E-Kyoto II 136 TL-D 220-240 9137006077 (HFB136TLD)

A “cold start” (or instant start) ballast strikes fluorescent tubes by applying a very high initial voltage across the lamp. This ignites the cathodes while they are still cold rather than preheating them first. This method is highly efficient but can reduce the overall lifespan of the tube.

How Cold Start Ballasts Work

No Preheating: Unlike rapid-start or programmed-start ballasts that send a small electrical current to warm up the tube’s filaments before lighting, cold start ballasts send a massive jolt of voltage immediately.

Gas Ionization: This high voltage shatters the resistance inside the tube, forcing the gas to ionize and create an electrical arc instantly.

Cathode Erosion: Because the cathodes aren’t preheated, the initial strike strips away some of the emission material on the pins (known as sputtering). Consequently, tubes generally last about half as long as they would with a warm-start ballast.

Advantages

Energy Efficiency: They are highly efficient because they do not use extra power (typically 1.5 to 2 watts per lamp) to constantly heat the cathodes during operation.

Low-Temperature Starting: They start up extremely reliably in freezing temperatures (often down to 0F), making them the ideal choice for outdoor lighting or walk-in freezers.

Faster Turn-On: They provide immediate illumination without the flickering and clicking associated with preheat/starter setups.