the electrodes, rapid start ballasts can be less efficient than instant start ballasts.
Start Type
A ballast may use one of several methods to activate a fluorescent lamp.
Total Harmonic Distortion
Ballasts and certain other electronic devices can create harmonic distortion in the power line voltage. High levels of distortion can interfere with communication devices and cause damage and excessive heating in wiring, motors, and other equipment attached to the same power line.
Volt
A measure of electrical potential. The wall voltage
differs by country. In most countries, it is 220-240V, but the US and a number of other countries use 110-120V.
Watt
A watt is a measure of power.