What types of ballasts are there?

There are three main categories of ballast for fluorescent and discharge lamps. Conventional ballasts (CCG) are magnetic chokes operating at 50 Hz mains frequency; they require a separate starter and have self-losses of 10–20 % of lamp wattage. Low-loss ballasts (VVG) use improved core materials to reduce losses slightly but still need a starter. Electronic ballasts (EVG) operate at 25–50 kHz, combine ballast and ignition in one unit, eliminate the starter, and save around 23 % energy versus a CCG. For LED modules, a dedicated LED driver – either constant-current or constant-voltage – replaces the ballast.

When do you need a ballast?

A ballast is required whenever you operate a gas-discharge lamp – including all fluorescent tubes (T5, T8), compact fluorescent lamps without an integrated driver, metal halide (HQI) lamps and high-pressure sodium lamps. Without a ballast, the discharge current in these lamps rises uncontrollably after ignition, destroying the lamp within seconds. LED modules that are not self-contained retrofit lamps also need a dedicated LED driver. Standard incandescent and halogen lamps (GU10, E27, etc.) connect directly to mains voltage and do not require a ballast.

Can you simply replace a fluorescent tube with an LED tube?

Replacing a fluorescent tube with an LED tube is possible, but the approach depends on the LED tube type. Ballast-compatible LED tubes are designed to work with a specific EVG – check the compatibility list supplied by the LED tube manufacturer. Mains-direct LED tubes require the existing ballast to be disconnected or bypassed, and the luminaire rewired so that live and neutral connect directly to the lamp holders. In both cases, any starter in the circuit must be replaced with a starter-bridge adapter. Always isolate the luminaire from the mains before starting work.

What is the difference between a transformer and a ballast?

A transformer (or halogen transformer) steps 230 V AC down to 12 V AC or DC for low-voltage halogen lamps such as GU5.3 / MR16 types. It changes voltage but does not limit current in the way a ballast does. A ballast is connected in series with a gas-discharge lamp specifically to limit the discharge current and, where necessary, deliver an ignition voltage pulse. An LED driver is neither a traditional transformer nor a ballast – it rectifies mains AC and delivers a precisely regulated DC output (constant current or constant voltage) to power LED modules safely.

What is the difference between CCG, VVG and EVG?

All three are ballast types for fluorescent lamps, differing in technology and efficiency. A CCG (conventional ballast) is a simple magnetic choke with losses of 10–20 % of lamp wattage; it needs a separate starter and has been banned for new sales in the EU since 2005. A VVG (low-loss ballast) uses better core materials to reduce losses modestly but is also being phased out under EU ecodesign rules. An EVG (electronic ballast) operates at high frequency (25–50 kHz), integrates the ignition circuit, eliminates the starter, reduces system power by roughly 23 % and enables flicker-free dimming. Only EVGs with EEI class A1 or A2 may currently be sold in the EU.

Do LEDs need a ballast or a driver?

LED lamps and modules do not use a ballast in the traditional sense, but they do require a LED driver to operate safely. The driver rectifies mains AC and delivers a regulated DC output – either a fixed current (e.g. 350 mA or 700 mA for constant-current drivers) or a fixed voltage (12 V or 24 V for constant-voltage drivers). Self-contained LED retrofit lamps (E27, GU10, etc.) have the driver integrated into the lamp base and connect directly to mains voltage. LED modules used in professional luminaires and LED strips always require an external driver matched to the module's power and current specification.

How do I connect a ballast?

A ballast is wired in series between the mains supply and the lamp. For a CCG or VVG fluorescent circuit: connect live to the ballast input, the ballast output to one lamp pin, the starter in parallel with the lamp, and neutral to the other lamp pin. For an EVG: connect live and neutral to the EVG input terminals; the EVG output connects directly to the lamp holders – no starter is used, so fit a starter-bridge in the starter socket or remove the starter loop. For HID lamps, wire the ignitor in series between the ballast output and the lamp. Always isolate the circuit from the mains before working on the wiring, and consult a qualified electrician if in doubt.

How can I test a fluorescent ballast?

The quickest way to identify and test a fluorescent ballast is visual inspection. If a separate starter is present in the luminaire, the ballast is a conventional CCG or VVG. If there is no starter socket, the ballast is an EVG. To check whether the ballast is functioning: replace the starter with a known-good unit (for CCG/VVG) or substitute a known-good lamp (for EVG). If the lamp still fails to start, measure the ballast output voltage with a multimeter – a CCG should show mains voltage across its output terminals; an EVG should show a high-frequency voltage. A ballast showing no output voltage is faulty and should be replaced.

Ballasts

Top seller

OSRAM QUICKTRONIC® MULTIWATT 2X26…42 S

€28.93 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Low stock; Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

LEDVANCE LED TREIBER DR DALI-P-30/220-240/700 20X1 LEDV

LEDVANCE LED DRIVER DALI PERFORMANCE G2 -26/220-240/700

€24.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

SLV LED driver 4W, 350mA

€16.63 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

OSRAM OPTOTRONIC® Phase-cut OTE 25/220…240/700 PC

€21.98 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

OSRAM QUICKTRONIC® PROFESSIONAL OPTIMAL 1X54…58

€12.60 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

OSRAM OPTOTRONIC® FIT D LT2 L 120/220…240/750 D LT2 L

€31.69 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

OSRAM OPTOTRONIC® FIT CS L G2 55/220…240/1A0 CS L G2

€21.06 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Currently not available;
Article is coming soon

Currently not available

266 Articles

Filter

6 From 12 pages

No results were found for the filter!

SLV LED power supply 30W, 24V white

This SLV LED power supply is a 100 Watt LED DC power supply with 24 Volt. : Product name: LED Treiber • Colour: white • Material: Polycarbonate (PC) • Protection category: II...

€43.75 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SLV LED power supply 100W, 24V white

This SLV LED power supply is a 30 Watt LED DC power supply with 24 Volt. : Product name: LED Treiber • Colour: white • Material: Polycarbonate (PC) • Protection category: II...

€70.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SLV LED power supply 150W, 24V white

This SLV LED power supply is a 150 Watt LED DC power supply with 24 Volt. : Product name: LED Treiber • Colour: white • Material: Polycarbonate (PC) • Protection category: II...

€87.50 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SLV LED power supply 250W, 24V white

This SLV LED power supply is a 250 Watt LED DC power supply with 24 Volt. : Product name: LED Treiber • Colour: white • Material: Polycarbonate (PC) • Protection category: II...

€105.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SLV LED power supply 30W, 24V white DALI

This SLV LED power supply is a 30 Watt LED DC power supply with 24 Volt. The product is DALI dimmable. : Product name: LED Treiber • Colour: white • Material: Polycarbonate (PC)...

€52.50 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SLV LED power supply 250W, 24V white DALI

This SLV LED power supply is a 250 Watt LED DC power supply with 24 Volt. The product is DALI dimmable. : Product name: LED Treiber • Colour: white • Material: Polycarbonate (PC)...

€140.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SLV LED power supply 150W, 24V white DALI

This SLV LED power supply is a 150 Watt LED DC power supply with 24 Volt. The product is DALI dimmable. : Product name: LED Treiber • Colour: white • Material: Polycarbonate (PC)...

€122.50 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

LEDVANCE SP DRIVER DALI 8W

Professional DALI driver for LEDVANCE 8W SPOTs. Product features: IoT-ready driver with DALI-2 technology • Push DIM function for dimming and switching directly on a pushbutton • Suitable...

Express delivery possible

€66.25 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Low stock; Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

LEDVANCE LED TREIBER DALI PERFORMANCE G2 -44/220-240/1050

LEDVANCE LED DRIVER DALI PERFORMANCE G2 -44/220-240/1050

Compact constant current LED driver with DALI dimming interface. Product features: 1 channel DALI-2 certified LED driver • Supply voltage: 220…240 V • Operated with Safety...

Express delivery possible

€32.73 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

SLV LED power supply 12V, 24W, round

Round constant voltage power supply unit for 12VDC with 24W operation. Suitable for box installation. : Product name: Netzteil • Colour: white • IP Code: IP20 • Height: 25 mm...

€23.63 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SLV LED power supply 24V, 24W

Compact constant voltage power supply unit for 24VDC with 24W operation. : Product name: Netzteil • Colour: white • IP Code: IP20 • Length: 137 mm • Width: 50 mm • Height:...

€35.00 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SLV LED power supply 24V, 36W

Compact constant voltage power supply unit for 24VDC with 36W operation. : Product name: Netzteil • Colour: white • IP Code: IP20 • Length: 170 mm • Width: 57 mm • Height:...

€48.13 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SLV LED power supply 24V, 25W, round

Round constant voltage power supply unit for 24VDC with 25W operation. Suitable for box installation. : Product name: Netzteil • Colour: white • IP Code: IP20 • Height: 25 mm...

€23.63 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SLV LED driver 4W, 700mA

Very compact constant current driver with 1-4W and 700mA, version with open cable ends. Suitable for box installation. : Product name: Driver • Colour: white • Material: Plastic PC...

€16.63 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SLV LED driver 4W, 350mA

Very compact constant current driver with 1-4W and 350mA, version with open cable ends. Suitable for box installation. : Product name: Driver • Colour: white • Material: Plastic PC...

Express delivery possible

€16.63 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

SLV LED driver 10W, 500-700mA, PHASE

Phase-dimmable constant current driver, 10W, with adjustable current via DIP: 500mA/550mA/600mA/700mA, with strain relief : Product name: Driver • Colour: white • Material: Plastic PC...

€31.50 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SLV LED driver 20W, 350-500mA, PHASE

Phase-dimmable constant current driver, 20W, with adjustable current via DIP: 350mA/400mA/450mA/500mA, with strain relief : Product name: Driver • Colour: white • Material: Plastic PC...

€41.13 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SLV LED driver 15W, 200-350mA, PHASE

Phase-dimmable constant current driver, 15W, with adjustable current via DIP: 200mA/250mA/300mA/350mA, with strain relief : Product name: Driver • Colour: white • Material: Plastic PC...

€35.88 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SLV LED driver 30W, 500-700mA, PHASE

Phase-dimmable constant current driver, 30W, with adjustable current via DIP: 500mA/550mA/600mA/700mA, with strain relief : Product name: Driver • Colour: white • Material: Plastic PC...

€46.38 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SLV LED driver 40W, 700-1050mA, PHASE

Phase-dimmable constant current driver, 40W, with adjustable current via DIP: 700mA/800mA/950mA/1050mA, with strain relief : Product name: Driver • electrical power: 39.9 W • Dimmable:...

€49.88 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SLV LED driver 36W, 100-900mA, DALI

This DALI and push-dim capable constant current driver with 36W output offers an adjustable current via DIP: 150mA, 200mA, 250mA, 300mA, 350mA, 400mA, 450mA, 500mA, 550mA, 600mA, 650mA, 700mA,...

€72.63 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SLV LED driver 15W, 100-700mA, DALI

This DALI and push-dim capable constant current driver with 15W output offers an adjustable current via DIP: 100mA, 150mA, 200mA, 250mA, 300mA, 350mA, 400mA, 450mA, 500mA, 550mA, 600mA, 650mA,...

€62.13 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SLV LED driver 53W, 650-1400mA, DALI

This DALI and push-dim capable constant current driver with 36W output offers an adjustable current via DIP: 650mA, 700mA, 750mA, 800mA, 850mA, 900mA, 950mA, 1000mA, 1050mA, 1100mA, 1150mA, 1200mA,...

€80.50 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SLV LED power supply 60 W, 12V, PHASE

The electronic transformer for 12VAC and 60 W is phase dimmable and is ideal for a wide range of lighting applications. : Product name: Netzteil • Colour: white • electrical power: 62 W...

€24.50 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

6 From 12 pages

Info

Ballasts, Drivers and Transformers – Control Gear at a Glance: Whether you are maintaining a commercial lighting installation, retrofitting fluorescent tubes to LED, or specifying control gear for a new retail fit-out, the right ballast is the invisible backbone of every reliable lighting system. At Leuchtmittel Verkauf you will find conventional ballasts (CCG), low-loss ballasts (VVG), electronic ballasts (EVG), LED drivers and halogen... Read more »

Viewed