Understanding
Compact Fluorescent Ballasts
GE compact fluorescent (CFL) ballasts provide energy saving alternatives to halogen,
incandescent or HID light sources. GE Multivolt ProLine
®
CFL programmed start ballasts
combine universal voltage (108-305V) technology with multi-lamp capability, dual entry
color-coded connectors and ultra system reliability to create an industry leading CFL solution
for commercial and residential applications.
UltraMax
®
and UltraStart
®
High Lumen Biax
®
ballasts with the High Lumen WattMiser
®
Biax
®
lamp
provides the perfect solution for high efficiency and high lumen output in a small space.
GE Compact Fluorescent Ballast nomenclature
GEC213-MVPS-SE
GE Compact
Ballast
SE = Side & Bottom Entry
BES = Bottom Entry with Studs
3W = 3-Way Kit (SE, BE, BES)
IP = Individual Pack
Max number
of lamps and
Primary Lamp
type
MV = Multivolt
(108 to 305 volts)
UNV = Universal Voltage
(Multi-Voltage)
120 or 277 = voltage
PS = Programmed Start
SI = Series Instant Start
PH = Preheat.
RS = Rapid Start
RH = less than 20% THD
UltraMax
®
Instant Start Ballasts:
• For use in long burn cycles (>10 hr cycles)
to maintain lamp life
• High efficiency (>90%) design
• Universal voltage (120-277V)
• Striation control circuitry
• Small compact housing
UltraStart
®
Programmed Start Ballasts:
• For use in shorter burn cycles (<3 hr cycles)
to extend lamp life
• High efficiency (>90%) cathode cutout
design
• Universal voltage (120-277V)
• Striation control circuitry
• Small compact housing
• Parallel lamp operation
• <700ms fast starting time
• Ballasts available for both F40/30W
and F40/25W lamps
Multivolt ProLine
®
CFL ballasts are offered in three different configurations:
1) -SE description – dual entry (side or bottom) connectors, 2) -BES – bottom entry with studs for
mounting to junction boxes and 3) -3W – 3-way mounting kits that allow you to have all three
mounting options with one kit.
Multivolt ProLine
®
CFL ballasts come with a five-year ballast and one-year lamp limited warranty.
These ballasts also meet the EPA’s ENERGY STAR
®
fixture program requirements with a Consumer
Class B EMI rating for residential applications, as well as a high power factor ballast design.
Use the GE Multivolt ProLine
®
CFL Multi-Lamp compatibility chart (page 17-3) to find the right
ballast for your need.
ProLine
®
CFL Date Code System
Date Code Format: 01 200801 = Week2008 = Year
UltraMax
®
and UltraStart
®
Biax
®
ballasts have the same date code system as all linear
fluorescent ballasts.
/
