Total watts of 4 bulb fluorescent w/electronic ballast
#1
07-25-17, 01:04 AM
Total watts of 4 bulb fluorescent w/electronic ballast
I am wiring my garage for fluorescent fixtures with 4 T8 32W bulbs, electronic ballast plus other overhead lights. Is the total wattage of each fluorescent fixture 128W? Does the ballast add to the load? I will be powering with a dedicated 12/2 on a 20A breaker. I want to install as many fluorescents as the circuit can handle.
#2
07-25-17, 04:18 AM
Group Moderator
Yes, the ballast draws current. It's not huge but it is something. I would guess it consumes 10-20 watts.
Another option is to go LED. The bulbs consume about half the energy while producing more light and there is no ballast though there are electronics to regulate the current for the LED's.
Another option is to go LED. The bulbs consume about half the energy while producing more light and there is no ballast though there are electronics to regulate the current for the LED's.
#3
07-25-17, 08:42 AM
Group Moderator
I think LEDs have advanced to the point where I would no longer install a fluorescent fixture.
#4
07-25-17, 08:23 PM
I just saw this Lithonia fixture model#3348 at HD, two T8 32W bulbs. It says on the box 120V 60Hz 0.80Amps. I think this is the referring to the fixture alone. Yes? That seems like a lot.
#5
07-25-17, 08:29 PM
Group Moderator
It does seem a bit high. .8A = 96w- 64w = 32w for the ballast.
I think that's a maximum rating and one that is used for computing load when multiple fixtures are involved on one circuit.
I think that's a maximum rating and one that is used for computing load when multiple fixtures are involved on one circuit.
#6
07-26-17, 03:39 AM
Group Moderator
Continuous load (something running 3 hours or more) for a 20 amp circuit is 16 amps (80% of 20) Keep that in mind when figuring how many lights to install.
