All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(824 products available)
Ballast capacitors are available in the following types:
Electrolytic Ballast Capacitor
Electrolytic ballast capacitors are common in fluorescent dome light fixtures. They operate with a rectified AC voltage and provide large capacitance value in small sizes. Electrolytic capacitors utilize an electrolyte layer that serves as one of the plates of the capacitor to give it its unique property that allows it to be polarized. Because of this property, one surface of the electrolyte has to be connected to a positive element while the other is a negative connection. An electric charge is passed through the electrolyte to form the dielectric. This capacitor is ideal for DC applications where it has a positive-negative orientation. Do not use it where alternating currents dominate. Exposing them to AC will lead to reduced performance or total failure.
Ceramic Ballast Capacitor
Ceramic ballast capacitor mostly comes in small sizes. Some can even be smaller than a penny. The capacitors are made from ceramic and conductive labels such as metal. These capacitors are nonpolar and small in size. Radio frequencies take these capacitors, making them critical components in appliances that utilize RF. Although ceramic capacitors are small, they are reliable when one needs a capacitor with long life reliability for applications with limited space availability.
Polyester Film Ballast Capacitor
Polyester film capacitors are made from plastic film that is composed of polyester to store electric energy. This ballast capacitor has excellent properties such as cost-effectiveness and storing electric energy. Their capacitance range is moderate and can handle different temperatures. Aside from budget reasons, these capacitors can be used in audio devices and frequency filter circuits. If one needs a capacitor that is affordable and versatile, the polyester film is a great option.
Mica Ballast Capacitor
Mica ballast capacitors are reliable due to their small size, stability, and high performance. Mica is a dielectric material with excellent thermal and electrical properties. It is also very stable and doesn't change its capacitance over time or with changes in temperature. Because of this, mica ballast capacitors are suitable for high-frequency applications.
Pp Capacitor Ballast
PP capacitors are made from polypropylene film. Polypropylene capacitors are nonpolarized and work well in AC and DC systems. The capacitors are stable and have a higher capacitance than the other film capacitors. In addition, PP capacitors withstand the most demanding environments and last the longest.
Industrial lighting systems
In industries, fluorescent or LED lighting requires a ballast capacitor. This capacitor regulates the current to allow the lighting system to function. Without a ballast capacitor, lighting will be erratic and flicker because it helps stabilize the fluctuations that occur within such systems.
HVAC systems
Technology and engineering professions commonly use HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. Ballast capacitors are used on the compressors within these systems to facilitate smoother operations. They help start motors and help run for a longer period without getting heated up or damaged.
Refrigeration systems
Ballast capacitors stabilize and regulate current in refrigeration systems. They are used in coolers, freezers, and other large refrigeration systems that need a capacitor to maintain current regulation and stabilization.
Induction heating systems
Ballast capacitors help balance the load in induction heating systems, which creates a magnetic field. This protects the circuit and improves efficiency.
Electric Motor Systems
Ballast capacitors can be found in electric motor systems across industries. They are used in tools, machinery, automobiles, and heavy machinery. Ballast capacitors within these systems help improve power factor and smooth out the voltage.
Capacitance values
Ballast capacitor values vary depending on the kind of light used and the watts it needs. The capacitors have a wide range of capacitance values, starting at 1.0 µF up to 100 µF.
Voltage ratings
Ballast capacitors handle a variety of voltage ratings. Most household light fixtures have a standard line voltage of 120 volts. Common fluorescent light fixtures have a ballast capacitor that stands up to 240 volts. Commercial fixtures have a larger 600-volt rating.
Frequency ratings
The frequency rating of ballast capacitors typically comes at 50-60 Hz. This is the typical frequency of power lines in many countries. Some specialized HVAC or industrial ballast capacitors have a frequency value of up to 1000Hz. Although rare, these are still important in high-frequency applications.
Temperature ratings
Ballast capacitors are designed to work under extreme heat and cold conditions. The most common temperature range is -40 to +85 degrees Celsius. Some advanced capacitors can handle -40 to +105 degrees Celsius.
A fluorescent fixture has wires connected to a ballast capacitor. The black wire connects to the power wire, and the white wire connects to the neutral wire. The capacitor terminal connects to the lamp holder and the ground wire, which connects the fixture to the ground wire. In layman's terms, the terminals provide a path for current within the fixture to flow and light the bulbs. Follow these steps when replacing the ballast capacitor:
Take out the old ballast
The black and white wires are connected to the ballast. There are two metal clips holding the ballast in place. They must be unscrewed on both sides to remove the old ballast. Disconnect the black and white wires from the old ballast and set it aside.
Materials used
Ballast capacitors are made from high-quality materials. The most prominent is the dielectric, which stores electric energy in the capacitor. Smooth and even dielectrics are important for function. They store energy, and any fluctuation will be detrimental to stability. Fluorescent bulbs come with ballast capacitors composed of electrolytic, film, or ceramic materials. Each of them has durable and thick dielectrics that add to their quality and durability. These materials are resistant to heat and breakdown, so they can operate effectively without wearing down.
Proper installation methods
Proper installation and handling of ballast capacitor tools for light fixtures affect their quality and durability. Proper mounting means that there is no undue stress on the capacitor's terminals and leads, which prevents cracks and disconnections. Poor handling can damage the component, so do not drop or expose it to moisture. Once installed, regular maintenance checks are important in sustaining their durability. Run tests to make sure they are working properly. Look for signs of wear such as swelling, rupture, or leaks. Regular checks mean changing faulty parts before they damage the whole system or cause downtime.
Temperature and humidity resistance
Ballast capacitors can work in various extreme temperatures, from -40 to +105 degrees Celsius. This means they can work in different climates, from extreme heat to snow. They are also a little resistant to humidity. However, long exposure to moisture can lead to corrosion and degradation of the internal components. Proper enclosures and installations in a dry environment will prolong their life further.
Shock and vibration tolerance
Ballast capacitors are designed to absorb a slight shock during installation. A capacitor that vibrates or moves around will undergo mechanical stress over time, leading to deterioration and weakening of its internal components. Ballast capacitors used in industrial machinery withstand a lot of shock and vibrations. Standard ones are not designed to take abuse, but neither are they flimsy. With proper installation inside non-vibrating equipment, they last longer and provide reliable service.
A1:Capacitors work with inductors and magnetic fields in fluorescent tubes to create an electric field that lights up the gas inside the tubes. They store and release energy and maintain a stable light output even with small fluctuations in current and voltage.
A2:A capacitor stores electric energy in a fluorescent light system. It works with the magnetic ballast to provide a starting electric current that ignites the fluorescent tube. Without it, there wouldn't be enough initial energy to start the tube lighting until a few seconds after flipping the switch.
A3: Some common symptoms are flickering, diming, or irregular lighting. The light may take a long time to turn on or won't turn on at all. There may be buzzing sounds, which means the ballast is overwhelmed with work. Light bulbs may burn out frequently, or the fixture itself may overheat.
A4: Unplug the fixture and remove the ballast cover to expose the components inside. Use a multi-meter to check the capacitor for capacitance. Good ballast capacitors give the right capacitance range. Using the same tool to measure resistance, good capacitors show infinite resistance, while bad ones show zero or fluctuate. Also, check for physical signs on the capacitor, such as bulging, leaking electrolyte, burnarks, etc. If the capacitor is showing any signs of failure, replace it.
A5:Yes, a bad ballast will ruin a light fixture. It will draw excess current and cause overheating. If the ballast capacitor goes bad, it will affect the whole lighting system. It will damage the fixtures, light tubes, the whole wiring system, or even start an electrical fire.
