Energy consumption by ballast.

[mling]

I have trying to decide on a Retrofit for T-5s. Keeping with the trend of saving energy, I am trying to find a “green” ballast. Ok, so folks who know me better know that I am not an environmentalist as much as I am frugal, or as my wife prefers -> cheap.

Ice Cap Ballast claims that it uses 40% less electricity and burn 40% brighter. Has there ever been a comparison of energy consumption of different brands of ballast ?

 

[Anonymous]

Ice cap does make some lofty claims there, however if you look at the fine print they might be comparing themselves to the old tar and coil magnetic ballasts. Although I've heard ice cap ballasts actually overdrive T5 bulbs, using more power than say any ballast made for t5 bulbs. Stick with an electronic ballast and they all use roughly the same energy

 

[kgross]

Just about any electronic ballast will be very energy effeciant compared to the older style ballasts.

I have compared energy usage with fulham workhorse ballasts and Icecap and they are pretty close to the same with VHO bulbs.

Kim