Downlight Ballast

[mstrlucky74]

How often do you come across downlights in a commercial space that have ballasts? Aren't most of them not ballasted? Thanks

 

[JFletcher]

How often do you come across downlights in a commercial space that have ballasts? Aren't most of them not ballasted? Thanks

I've run across many of the 12V models like these.

I know the 12V halogen are supposed to have some advantages over line voltage downlights in some applications. From experience, any lighting quality advantage comes at the expense of maintenance; 50 light bulbs with a 2,000hr life running 24/7, like for hotel front desk/lobby lighting, means on average one of those 50 bulbs will burn out every 40 hours or 1.75 days. Those little GU4 base sockets often fail from the high heat, frequent bulb changes and general bad design (they also have to support the weight of the bulb).

 

[peter d]

How often do you come across downlights in a commercial space that have ballasts? Aren't most of them not ballasted? Thanks

Assuming they are CFL (and the vast majority of them are), then they all require a ballast. That being said, all new construction recessed are LED now.