EFC Working to Ensure HID Ballast Efficiency Requirements Consistent with Product Availability

Hid Ballast

Rob McIntyre

Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) is working with provincial jurisdictions to ensure HID ballast efficiency requirements are consistent with product availability. This will minimize market disruption and allow for an orderly winding down of the use of HID lamps in lighting applications.

For background, In 2012 CAN/CSA – C863-04 was passed as the energy efficiency standard for HID ballasts in Metal Halide and High Pressure Sodium Fixtures. Common metal halide and high pressure sodium fixtures range from 20 watts to 1000 watts, and are available for both outdoor and indoor applications. Outdoor applications of these lighting products are the most common, and are designed to operate in severe climate extremes.

Few (if any) traditional electromagnetic ballasts at 200 watts or below for metal halide ballasts and 250 watts and below for high pressure sodium ballasts can meet an 85% efficiency threshold. Only electronic ballasts designed for low wattage HID systems can meet an 85% efficiency level. Nearly all outdoor HID low wattage fixtures are designed to use electromagnetic ballasts. Fixed losses in electromagnetic ballasts, as a percentage of the rated wattage of the device, are taken into consideration in the efficiency levels shown in CSA C863-04 by listing lower efficiencies for lower wattage devices.
The only significant availability of HID electronic ballasts is for low wattage metal halide or ceramic metal halide (generally 150 watts and below) designed for use with indoor fixtures in conditioned spaces with good temperature control. When this ballast regulation first passed, it was reasonable to believe electronic ballasts would continue to be developed for HID lamps and that electronic ballasts would be developed for use in existing fixtures at all wattages. However, at this time there are a limited number of electronic HID ballasts available today, mostly for new low wattage metal halide fixtures designed for indoor applications.

During the past three years, development on HID electronic ballasts essentially stopped as industry has switched nearly all of its research and development activities to LED fixtures. New outdoor and indoor lighting applications that typically used HID fixtures in the past are switching rapidly to LED fixtures. This trend will ultimately see a shift away from HID lighting applications to be replaced by LED fixtures.

For more information, contact Rob McIntyre, EFC Manager Product Sections, rmcintyre@electrofed.com

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • LEDucation 2024 – Concluded with Record-Breaking Attendance

    The LEDucation Trade Show and Conference, organized by the Designers Lighting Forum New York, wrapped 2024 with record-breaking attendance, welcoming more than 10,000 registrants from all aspects of the lighting industry. LEDucation celebrated its 18th year in New York City March 19–20 at the New York Hilton Midtown, becoming North America’s largest annual lighting industry… Read More…

  • Part 1: How Many Studies Does it Take to Change a Lightbulb?

    March 18, 2024 How studies in vision inform lighting standards at Night By Noah Sabatier Changing a light bulb in our home is perhaps the most simple task in which we can still credit ourselves for performing household maintenance. The amount of thought such an operation receives rarely extends beyond looking for the most efficient… Read More…


Design

  • Case Study: Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU) with Salex SW

    Case Study: Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU) with Salex SW

    February 6, 2024 Since 1940, WFCU Credit Union is a prominent and forward-thinking financial institution based in Windsor and Essex County. For over 80 years, WFCU has been dedicated to serving Ontario residents, community, organizations, small businesses, commercial entities, and public institutions. Their new headquarters in Kitchener was created as they continue to grow their… Read More…

  • Coaticook Suspended Footbridge: An Ever-Changing Luminous Canvas, Painted by Nature

    Coaticook Suspended Footbridge: An Ever-Changing Luminous Canvas, Painted by Nature

    December 5, 2023 At 170 m (554 ft) long and 50 m (160 ft) high, the Coaticook Canyon Bridge at Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook is one of the longest suspension footbridges in North America and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Eastern Townships. For several years, the Parc de la… Read More…


New Products

  • Liteline ORBIT 2″ Gimbal Recessed Fixture

    The ORBIT is a 5 watt 2″ gimbal recessed light fixture for retrofit applications, with 360° rotation and 80° tilt. It is a high-performance, easy to install downlight solution that offers good light output, energy-efficiency and streamlined design. Suitable for wet locations and ideal for vaulted ceiling and soffit installations. BodyDurable aluminum body with 360°… Read More…

  • Acclaim Lighting Introduces All-Weather Terra Drum with Multiple Color Options

    Acclaim Lighting introduces the Terra Drum series, rugged, all-weather inground, drive-over ready rated fixtures designed for recessed façade and tree lighting applications.  Available in 15-, 30- and 60-watt versions, Terra Drums have a drive-over rating of up to 6,000 lbs. (2,721kg). They are offered in 2400K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, Dynamic White (2700K-6000K), Quad Spectrum… Read More…