Performance of Electronic Ballast and Controls with 34 and 40 Watt F40 Fluorescent Lamps

The electric and photometric characteristics have been compared for 40 watt (40W) and 34 watts (34W), F40 T-12 fluorescent lamps by operating them with electronic ballasts, static controls and dynamic controls of different designs. The energy savings krypton filled 34W lamp system is, at best, slightly more efficacious than the standard 40W argon filled lamp system by virtue of the use of lite white phosphor. The 34W system has limitations that include higher starting voltages, reduced temperature range of operation, smaller dimming range and poorer color rendering than the standard cool white 40W lamp system.