Occupancy sensors and ballast life

[mikegoode]

Will installing occupancy sensors on T8 fixtures reduce ballast or bulb life? They are instant start ballasts. Do we need to change over to program start ballasts? Thanks

 

[Dennis Alwon]

As long as the sensor is rated for fluorescents it should not affect the light.

 

[luckylerado]

You should most definitely use programmed start with occ sensors if your lights will repeatedly short cycle on then off throughout the day(like a bathroom). If however they are in a place that is regularly occupied and the lights only go through one or two on off cycles in a day (say a busy office) then instant starts would be better because they are more energy efficient.

 

[kwired]

repeat short cycle areas like a bathroom maybe should have longer off delay to help prevent short cycles.

If you have standard wall switch and people actually do turn it off when leaving you will still have a lot of short cycles.

 

[iwire]

You should most definitely use programmed start with occ sensors if your lights will repeatedly short cycle on then off throughout the day(like a bathroom).

I agree 100%.

 

[iwire]

repeat short cycle areas like a bathroom maybe should have longer off delay to help prevent short cycles.

Or use the right ballast so you can keep the on time short and save power as intended.

 

[cpinetree]

Sylvania great warranty

Sylvania great warranty

I agree 100%.

If you use Sylvania program start ballasts with Sylvania lamps they offer a five year warranty even at 15 minutes a start.

Quoted from - Quick 60+ English pdf under US warranties heading at: http://www.sylvania.com/BusinessProducts/LightingForBusiness/Products/Warranty/

Notes:
"1. Occupancy sensor application, 15 minute/start minimum, allowed with QUICKTRONIC PROStart? and with QUICKTRONIC ICE ballasts"

Sylvania tech support may also be helpful 1-800-654-0089

P.S. tech support has told me 10min a start will also be fine (NOT in writing though)

 

[mikegoode]

Thanks to all for the information.