Multivolt vs single volt ballast

[dimarcelli]

Well the time has come to pick lights for my new shop, and i'm a bit confused when it comes to ballast volt ratings. Using the visual software, i drew up plans using 8 foot T8 lithonia fixtures. The model i used was TC 2 32 mvolt geb10is. Now i can't actually find this fixture locally but i can get the 120 volt version (TC 2 32 120 1/4 gesb). This is where i'm confused. I've read reviews on both mvolt and 120 volt fixtures, and it seemed the consensus was that the multivolt ballasts were better quality. One reviewer stated that the 120 models are equipped with cheaper ballasts (accupro i believe) and the mvolt series have better ones (sylvania, keystone, advance). Some commented that the 120 ballasts burned out fast, but some people also said they had no problems with them.

So what is the consensus on ballasts and quality? The TC 120 fixture is $40 but if i step up to the mvolt fixture its $60. The room is 23x18 and according to visual i need four fixtures to produce 100 fc.

 

[pattenp]

6 of one or a half dozen of the other.... the 120V/277V is a commercial ballast so you're paying for the ability to run them at 277V. Also being commercial they do not have to meet the RF requirements of the residential ballast so you may get some radio interference.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

The options are what pattenp mentioned- 120v or 120v/277v.

 

[ForceFed70]

A multivolt ballast is typically only used in commercial applications and is therefore a commercial ballast. Generally balasts rated for commercial use are of a better quality.

You can get 120V commercial ballasts as well. Usually for only a few $ more than something rated for residential use.

My father and brother both own electrical companies and only buy commercial balasts, even for residential uses.

 

[Norcal]

Never seen a millivolt input rated ballast before. The options are what pattenp mentioned- 120v or 120v/277v.

They are 120 through 277V ballasts, not 120 or 277V.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

They are 120 through 277V ballasts, not 120 or 277V.

Yes, i know that but most multivolt ballasts I've installed have the input voltage listed as slash rated, pattenp did the same as me and even cos. such as grainger are guilty of the same!

http://m.grainger.com/mobile/details/?R=3HCX6

 

[dimarcelli]

Alright cool, thanks for all the information. I spent two weeks trying to figure out what fixtures i wanted and i think i'll go with the T8's. The guy at HD tried to get me to buy the T5 HO fixtures but i have 8 foot ceilings and from what i've read, that isn't the best.

 

[sharkytm]

T5HO is overkill in most situations... I've been in a garage with 6-bulb T5HO fixtures and 10' ceilings. It was insanely bright, and the electrical meter wanted to spin off the wall. T8's are fine in most cases.

 

[AZ Garage]

Commercial is starting to go mvolt only now. Creates less paperwork and stocking for vendors/suppliers.

 

[6768rogues]

Commercial is starting to go mvolt only now. Creates less paperwork and stocking for vendors/suppliers.

You are correct. I was a facility director for a large public school and all schools had 3 phase, but some were 208 with 120 lighting and some were 480 with 277 lighting. The multi volt units allowed us to stock one part for all lights, what a breakthrough!