GE UltraStart? is a new generation of T8 and Programmed Start (PS) ballasts that addresses the growing demand for energy-saving strategies incorporating occupancy sensors and other automated light controls to meet strict energy legislation. Switching lights off when an area is unoccupied
or filled with daylight makes sense from an energy-savings viewpoint and it is also recommended or required now by several energy regulations.
However, on standard Instant Start (IS) ballasts, lamp life is significantly affected by frequent starting. Programmed Start (PS) ballasts provide a “soft start” and significantly reduce the cathode degradation occurring from each start. PS ballasts have been available for some time but have suffered from several drawbacks:
(1) they are less efficient than IS ballasts