Fluorescent tube starters vs. electronic ballasts: Which is better?

Fluorescent tubes have been among the most popular light sources for offices, industrial halls and public facilities for decades. They offer high luminous efficacy and a long service life. However, not all fluorescent tubes are the same, especially when it comes to the technology that makes them light up. Two central components play a role here: the classic starter in combination with a conventional ballast (CCG) and the modern electronic ballast (EB). But which system is better? In this article, we compare both technologies in detail.

How fluorescent tube starters and electronic ballasts work

Fluorescent tubes require a high ignition voltage in order to ionize the gas they contain and thus generate light. In the past, this was achieved using a conventional ballast (CCG) in combination with a starter. The starter consists of a small gas discharge lamp and a bimetal switch. When the light is switched on, the bimetal heats up due to the current flow, causing the switch to close and generate a short current pulse. This pulse causes the fluorescent tube to ignite, whereupon the starter switches off and the lamp is operated continuously.

In contrast, an electronic ballast (EB) works with high-frequency technology. It completely replaces the conventional ballast and the starter. An electronic ballast generates a much higher frequency (around 20 kHz to 60 kHz), which means that the fluorescent tube is operated more efficiently. The ignition process is smoother and without the typical flickering that can occur with older systems.

Energy efficiency: Which system saves more electricity?

A decisive advantage of electronic ballasts is their higher energy efficiency. Conventional ballasts with starters lose a lot of energy in the form of heat due to their design. Depending on the age and quality of the ballast, these losses can amount to several watts per tube. In addition, CCGs generally require a higher switch-on voltage, which costs additional energy.

ECGs, on the other hand, work almost loss-free as they operate at an optimized frequency and do not require any additional components such as starters. Studies show that the use of electronic ballasts can reduce energy consumption by up to 30 %, which means considerable savings, especially in large lighting installations with many luminaires.

Service life and maintenance: which solution lasts longer?

Electronic ballasts also have clear advantages in terms of service life. With conventional ballasts, the starter is a wearing part that has to be replaced regularly. A defective starter can result in the fluorescent tube no longer igniting or flickering. Due to their design, CCGs are also subject to natural wear and tear, resulting in a loss of power and increasing energy consumption.

Electronic ballasts, on the other hand, have a longer service life as they contain fewer mechanical components and work more efficiently. They also reduce the load on the fluorescent tube, which has a positive effect on its overall service life. While a fluorescent tube with a CCG and starter often has to be replaced after 10,000 to 15,000 hours, it can last up to 20,000 hours or longer in combination with an ECG.

Comparison of light quality and flicker behavior

A common problem with fluorescent tubes with conventional ballasts is flickering, particularly when they are switched on. This flickering is caused by the low mains frequency of 50 Hz, at which the gas discharge in the tube lights up in a pulsating manner. This imperceptible but constant flickering can cause eye strain or headaches in sensitive people.

Electronic ballasts operate at much higher frequencies in the kilohertz range, virtually eliminating the flicker. The light is more stable and more pleasant to the eye. In addition, an electronic ballast ensures better luminous efficacy and more uniform color rendering.

Environmental aspects: Sustainability and disposal

Electronic ballasts also offer advantages from an ecological point of view. The lower power consumption reduces CO₂ emissions from power generation plants, which helps to reduce environmental pollution. The elimination of the starter also means less electrical waste. Many modern ECGs are also manufactured with more environmentally friendly materials and do not contain problematic substances such as PCBs, which used to be found in CCGs.

Another point is disposal. Conventional ballasts often contain coils and capacitors that may contain certain environmentally hazardous materials. ECGs are easier to recycle and have a longer service life, which means less electrical waste.

Cost factor: purchase vs. operating costs

The question of cost is a frequent point of discussion when deciding between starter-based systems and electronic ballasts. While fluorescent tubes with conventional ballasts and starters are cheaper to purchase, they incur higher operating costs over their entire service life. The higher energy consumption, the regular replacement of starters and the shorter service life of the fluorescent tubes lead to higher costs in the long term.

Although electronic ballasts are more expensive to purchase, they often pay for themselves after just a few years through the energy costs saved and the longer service life of the light sources. Particularly in large buildings with many fluorescent tubes, the savings potential is considerable.

Which solution is the better choice?

In almost all areas, the electronic ballast offers advantages over the traditional combination of CCG and starter. It is more energy-efficient, extends the service life of fluorescent tubes, reduces flickering and ensures better light quality. It also helps to reduce electrical waste and lowers operating costs in the long term.

The only weakness of the ECG is the higher purchase price. However, this is more than compensated for by the long-term savings. Anyone wishing to invest in modern lighting solutions should therefore clearly opt for electronic ballasts. In many cases, it is even worth replacing existing CCG systems with ECGs in order to benefit from the numerous advantages.