Rosslyn, Va.-based National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published BL 2-2009, "Energy Efficiency for Electronic Ballasts for T8 Fluorescent Lamps." The standard was developed by NEMA’s Ballast Section and revises the 2007 version.
BL 2 contains energy-efficiency requirements for evaluating electronic ballasts designed for use with four-foot 32W T8 fluorescent lamps with a lumen output greater than or equal to 3,100 lumens. It covers definitions, requirements, and markings. Ballasts that meet these requirements are labeled NEMA Premium.
"In NEMA BL 2-2009, NEMA's Ballast Section has expanded the NEMA Premium program for T8 fluorescent ballasts to include additional ballast types, and has refined the performance requirements for products already in the program,” says Ballast Section Vice Chair John Green. “This standard is further evidence of the industry's commitment to energy-efficient lighting."
The standard may downloaded at no charge by visiting the NEMA Web site.
