Put simply, ballasts do two main things in regulating and maintaining the performance of fluorescent and high-density discharge (HID) lamps: they start lamps and control lamp operations.

But before choosing a ballast, it’s important to know about the different types.

• Magnetic ballasts: Traditional and robust, these ballasts are commonly used with older fluorescent lighting fixtures. They tend to be less energy efficient than other types of ballasts, however, and can produce flickering and humming sounds.
• Electronic ballasts: More energy-efficient and offering better lamp performance than magnetic ballasts, these are suitable for a wide range of applications. They’re often used with newer fluorescent and compact fluorescent (CFL) fixtures.
• Digital ballasts: The most advanced type, these provide superior control and efficiency, especially for high-intensity lighting applications.
• LED Drivers: If your building has LED lighting fixtures, you’ll need LED drivers instead of traditional ballasts. These electronic devices regulate the power supply to LED lights. They’re energy-efficient, have long lifespans, and offer dimming capabilities. LED drivers come in different types, such as constant current drivers and constant voltage drivers, selected based on the specific LED fixtures you have.