Our Review of Universal Lighting B234SR120M-A000I: Reliable T12 Ballast
When it comes to reliable and efficient lighting solutions, choosing the right ballast can make all the difference. We recently had the opportunity to work with the Universal Lighting Technologies B234SR120M-A000I Electronic Ballast, designed specifically for fluorescent T12 lamps, and we’re excited to share our experience.This 2-lamp, 120V ballast boasts solid energy-saving features, a robust build, and the trusted quality that Universal Lighting Technologies has been known for since 1947. Whether you’re a professional installer or a DIY enthusiast looking to upgrade your lighting system, our in-depth review will help you understand why this ballast continues to be a popular choice in the lighting community. Let’s dive into the details and see how it performed in our tests.
Overview of the Universal Lighting Technologies B234SR120M-A000I Electronic Ballast
We found this electronic ballast to be a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and efficient solution for T12 linear fluorescent lamps. Designed to power two lamps simultaneously, it operates at 120 volts and offers a power rating of 59 watts for energy-saving lamps and 71 watts for standard lamps. Its rapid start feature not only ensures a rapid ignition but also extends the life of your lamps, making it an economical and practical option. Measuring just 9.5 by 1.7 inches, the compact size allows for easy installation in various fixtures, while the passive power factor correction helps improve overall energy efficiency.
Built to last by a company with decades of expertise, this ballast represents high-quality manufacturing standards. Below is a quick summary of its key specs and benefits:
- Ballast Factor: 0.9 (standard lamp), 0.86 (energy-saving lamp)
- Current Rating: 0.49 amp for energy-saving,0.63 amp for standard at 60 Hz
- Maximum Lead Length: 20 feet for remote mounting
- Passive Power Factor Correction: Enhances electric efficiency
- Weight: Lightweight at 2.56 ounces for easy handling
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | T12 Fluorescent Lamps |
| Voltage | 120V |
| Number of Lamps | 2 |
| Power Ratings | 59W / 71W |
| Dimensions (inches) | 9.5 x 1.7 x 1.18 |
For those of us seeking a dependable ballast that balances performance with energy efficiency, this product reliably checks all the boxes. Check Latest Price & Availability
Exploring Key Features That Make This Ballast Stand Out
one of the most impressive attributes of this electronic ballast is its energy-efficient operation. Designed specifically for T12 linear fluorescent lamps, it seamlessly supports two lamps with a consistent voltage rating of 120V, while maintaining a low current rating-0.49 amps for energy-saving lamps and 0.63 amps for standard lamps. This translates into notable energy savings and enhanced lamp life. The rapid start technology helps the lamps ignite quickly and reduces flickering, making it ideal for both residential and commercial settings. Additionally, its compact dimensions (9.5″ x 1.7″ x 1.18″) and lightweight design ensure easy installation and remote mounting up to 20 feet, offering excellent flexibility for various lighting setups.
- Ballast Factor: 0.9 for standard lamps, 0.86 for energy-saving lamps
- Power Rating: 59 Watts for energy-saving and 71 Watts for standard lamps
- Passive Power Factor Correction: Improvement in overall system efficiency
- Durability: Manufactured with high-quality components benefitting from Panasonic’s R&D
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Electronic Ballast, Rapid start |
| Lamp Compatibility | T12 Linear Fluorescent, 2-Lamp |
| Voltage | 120 V |
| Max Lead Length | 20 ft |
| Dimensions | 9.5″ x 1.7″ x 1.18″ |
Reliability is another outstanding feature we appreciate. Produced proudly in North America by Universal Lighting Technologies,this ballast combines decades of manufacturing expertise with the latest advancements in electronic lighting components. A tough and dependable choice, it ensures minimal maintenance and long-lasting performance. Whether you’re upgrading existing fixtures or installing new ones,this ballast offers a perfect balance of quality,efficiency,and ease of use that professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike can rely on.
Our In-Depth Experience Using the T12 2-Lamp 120V Ballast
We found this electronic ballast to be an excellent choice for replacing or upgrading T12 fluorescent fixtures. Its rapid start technology ensures lamps ignite quickly and smoothly, which considerably reduces flickering and extends the lifespan of the bulbs. We appreciated the ballast’s efficient current ratings of 0.49 amps for energy-saving lamps and 0.63 amps for standard lamps, which strikes a good balance between performance and energy consumption. The device’s compact size – measuring just 9.5 by 1.7 inches – made it easy to fit in a variety of fixtures, while the durable black casing gave it a sleek, professional appearance.
The ballast factor performance was consistent and reliable, with a typical factor of 0.9 for standard lamps and 0.86 for energy-saving lamps, contributing to steady, high-quality lighting output. Installation was straightforward thanks to the included 20 ft max lead for remote mounting, offering flexibility without compromising efficiency.Below is a quick summary of the key specifications we tracked during our use:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| voltage Rating | 120V |
| Wattage | 59W (energy-saving), 71W (standard) |
| Current Rating | 0.49A (energy-saving), 0.63A (standard) |
| dimensions | 9.5″ x 1.7″ x 1.18″ |
| Lead Length | 20 ft max for remote mounting |
- Reliable start times with low flicker
- Energy-conscious design saves on electricity
- Easy installation with extended leads
- Durable construction for long-term use
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Helpful Tips and Recommendations Based on Our Hands-On Testing
During our hands-on testing, we found that this electronic ballast performs reliably with standard and energy-saving T12 fluorescent lamps, providing consistent illumination while helping to extend lamp life thanks to its rapid start design. One of the key benefits is its energy efficiency, operating at 0.49 amps for energy-saving lamps and 0.63 amps for standard ones, allowing noticeable power savings without sacrificing brightness. We recommend ensuring that the ballast is installed within 20 feet of the lamps to maintain optimal performance, and always verify compatibility with your fixture’s wiring to avoid installation issues.
- Check lamp type compatibility: Best suited for T12 fluorescent lamps.
- Installation tips: Use within a 20 ft lead length for remote mounting for maximum efficiency.
- Energy savings: Use with energy-saving lamps to reduce current draw to 0.49 amps.
- Dimensions: Compact size (9.5 x 1.7 x 1.18 inches) fits easily in most standard fixtures.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Voltage Rating | 120 Volts |
| Power Rating | 59 W (Energy-saving) / 71 W (Standard) |
| ballast Factor | 0.86 (Energy-saving) / 0.9 (Standard) |
| Current Rating | 0.49 A / 0.63 A |
| Lamp Support | 2-lamp T12 Fluorescent |
this ballast is a robust, energy-efficient choice that is easy to install and highly dependable thanks to Universal’s rigorous manufacturing standards. If you’re looking to replace or upgrade your fluorescent lighting, this model offers a smart blend of reliability and cost savings. check Latest Price & Availability
Customer Reviews Analysis
Customer Reviews Analysis
After combing through numerous customer reviews of the universal Lighting Technologies B234SR120M-A000I Electronic Ballast, we’ve gathered valuable insights into how this product performs in real-world settings. Here’s what we found:
ease of Installation
One of the standout points from users is the installation process. Even those with moderate DIY skills, but not professional electricians, reported being able to replace their old ballasts successfully.The color-coded wires and matching connectors make hooking up the new ballast straightforward. A few users mentioned:
- “The wires are all color-coded,so matching and hooking up is a breeze.”
- “Just remove the old ballast, match wires color to color, twist and cap with wire nuts.”
- “Even novices can handle installation with minimal hassle.”
That said, some noted that the new ballast is slightly longer and might need creative mounting solutions like double-sided foam tape, but this didn’t affect functionality.
Performance and Reliability
Most customers emphasized the reliable performance after installation. A common theme was the elimination of flickering and the ballast’s smooth and silent operation compared to older magnetic ballasts. For example:
- “No more flickering, works like new.”
- “Say goodbye to that annoying hum – this ballast is virtually silent.”
- “works fine and no delay in lighting.”
Compatibility considerations
One area where experiences varied was with LED bulbs. While the ballast works great with standard fluorescent T12 tubes, some users had issues initially with LED tube compatibility:
- “The ballast did not work with some LED bulbs right away.”
- “Swapping bulb orientations and trying different bulbs eventually made LED tubes work.”
- “A compatibility chart helped, but results can vary depending on the LED brand.”
If you intend to use LED tubes, patience and some trial may be needed, as some bulbs respond better than others with this ballast.
Value and Availability
Several reviews mentioned good value for the price, noting it was often cheaper than competitors or local stores like Home Depot. The product arrived on time and undamaged, earning positive marks for packaging and shipping as well.
Summary Table of Key Customer Feedback
| Aspect | Strengths | Points to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Color-coded wires, easy to handle even for novices | May require creative mounting due to length |
| Performance | fixes flickering, silent operation | Some LED bulbs initially incompatible |
| Compatibility | works well with customary T12 fluorescents | LED compatibility inconsistent; bulb swapping may help |
| Value | Competitive pricing, reliable shipping | Longer wait times reported by some |
In conclusion, the Universal Lighting B234SR120M-A000I electronic ballast is a solid, reliable choice for maintaining or repairing fluorescent T12 lighting fixtures. Those needing a straightforward replacement will appreciate its user-friendly installation and quiet operation. Just keep in mind the LED compatibility caveat if you plan to upgrade to LED tubes.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons of the Universal Lighting B234SR120M-A000I
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reliable electronic ballast with a strong 4.5-star average rating | Compatible only with T12 fluorescent lamps, limiting versatility |
| supports 2 lamps efficiently with a ballast factor close to 0.9 | Uses 120V and up to 71W, which is higher compared to newer LED options |
| Rapid start design helps extend lamp life and reduces flicker | Larger physical dimensions (9.5″ x 1.7″), requiring adequate mounting space |
| Manufactured by Universal Lighting Technologies with decades of expertise | Not suitable for modern LED retrofit without additional adapters |
| Passive power factor correction contributes to energy efficiency | Leads are limited to 20 ft max for remote mounting, requiring careful installation |
we found the Universal Lighting B234SR120M-A000I to be a dependable choice for those maintaining or upgrading T12 fluorescent lighting setups.While it’s not designed for newer LED systems, its quality manufacturing, good lamp support, and energy-conscious features make it a solid selection in its category.
Reveal the Exceptional
Thanks for joining us in this review of the Universal Lighting Technologies B234SR120M-A000I electronic ballast. We appreciate how this reliable T12 ballast combines energy efficiency, durability, and quality craftsmanship-making it a solid choice for anyone working with linear fluorescent lighting. whether you’re upgrading existing fixtures or replacing worn-out ballasts, we believe this product delivers consistent performance that you can count on. If you’re ready to enhance your lighting setup with a trusted, long-lasting ballast, be sure to check it out.
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