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

  • Ceiling-mounted RZ037 PIR occupancy sensor dimmer for 220V power
  • 3A maximum working current with 660W rated load
  • LUX button controls light-sensor ON/OFF and user-set dimming brightness
  • Ceiling-mounted RZ037 PIR occupancy sensor dimmer for 110V power
  • 3A maximum working current with 330W rated load
  • LUX button controls light-sensor ON/OFF and user-set dimming brightness
  • Ceiling-mounted PIR occupancy sensor with dry-contact relay output
  • 12/24VDC or 12/24VAC low-voltage supply
  • COM, NO, and NC isolated relay contacts for EMS, HVAC, and building control inputs
RZ048 ceiling microwave motion sensor switch product image
  • Low-voltage DC recessed ceiling-mounted microwave motion sensor switch
  • 12 VDC / 24 VDC input with 10-30 VDC range
  • 10A max work current with adjustable time delay, Lux threshold, and sensitivity
RZ048 ceiling microwave motion sensor switch product image
  • Higher-load recessed ceiling-mounted microwave motion sensor switch
  • 100-265 VAC line-voltage input, 10A model
  • 5.8 GHz microwave sensing with adjustable time delay, Lux threshold, and sensitivity
RZ048 ceiling microwave motion sensor switch product image
  • Recessed ceiling-mounted microwave motion sensor switch
  • 100-265 VAC line-voltage input, 5A model
  • 5.8 GHz microwave sensing with adjustable time delay, Lux threshold, and sensitivity
RZ047 ceiling mounted microwave motion sensor switch
  • Low-voltage DC ceiling-mounted microwave motion sensor switch
  • 12 VDC / 24 VDC input with 10-30 VDC range
  • 10A max work current with adjustable time delay, Lux threshold, and sensitivity
RZ047 ceiling mounted microwave motion sensor switch
  • Higher-load ceiling-mounted microwave motion sensor switch
  • 100-265 VAC line-voltage input, 10A model
  • 5.8 GHz microwave sensing with adjustable time delay, Lux threshold, and sensitivity
RZ047 ceiling mounted microwave motion sensor switch
  • Ceiling-mounted microwave motion sensor switch
  • 100-265 VAC line-voltage input, 5A model
  • 5.8 GHz microwave sensing with adjustable time delay, Lux threshold, and sensitivity
RZ040 wireless switch and receiver kit
  • Wireless switch and receiver kit for indoor ON/OFF lighting control
  • 100-230VAC, 50/60Hz receiver with 5A rated current
  • CR2032-powered wireless switch with 2.4GHz communication
  • Occupancy (Auto-ON/Auto-OFF)
  • 12–24V DC (10–30VDC), up to 10A
  • 360° coverage, 8–12 m diameter
  • Time delay 15 s–30 min
  • Light sensor Off/15/25/35 Lux
  • High/Low sensitivity
  • Auto-ON/Auto-OFF occupancy mode
  • 100–265V AC, 10A (neutral required)
  • 360° coverage; 8–12 m detection diameter
  • Time delay 15 s–30 min; Lux OFF/15/25/35; Sensitivity High/Low
  • Auto-ON/Auto-OFF occupancy mode
  • 100–265V AC, 5A (neutral required)
  • 360° coverage; 8–12 m detection diameter
  • Time delay 15 s–30 min; Lux OFF/15/25/35; Sensitivity High/Low
  • 100V-230VAC
  • Transmission Distance: up to 20m
  • Wireless motion sensor
  • Hardwired control
  • Voltage: 2x AAA Batteries / 5V DC (Micro USB)
  • Day/Night Mode
  • Time delay: 15min, 30min, 1h(default), 2h
English