BLOG

What is Magnetic Ballast

Horace He

Last Updated: December 26, 2023

What is Magnetic Ballast

A magnetic ballast, also known as a choke, is an electrical power regulator used specifically in fluorescent light systems. It operates based on the principles of electromagnetism, where an electrical current passing through a wire generates a magnetic force around itself. The magnetic ballast consists of a coil of copper wire wound around a ferromagnetic core, similar to a transformer. This coil produces a magnetic field that helps regulate the amount of current that reaches the fluorescent light.

Get Inspired by Rayzeek Motion Sensor Portfolios.

Doesn't find what you want? Don't worry. There are always alternate ways to solve your problems. Maybe one of our portfolios can help.

The primary function of a magnetic ballast is to ensure that the fluorescent bulb receives the appropriate voltage and current levels, preventing overheating and potential explosions. By trapping most of the current, the magnetic ballast allows only the right amount of current to flow through to the light. However, this variation in current flow can sometimes cause the light to flicker or produce a buzzing sound.

Magnetic ballasts are considered less advanced compared to electronic ballasts. Some magnetic ballasts require the use of a starter, a small cylinder-shaped component located behind the light fixture. The starter is filled with gas and, when heated, enables the fluorescent light to start. This starting method is known as the pre-heat method.

Maybe You Are Interested In

  • Load Current: 10A Max
  • Auto/Sleep Mode
  • Time delay: 90s, 5min, 10min, 30min, 60min
  • Load Current: 10A Max
  • Auto/Sleep Mode
  • Time delay: 90s, 5min, 10min, 30min, 60min
  • Load Current: 10A Max
  • Auto/Sleep Mode
  • Time delay: 90s, 5min, 10min, 30min, 60min
  • Load Current: 10A Max
  • Auto/Sleep Mode
  • Time delay: 90s, 5min, 10min, 30min, 60min
  • Load Current: 10A Max
  • Auto/Sleep Mode
  • Time delay: 90s, 5min, 10min, 30min, 60min
  • Load Current: 10A Max
  • Auto/Sleep Mode
  • Time delay: 90s, 5min, 10min, 30min, 60min
  • Occupancy mode
  • 100V ~ 265V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • 1600 sq ft
  • Voltage: DC 12v/24v
  • Mode: Auto/ON/OFF
  • Time Delay: 15s~900s
  • Dimming: 20%~100%
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the UK Square backbox
  • Voltage: DC 12V
  • Length: 2.5M/6M
  • Color Temperature: Warm/Cold White
  • Voltage: DC 12V
  • Length: 2.5M/6M
  • Color Temperature: Warm/Cool White
  • Voltage: DC 12V
  • Length: 2.5M/6M
  • Color Temperature: Warm/Cool White
  • Voltage: DC 12V
  • Length: 2.5M/6M
  • Color Temperature: Warm/Cold White
rz036 occupancy sensor switch ceiling mounted
  • Occupancy mode
  • 12V ~ 24V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • 1600 sq ft
  • Voltage: DC 12v/24v
  • Day/Night Mode
  • Time delay: 15min, 30min, 1h(default), 2h
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 120V 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 120V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the European round backbox
rz021 us occupancy vacancy sensor switch front
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 120Vac, 5A
  • Requires Hot wire, Load wire
  • No Neutral/Ground Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
rz023 uk occupancy vacancy sensor switch front
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • No Neutral/Ground Wire Required
  • Fits the UK square pattress box
English