A device on a fluorescent light fixture that transforms the voltage from household voltage to a higher voltage is called what?

A device on a fluorescent light fixture that transforms the voltage from household voltage to a higher voltage is called what?

• A. Transformer
• B. Ballast
• C. Capacitor
• D. Regulator

Answer: (B)

Fluorescent lamps must be started with a high voltage pulse and then kept under control so they don’t draw too much current. The device on the fixture that handles this is the ballast. It provides the initial surge needed to strike the arc and then serves as a current limiter to keep the lamp operating safely. In magnetic ballasts, this happens with a coil that stores and releases energy to create the strike voltage, and after ignition it limits current. Electronic ballasts accomplish the same job with switching circuitry. A transformer’s job is to change voltage levels, not specifically to start and regulate current in a gas-discharge lamp, and a capacitor or regulator isn’t the primary component used for starting and maintaining fluorescent lamps.

Fluorescent lamps must be started with a high voltage pulse and then kept under control so they don’t draw too much current. The device on the fixture that handles this is the ballast. It provides the initial surge needed to strike the arc and then serves as a current limiter to keep the lamp operating safely. In magnetic ballasts, this happens with a coil that stores and releases energy to create the strike voltage, and after ignition it limits current. Electronic ballasts accomplish the same job with switching circuitry. A transformer’s job is to change voltage levels, not specifically to start and regulate current in a gas-discharge lamp, and a capacitor or regulator isn’t the primary component used for starting and maintaining fluorescent lamps.