Are you using the right bulbs and ballasts in your light fittings? When it comes to older light fixtures, finding the right bulb can be tricky. Having the incorrect bulbs or ballasts will cost you money, besides having flickering or humming lights.

If you want to replace older fixtures, or you want to make sure you are using the right bulbs and ballast, we can help you to save money by being more energy-efficient, as well as improving the reliability and longevity of your light bulbs.

What is a ballast?

Fluorescent lighting systems, from modern CFL bulbs to older fluorescent tubes, require a ballast to regulate the current to the lamps while providing enough voltage to start the lamps. If the light bulb were connected to a power source directly, the lamp would draw current uncontrollably, burning out within seconds due to the negative differential resistance of fluorescent lamps. To avoid this, a ballast is used, which limits and regulates the current that reaches the light bulb.

It isn’t just the starting of the light bulb that can be an issue here. Incorrect bulbs or ballasts can result in flickering lights or increased energy consumption. If you hear a buzzing or humming noise, have dim or flickering lights, notice changing colours or the casing of the light appears swollen or you see burn marks, then you should consider a replacement. 

This is especially important in commercial lighting fixtures. In these cases, the lights generate more heat and magnetic interference. This can interfere with electronic equipment or pose a fire risk.

Here at Titan Electrical we can evaluate your lighting setup, be it residential or commercial, and suggest improvements to help you save money through increased energy efficiency, and making sure bulbs last for the length of time that they are rated for.

Contact us today for Expert Electrical Service.