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Control unit light control system - What are control units for light control systems? Behind what sounds quite complicated and abstract, in classic usage, there are primarily potentiometers, also known as dimmers. In this catalog you will mainly find a wide variety of flush-mounted dimming inserts, with which you can usually control the brightness of connected lamps by turning them and switching them on and off using a pressure switch. Dimmers are often used in the private sector in order to create a particularly cozy living atmosphere in certain living rooms. In addition to potentiometers for flush-mounting, you can also get classic buttons, switches and other end devices in the eibabo online shop to be able to set the light in your rooms in terms of time or intensity. With our controllers for light control systems, you can create an atmospheric ambience in your home.Catalogue content:In this eibabo® catalogue Domestic switching devices > Automatic controller for light controlling system you will find items from the following product groups:Item overview:Accessories for light control systemAntenna socketAutomatic controller for light controlling systemControl componentControl components for light control systemControl potControl unitControllersDALI rotary potentiometerDimmer controllerElectronic control potentiometerElectronic rotary potentiometer 1-10 VElectronic touch rotary potentiometerEnergy efficientHand controllerLight colorLight controlLight control system control unitLight control system potentiometerLight emitting diodePotPotentiometerPotentiometer for light control systemPotentiometer insertRotary dimmerRotary potentiometerTactile control unitTouch dimmerfrom the following manufacturers:Manufacturer overview catalogue Control unit light control system:BEGA GantenbrinkBerkerBusch JaegerElsoGiraHagerIDVJungMertenOpple LightingRidi-LeuchtenSchalkSteinel

Basic enclosure - Imagine you want to protect electronic devices from water, heat, moisture or touch. These can be standard infrastructure devices such as switches, relays, counters or actuators, or other devices. For this purpose, the eibabo® shop offers high-quality empty housings at top conditions. You will find a large selection of plastic and aluminum empty housings for the installation and set-up of electrical distribution boxes and other electrical distributors.What are empty housings?An empty housing is usually a lockable box that accommodates, protects and encloses electronic components such as switches, relays, actuators, power supplies and meters. The housings can be made of different materials. Appropriate sizes are offered according to usage, purpose, environment and cost.What is the difference between the empty housings?Empty housings for electrical distribution are available in various designs. With regard to installation, you can choose between surface-mounted or flush-mounted installation. Depending on the application, such empty housings can be made of painted sheet steel, aluminium, stainless steel, insulating material or plastic. Choose a material that meets your planning needs.Surface mounting or flush mountingChoosing the right type of mounting should not be neglected to ensure safety and achieve optimal functionality. The surface-mounted version is the more common way of installing empty housings. In this case, the attachment is made directly to the wall and the cables are fed into the housing outside the wall. With flush-mounting, the empty housing is let into the wall. The cables are laid inside the wall. Both variants have both advantages and disadvantages:on plaster:easy installationFlexible design optionsNo major conversion work necessarySurface mount can be annoyingCables can be damaged more easily under plaster:Protection against dust and moistureGreater security by laying the cables inside the wallCan be more aesthetically pleasingElaborate installationConversion work often necessary TIP:When installing meters, we recommend empty housings with a transparent cover. This means that the meter reading can be taken directly without having to unscrew the cover. Empty metal housingAluminum housing and stainless steel housing offer good protection for the devices inside. Empty metal enclosures are commonly used as outdoor fuse boxes and electricity meters. In commercial establishments, these enclosures are often used to enclose power equipment around the building or production facility. In industrial plants, metal enclosures protect and protect sensitive electronic components from accidental impact and dirt. Collisions with forklifts or other moving machinery can happen at any time. With metal housings, you prevent interference in electrical systems and thus protect not only the technology, but also the people in the vicinity.Empty plastic housingEmpty plastic enclosures are often made of high-density polyethylene, a strong thermoplastic material. This is resistant to cold, heat, liquids and corrosion, as well as being durable and inexpensive. Other plastic housings are made from acrylic, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, or polyamide, for example. The advantages of these variants are:in light weightin cheap pricein the individual formability in the production for special requirementsin the insulating material properties These housings are used wherever no high mechanical or safety-related loads are to be expected. Rather, these empty housings protect against external influences such as contact, dust and water. It is therefore particularly recommended to observe the respective IP protection class for these variants.Picture: Hensel FP 0241 ENYSTAR empty housingWhich IP degrees of protection are recommended for empty housings?The IP degrees of protection classify the protective effect / sealing effect of an empty housing for electrical devices against the ingress of foreign bodies such as tools, dirt and liquid water. IP degrees of protection are defined by the international standard EN 60529.Already knew?The term 'protection class' has nothing to do with the IP protection classes. In electrical engineering, the protection classes describe the protection of electrical equipment to prevent an electric shock when touched. There are protection classes 0, I, II and III and are usually shown as symbols on the respective devices.The rating consists of the letters IP followed by two digits. The higher the number, the better the protection. The first digit describes the degree of protection that the housing offers against the ingress of solid foreign bodies. These can be pointed tools, sticks, fingers or dirt and dust in the air. Anything that could damage the circuitry or mechanics of the installed equipment. The second digit defines the protection of the devices inside the housing against various forms of moisture. This protection area begins with light drops and leads to splashes and water jets to submersion.Be sure to select an IP protection class that corresponds to the place of use and the probability of hazards occurring. If a housing is installed in a lockable and always dry house connection room without a water connection, a low degree of protection is sufficient. When used outdoors or in other dirty and damp environments, the IP protection class should be as high as possible. The IP 67 ensures, for example:a tightness against foreign bodies up to dustdevice protection even in the event of brief submersion at a depth of up to 1 meter for a maximum of 30 minutes How should I protect my empty housing from unauthorized access?In addition to protecting the installed technology from external influences, empty housings for electrical devices also protect people. It is irrelevant whether people accidentally come into contact with the housing or want to gain access willfully. If a housing is freely accessible, you will certainly ask yourself whether a normatively flawless locking system has been implemented. At this point it should be said right away that you don't have to worry about it. Protection against unauthorized access is not possible. Nevertheless, all empty housings must be able to be closed in some way. Each manufacturer has its own technology. Plastic screws or metal screws are often used to connect the lid to the box. In other words: Opening and closing is done using classic tools (including screwdrivers) or by releasing locking mechanisms. For security reasons, 'locking' an enclosure is not permitted. In an emergency, access to the internal devices must be guaranteed at all times.Where can I buy cheap and high-quality empty housings?The eibabo® shop offers high-quality, robust and durable empty housings for use as electrical distribution boards, iso housings, housings for field distributions or industrial housings. Well-known manufacturers include Dehn+Söhne, Spelsberg, Rittal, OBO Bettermann, Eaton (Moeller), Hensel, Hager, Klauke, Rose System, Televes, as well as von Striebel&John, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Triax and GSAB Elektrotechnik. Catalogue content:In this eibabo® catalogue Distribution boards > Empty cabinet you will find items from the following product groups:Item overview:Arrester housingBase plateBuilt-in housingCable management frameCompensating panelControl cabinet baseCounter systemEngineering centerFiber optic distributorFire protection cabinetFuse junction boxHeadend moduleHood distributorLightning arrester housingMeter boxPressure fan cover setProtective housingScreenSide edgeSide panelSingle housingSpare PartsSplitter housingStand housingSwing frame coverSystem caseVending machine boxVentilation socketfrom the following manufacturers:Manufacturer overview catalogue Basic enclosure:ABLABNAstro StrobelBachmannBoplaCobiNetConrad ElectronicCorningDehnDiverseEatonGSABHagerHenselIlmeIndexaKlaukeLegrand BticinoMicrosensOBORockwellSchneider ElectricSiemensSpelsbergStahlStiebel EltronStriebel & JohnTelevesTriaxWieland

Ceiling-/wall luminaire - Looking for the perfect lamp? In this catalog you can expect a huge selection of different ceiling lights and wall lights at top conditions. You're sure to find what you're looking for here - whether you prefer modern LED technology or love the charming retro look.Wall lights and ceiling lights - atmospheric or functional lighting for living rooms and work areasIn almost all living areas, commercial spaces or offices, ceiling lights and wall lights provide the basic lighting. The position on the ceiling is ideal for distributing the light evenly throughout the room. This makes life more comfortable on dark days or allows you to work at night. But which lamp should you choose, since there is an almost endless choice? We would like to make your decision easier with a small guide.Which wall light or ceiling light is the right one?Before you decide for or against a specific model, you are sure to ask yourself many questions that narrow down the selection. Mostly it is about the appearance of the lamp. Since this selection criterion is very subjective, we do not want to go into more detail at this point. As a specialist for Smart Home and building automation, eibabo® is an online mail order business that focuses on technology. That is why we 'light' the topic here from this angle.In addition to the look, which criteria are still decisive in order to find the right wall light or ceiling light?The place of use: Where do you attach the light? Is the lamp exposed to special conditions (wet rooms, dusty workshop, living room)? Do you have to clean the lamp often?Usage: Do you use the light for many hours every day or only occasionally?The fixture: is the room high enough for a pendant light? What substrate is to be expected (concrete, steel beams, wood)?The light intensity: Are you planning the luminaire as the main lighting? Would you like to create a special mood?Color temperature and color rendering: the color of the light is often crucial. A work area with people requires a different light spectrum than lighting fruit or meat. Warm light is preferred for living rooms.The shape of the light cone: do you need the light to be concentrated (e.g. via spotlights) or should a large area be illuminated?The opportunity to change: Would you like a color change? Would you like to be able to change the direction of the beam angle? Is there a need for expansion later?The lighting technology: Do you prefer conventional light sources? Do these have to be interchangeable? What are the advantages and disadvantages of LEDs? How important is power consumption?Smart home integration: will the light become part of the building automation? What conditions are in place or need to be created? Wall lights and ceiling lights for offices and workplacesEfficient and fatigue-free work is also a question of the right light. Working on a computer or studying files over the course of a long workday can cause eyestrain. It is therefore important that the light can be adapted to changing conditions. Large-area light strips or grid lights are usually used for professional applications. Such lighting can be found, for example, in hotels and restaurants or conference rooms, in shops and other commercially used rooms.Already knew?The lighting of office workplaces is regulated in the European standard DIN EN 12464-1. It should serve the health and safety of people at their workplace and ensure optimal visual performance and the best possible visual comfort.In Germany, the Workplaces Ordinance and an occupational health and safety rule for lighting also apply. Other countries have their own regulations. It doesn't matter whether your workplace is in an open-plan office or whether you work from home most of the time. Good lighting increases the feel-good factor during working hours. In other words: The lighting must be suitable for all the tasks that arise in the office and must be selected accordingly. This includes working on the screen as well as writing and reading texts at the desk. TIP:Additional lighting is also required for screen work. The stark contrast between a bright screen and a dark room strains the eyes. When choosing the right lights for the workplace, pay attention to the following things:The illuminance at the workplace is given in lux (lumens per m²). Depending on the type of activity, 500 to 1,500 lux are recommended. The power of a lamp is usually stated on its packaging.The color temperature of light is given in Kelvin. A color temperature of 3,300 to 5,300 Kelvin is recommended for office workplaces. In the industrial sector, workshops and the like, it may be over 5,300 Kelvin. This light is similar to daylight, has a higher proportion of blue and activates the biorhythm.The color rendering can influence the purchase decision. The Color Rendering Index (CRI) says something about how natural the colors of an illuminated object appear. This is therefore a quality feature for a light source and is important, for example, in the food industry or the fashion industry.A lamp should not dazzle, neither directly nor indirectly. On the one hand one speaks of physiological glare, which causes an actual disturbance of the visual function, and on the other hand of psychological glare. This is a purely subjective and individual disturbance.Avoid flickering lights. Surely you know this from a defective fluorescent tube. Other light sources also flicker, mostly unnoticed and at high frequency. Our body perceives this constant alternation of light and dark. This affects, among other things, the ability to concentrate.Furthermore, the luminance and the direction of the light can be interesting parameters for determining an optimal lamp for the workplace. Wall lights and ceiling lights for the living areaThe rules are not as strict for the living area, but many of the criteria mentioned can also be applied to private use. Here, the place of use is one of the determining factors for or against a particular model. And the influence of optics plays a much more important role than in the professional environment.Image: Zumtobel LED recessed ceiling light EP 1200-840For living rooms and sleeping areas, lights are usually chosen to match the furnishings. With classic models, standard lamps are to be used, and you can decide individually about their brightness and light color. In functional rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms and dining rooms, rows of spotlights are often used instead of individual lights. Recessed spotlights or LED recessed light points give the room a pleasant flair. The big advantage is that you can emphasize or stage individual areas of the respective room. For example, if you like to cook, there should be enough spotlights above the worktop to provide sufficient light. Beautiful pictures on the wall look even more interesting if they are directly illuminated. In the bathroom, recessed spotlights at head height illuminate your face without casting large shadows. This makes skin care and shaving easier. It is important to ensure that these not only produce a pleasant light, but are also suitable for the humid room climate.Are wall lights and ceiling lights with LED technology recommended?Basically, LED technology is a modern way of generating light. Over the years, this has almost completely replaced conventional light bulbs. The Light Emitting Diode (Light Emitting Diode) is cheap, durable and consumes little energy in comparison. Almost all manufacturers of lamps and lights offer LED wall lights and LED ceiling lights. For example, it is possible to use large floodlights or floodlights as ceiling lights. Hundreds of LEDs illuminate the room very evenly. In terms of color temperature, LEDs were limited in the first few years and emitted an unnaturally cold light. In the meantime, however, the light of modern LEDs is comparable to the 'old' light bulbs. RGB LEDs generate light across the entire color spectrum. Thanks to the LED light threads (filaments), warm colors can be generated that correspond to those of fire or candles. In the form of a wall light, these variants are suitable, for example, for atmospheric accentuation of masonry or living areas.Advantages of LED technologycheap and energy efficientlong lifetimeenvironmentally friendly recyclableflexible in structure and arrangementspace savingColor change possible Disadvantages of LED technologyhigher initial investmentonly electronically dimmablethe color rendering often seems artificialPermanently installed LEDs cannot be replaced if they are defective TIP:If you have a choice, opt for LEDs over incandescent, CFL, or fluorescent tubes. Please refer to the product description to find out whether an LED wall light or LED ceiling light has the advantages or disadvantages mentioned. If you opt for a light with a conventional design, you don't have to do without LED technology either. In the eibabo® shop you can get LED light sources in the form of classic light bulbs, which you can use in their place in the socket of your light.Which material is recommended for my wall or ceiling light?In addition to individual taste, the choice of material for a wall light or ceiling light can be based on pragmatic criteria. In the typical living area, there are hardly any restrictions. Anything that pleases is allowed. Plastics in smooth shapes are usually easy to clean. Lights with a washable housing are best suited for use in the basement or hobby room. Some of these models are unbreakable or additionally protected against mechanical influences by brackets. It is better not to choose materials such as wood, copper or brass if the lamp will be exposed to the weather or higher humidity. Metals can discolor or rust.What do I have to pay attention to with ceiling and wall lights for outdoor use?Even outdoors, wall lights and ceiling lights are not only decorative, but also practical. When the entrance to a home is well lit at night, there is less chance of tripping and searching for the keyhole. A pleasantly lit terrace invites you to linger. But regardless of whether you decide on a subtle or eye-catching design, please pay attention to the suitability for outdoor use. A look at the product description or the information on the IP protection class can help here. All lights that you install on the house wall or on the ceiling of the entrance area must at least correspond to protection class IP44. These are protected against splashing water from all directions. The first digit describes the protection against foreign bodies, the second digit the protection against water. The higher both digits, the more protection is offered. An IP 67 luminaire, for example, withstands jets of water and brief immersion.What are the advantages of ceiling or wall lights with motion detectors?Motion detectors are useful. They detect people in the dark and then switch on the wall light or ceiling light. This ensures security in the house entrance, in the stairwell, in the driveway or in the garage after dark. Motion detectors are also useful when you don't have your hands free to operate a light switch. At eibabo® you can get ceiling lights and wall lights with and without motion detectors from all well-known manufacturers such as Hera, Philips light PLS, Regiolux, Ridi lights, RZB Zimmermann, Trilux, Zumtobel light, Schmitz lights, Schuch light, IDV, Böhmer, Eglo , ESYLUX, Briloner, BEGA Gantenbrink, Pracht, Performance in Light, Brumberg lights, Hufnagel, Trio lights, Hufnagel, Peill+Putzler, Neuhaus lights, EVN lighting technology, Legrand (BT). Catalogue content:In this eibabo® catalogue Luminaires > Ceiling-/wall luminaire you will find items from the following product groups:Item overview:Bedside lampCabinet lightingDisinfection lightFabric lightFlat PolymeroFunctional lightHall lightingHandleless profileHeadlightHigh bay lightHigh temperature lampLightingLine of lightMicroprism lampMultilumenOpal lightOutdoor display lightOval lampPicture lightQuick assembly systemRecessed frame lightRecessed wallwasherSports hall lightSquare lightSurface-mounted downlightTable lightUnderpassWallwasherfrom the following manufacturers:Manufacturer overview catalogue Ceiling-/wall luminaire:AbalightAlbert LeuchtenArcliteAura LightBEGA GantenbrinkBrilonerBrumbergBöhmerDianaEgloEthermaEVNFabas LuceFischer & HonselFKBGiraHelestra LeuchtenHeraHufnagelIlluminaKonstsmideLEDVANCELegrand BticinoLegrand SEKOLichtlineLTSLudwigNeuhaus LeuchtenNobileNorkaOligoOpple LightingPerformance in LightPhilips LichtRegioluxRidi-LeuchtenRopagRZBScharnberger+Has.Schmitz-LeuchtenSchuchSensopartSitecoStahlSteinelSun CracksTriluxTrio-LeuchtenWaldmannWibre

Luminaires - Who would have thought? Lamps and lights are not the same. So be careful with your choice of words. While we tend to use these two terms carelessly for different things in general usage, the specialist distinguishes very clearly between lamps and luminaires. The term lamp is correctly used for the actual illuminant, i.e. the light bulb, the energy-saving lamp or the LED lamp. On the other hand, the lamp represents the housing including the cable, lampshade and mounting and installation device in which the lamp is installed. In the eibabo online shop you can get numerous lights for a wide range of purposes, in different designs and for the use of lamps of all kinds. So if you are looking for pendant lights, orientation lights, floor lamps or table lamps, you are just as right here in the shop as if you are construction site lights, recessed ground spotlights, light strips or elements for festive lighting.

Lighting control system - By regulating the light intensity, we consciously influence our mood, the way we work or our sleep patterns. An evening for two is much more romantic with dimmed lights, or cooking is much easier if you always have a good view of the pots. Find out here how and with what you can control the brightness in your rooms exactly as you want.The eibabo® technology store offers a very extensive range of items for light control. For example, access our high-quality switches, buttons, potentiometer inserts (generally referred to as dimmers), light sensors, switching modules or components for smart home control. Well-known manufacturers, best quality, fair prices, fast delivery and secure payment are our arguments for shopping in the eibabo® online shop.What are light control systems?Light control systems are traditional or intelligent devices that allow you to control the lighting in a room. Depending on your wishes and needs, there are different types of light control systems available. Probably the simplest example of light control is the classic switch that turns the light on and off. Another option is to switch the light on when movement is detected. A motion detector or a presence detector is used here. But the lighting control can be much more complex and in such cases requires very individual components. And that's exactly what this catalog from the eibabo® online shop is all about.Image: Ledvance DALI PCU lighting control systemWhat types of light control systems are there?In general, there are hardly any limits to the implementation of your lighting control ideas. Depending on your needs, you can simply switch your light on manually, automatically or networked. The more complex the system, the more individual freedom you have to realize your ideas or increase comfort. Even if network systems are more expensive to purchase, they save up to 30% in electricity costs over time thanks to intelligent control management. The following types of light control are possible:Manual light controlManually turning on and off is the most widely used lighting control. It is difficult to save electricity with it. You have to constantly remember to turn on the lights only when you actually need them. The use of economical LEDs can help save on energy costs. Dimming is a slightly more advanced way of controlling room lighting. However, this is also manual. Dimmer switches allow you to dim the lighting to the desired level. This in turn saves a little more electricity.Automatic light controlWith automatic light control, a sensor usually switches the lights on and off. You can specify the criteria according to which this happens and how long such switching cycles last. So you can't forget to turn off the light. To automate outdoor lighting, you may want to install motion sensors. The lighting is then only activated when there is a certain amount of darkness and a person or vehicle is moving in the detection area of the detector. After a certain period of inactivity, the device switches the light off again. Presence detectors or presence sensors are used indoors. Their basic switching principle is comparable to that of motion detectors. These record movements within a room. Presence detectors are ideal for bathrooms, toilets, break rooms and hallways.Networked light controlThe most advanced type of light control is the networked system. This is often part of building automation, but can also be designed as a stand-alone system. Networked lighting systems make it possible to control lighting from computers, multifunction devices, remote controls or smartphones. The prerequisite for this is the connection to a central control unit. Advanced programs can even store data and create usage charts, so you can closely monitor your energy consumption.Basically, we differentiate networked lighting between centralized, wireless or combined light control systems. With the centralized system, all lighting circuits from a room or building come together at a central location. The classic wall switch is replaced by one or more multifunctional pushbutton sensors or touch displays. These allow you to control the light in different ways. This requires an integrated processor that manages the additional functions. Depending on the range of functions of the components and programming, at the touch of a button, for example:call up interesting light scenesdim different lighting groupssynchronize the lighting with the movement of the sunmake switching on and off dependent on the actual brightnessadjust the color of the light sourceGenerate operating hours, consumption and other data through measurement and/or monitoringand so forth An alternative to the centralized solution is the wireless variant. This consists of controllable dimmers and switches that have replaced the traditional standalone switches and dimmers. The wireless system is of particular interest in renovations and retrofits as there are fewer cables to run. The existing installation can usually be built on. The installation is easy, the costs are manageable. The wireless light control can be operated like a centralized system and contain the same programming options. All dimmers and switches are wirelessly connected to the control unit's processor.The advantagesBy adjusting color or intensity, light controls can: Reduce glare; change the atmosphere and mood; make the room function more flexible; reduce energy consumption and increase safety.A combined light control is a mixture of both systems described. Both wireless and wired devices are included in a system and exchange information with each other. This option is often implemented when expanding central systems. All of the systems mentioned offer the user comprehensive and individual comfort and are mostly intuitive and easy to manage.What are the requirements for a networked lighting control system?The individual components of a lighting control system (controllers, ballasts, drivers and light sources) must be compatible with one another to ensure proper operation of the system. This means: The components must communicate in order to be able to execute the control strategy. This so-called interoperability depends on the control method or the protocol. NoticeA protocol is a set of rules that defines the behavior of components in a system in a specific language. Examples of well-known and widespread protocols include the Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) and ZigBee. All controllers must be designed for the same protocol to ensure good interoperability. The individual protocols differ with regard to the software structure. There are:open or standardized protocols that are available and usable for all manufacturersProtocols that represent an optimized solution for only one manufacturer and bind the user to this manufacturer for future maintenance, changes or extensionsa combination of both; i.e. an open protocol that is tailored to specific providers or a provider-specific protocol that is made available to other providers through licensing If you want to integrate components with different protocols, this is possible by using a gateway (hardware or software). In addition, various applications and software for building automation support the implementation of light control systems. With this you can for example:discover devicesAssign specific control points to lighting zonesProgram scenarios for lighting zonesCalibrate sensors and set actuatorsmonitor checkpointsIssue service warnings and alarmsRecord energy consumption and display, log, evaluate and back up other dataCreate users and access levels Catalogue content:In this eibabo® catalogue Light control > Lighting control system component you will find items from the following product groups:Item overview:Ambient lightCentral controlComfortableControl elementDALI unitHall lightingInterior lightInterior lightsLight control deviceLight line systemLight managementLight meterLightingLighting controlMini sensorMotion detectorMotion sensorMounting frameMounting rail lightRadio linkRain gaugeRotary dimmerSensorsSISignal converterSmartphone controlTwilight sensorUniversal dimmerWarehouse lightingfrom the following manufacturers:Manufacturer overview catalogue Lighting control system:ABBArcliteBarthelmeBEGA GantenbrinkBrumbergBusch JaegerCeagDoepkeEberleEltakoEVNFinderFischerGiraHagerHeraHoubenIDVJungLEDVANCENobileOpple LightingPhilips LichtPräzisaRadiumRegioluxRidi-LeuchtenRZBSchalkSchmitz-LeuchtenSchneider ElectricSignify PLSSitecoSLVThebenTriluxZumtobel

Ballast - If you equip your building with fluorescent tubes, high-intensity gas discharge lamps or linear plug-and-play LED lighting, you depend on ballasts. But which one is right for your application? We clarify. When you use the optimal ballast, you create a cost-effective and energy-efficient lighting solution that also gives you enhanced control over the amount of light produced in your space. Find the ballasts you need for lights and lighting systems easily at eibabo® in the extensive online range. In addition to ballasts in a wide variety of designs (electronic, DALI, KL/LL, EVG and many more), you will also find Powertronic devices and Quicktronic devices, QT-FIT ballasts, warm start devices as well as ignition devices and stabilization devices.What is a ballast?In fluorescent lighting, the ballast controls the power supply to the lamps. It provides sufficient starting voltage to start the lamps. Without a ballast, a fluorescent lamp connected directly to the mains voltage would quickly and uncontrollably increase the power consumption. Within a second the lamp would overheat and burn out. When the lamp is started, the ballast provides a brief high-voltage phase to build up an arc between the two lamp electrodes and start the ionization of the gas. This makes the gas inside the lamp electrically conductive. Once the arc is established, the ballast reduces the voltage. From that moment on, it serves to regulate the electric current in order to guarantee a constant light output.Please noteFluorescent tubes and gas discharge lamps have a negative, differential resistance during operation. As a result, as the current increases, there is a voltage drop across the lamp. For this reason, never connect gas discharge lamps directly to a voltage source.In order to achieve the full rated light output and maximum service life of a fluorescent lamp, the output characteristics of a ballast must exactly match the electrical requirements of the lamps being operated. Ballasts are typically designed in such a way that they operate a certain number of a certain lamp type with the necessary voltage. These are therefore also your primary selection criteria for the purchase of a ballast. So in order to find a suitable ballast that is compatible with a specific lamp, you should know the lamp type, lamp quantity and mains voltage.Why do only certain lamps need a ballast?Classic incandescent lamps and halogen lamps do not require ballasts. This is because the current flows through a filament. This filament resists the current, causing it to heat up and glow. It takes a lot of heat to illuminate a room bright enough. Therefore, the majority of this energy is used to generate heat and not light. This makes conventional incandescent bulbs very inefficient. LED lights also typically do not require ballasts. Here, LED power supplies and LED drivers regulate the current and voltage. The operation of fluorescent lamps and gas discharge lamps is slightly different. These are filled with gases and emit photons when charged with electricity. photonsPhotons are basic subatomic particles or waves that carry the electromagnetic force. In short: they are light particles. So in these lamps there is no filament to resist or regulate the electricity. The ballast is required for this.What types of ballasts are there?There are many different types of ballasts. The choice depends on the conditions in which your lighting is working. We distinguish between magnetic (conventional) ballasts and electronic ballasts.Conventional ballasts are the older technology and used to be responsible for flickering on start-up and lamp buzzing. Conventional ballasts have not been used since 2005 due to their low energy efficiency and high power losses of up to 20%.Nowadays, most fluorescent tubes and gas discharge lamps are operated with electronic ballasts. Electronic ballasts can emit multiple electrical frequencies without changing the input voltage. This eliminates any flickering and humming. These ballasts are available with different starting technologies:Quick StartInstant startprogrammed start Instant start ballasts switch the light on the quickest. However, these are designed for longer switching cycles. Frequent turning on and off can shorten lamp life. The devices are called instant starters because they immediately send a high voltage through the lamp to start the cathodes. Typically, instant start ballasts use slightly less power per lamp than quick start ballasts. Instant start lamps work reliably down to 0 °C.Already knew?Ballasts are also called 'ballast' in international usage. This designation is derived from their properties. Just as ballast stabilizes a ship's hull, a ballast stabilizes the power supply to a lightbulb or lamp.The ballasts work more slowly for both programmed start and quick start. However, these do not have the deleterious effects of an instant start ballast when switched on and off more frequently. The ballasts measure the temperature of the tube cathodes and preheat them. This makes starting easier and the lamp switches on immediately as soon as the light switch is pressed. However, quick-start ballasts also have disadvantages:The devices are not very energy efficient.Lamps connected to quick start ballasts do not turn on reliably at very low temperatures. Programmed start ballasts are typically coupled with occupancy sensors or motion sensors and maximize the number of lamp start cycles while maintaining energy efficiency. If you have high-traffic spaces in your building that experience multiple on-off cycles throughout the day, a programmed start ballast may be the best alternative for your lighting. Ballasts with programmed start are reliable even at low temperatures.When should I replace my ballast?Although replacement is not common, after a few years changes in ballast performance can become noticeable. If your lamps seem to be fading, humming, flickering or changing colour, it may be time to change the ballast.Image: Ledvance PTi 150/220-240 ballastAre ballasts equipped with a DALI interface?If you want to implement digital light control as part of your building automation, you may use the DALI system.What is DALI?DALI is the abbreviation for Digital Addressable Lighting Interface. It represents a programmable, digital interface for lighting scenarios including electronic ballasts. DALI is a protocol for light control in building automation, but not a bus system.DALI is suitable both for light control in individual rooms and for lighting scenarios in networked building management. As a rule, the modern electronic ballasts from most manufacturers are equipped with DALI interfaces. These interfaces establish direct communication between a control device and the lamps to be controlled. The communication between the control unit and the up to 64 connected devices takes place via a bidirectional two-wire line, so that information is transmitted both from the control unit to the lamps and vice versa. Programming the system is easy and hassle-free. For example, integration into a higher-level KNX building management system is possible via gateways.We offer you a large selection of ballasts from all well-known manufacturers such as ABB Stotz, Arclite, Ceag Notlichtsysteme, Houben, LEDVANCE as well as Philips lamps, Schuch Licht, Waldmann and Watt24. Catalogue content:In this eibabo® catalogue Light control > Ballast you will find items from the following product groups:Item overview:BallastControl gearControl unitControllersDischarge lampFluorescent lampFluorescent lampsHeadlight bulbLightingLuminaire control gearOperating devicesPower supplyfrom the following manufacturers:Manufacturer overview catalogue Ballast:ABBArcliteCeagHoubenLEDVANCEPhilips LichtScharnberger+Has.SchuchSignify LampenSitecoZumtobel