5F-i 

APPENDIX 5F. ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY SCENARIO

TABLE OF CONTENTS

5F.1 INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................1

5F.2 ASSUMPTIONS ..................................................................................................................1

5F.3 METHODOLOGY ..............................................................................................................1

5F.3.1 Development of the EL4 Equation ..........................................................................1

5F.3.2 Representative Units ..................................................................................2

5F.3.3 Manufacturer Selling Prices ..................................................................................3

5F.4 INSTANT AND RAPID START BALLASTS THAT OPERATE TWO FOUR-FOOT

MBP AND TWO-FOOT U-SHAPED LAMPS IN THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR ........3

5F.4.1 Efficiency Levels ..................................................................................3

5F.4.2 Results ..................................................................................5

5F.5 INSTANT AND RAPID START BALLASTS THAT OPERATE TWO FOUR-FOOT 

MBP AND TWO-FOOT U-SHAPED LAMPS IN THE RESIDENTIAL SECTOR .........7

5F.5.1 Efficiency Levels ..................................................................................7

5F.5.2 Results ..................................................................................8

5F.6 INSTANT AND RAPID START BALLASTS THAT OPERATE FOUR FOUR-FOOT 

MBP AND TWO-FOOT U-SHAPED LAMPS ................................................................10

5F.6.1 Efficiency Levels ................................................................................10

5F.6.2 Results ................................................................................11

5F.7 INSTANT AND RAPID START BALLASTS THAT OPERATE TWO EIGHT-FOOT 

SP SLIMLINE LAMPS .....................................................................................................12

5F.7.1 Efficiency Levels ................................................................................12

5F.7.2 Results ................................................................................13

5F.8 MSP COMPARISON ........................................................................................................16

LIST OF TABLES

Table 5F.3.1 Summary of ELs for the IS and RS Product Class .................................................... 2

Table 5F.4.1 Two-lamp MBP IS and RS Representative Ballast Type with F32T8 Baseline ....... 5

Table 5F.4.2 Two-lamp MBP IS and RS Representative Ballast Type with F34T12 Baseline ..... 6

Table 5F.5.1 Residential Representative Ballast Type with F32T8 Baseline ................................. 8

Table 5F.5.2 Residential Representative Ballast Type with F34T12 Baseline ............................... 9

Table 5F.6.1 Four-lamp MBP IS and RS Representative Ballast Type with F32T8 Baseline ..... 11

Table 5F.7.1 Eight-foot Slimline Representative Ballast Type with F96T12/ES Baseline .......... 13

Table 5F.7.2 Eight-foot Slimline Representative Ballast Type with F96T8 Baseline .................. 15

Table 5F.8.1 Summary of MSP Data ............................................................................................ 16

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 5F.3.1 Instant-start and Rapid-start Efficiency Levels ........................................................ 2
5F-ii

Figure 5F.4.1 Efficiency Levels for the 2-lamp MBP IS and RS Representative Ballast Type ..... 4

Figure 5F.5.1 Efficiency Levels for the Residential Representative Ballast Type ......................... 7

Figure 5F.6.1 Efficiency Levels for the 4-lamp MBP IS and RS Representative Ballast Type ... 10

Figure 5F.7.1 Efficiency Levels for the Eight-foot Slimline Representative Ballast Type .......... 12

Figure 5F.8.1 Two-Lamp MBP IS and RS Representative Ballast Type MSP Data.................... 17

Figure 5F.8.2 Four-Lamp MBP IS and RS Representative Ballast Type MSP Data ................... 17

Figure 5F.8.3 Eight-foot Slimline Representative Ballast Type MSP Data ................................. 18
5F-1 

APPENDIX 5F. ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY SCENARIO

5F.1 INTRODUCTION

In the notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 

analyzed efficiency levels that could be met by a sufficient diversity of commercially available 

ballasts. In this appendix, DOE considers an alternative scenario in which manufacturers are 

assumed to have the capability to redesign certain representative ballast types to be more 

efficient than the products currently available in the market. This alternative technology scenario 

affects all representative ballast types in the instant start (IS) and rapid start (RS) product class. 

5F.2 ASSUMPTIONS

During interviews, manufacturers indicated that ballasts that operate similar lamp powers 

often share similar topologies and components. Thus, it follows that their efficiencies should be 

similar as well. This information led DOE to develop efficiency levels using a power-efficiency 

relationship. An analysis of test data revealed this relationship to be most accurately 

characterized by an equation relating ballast luminous efficiency (BLE) to the natural log of 

lamp arc power. However, within the IS and RS product class, DOE noticed that several higherpower ballasts exhibited higher efficiencies than those predicted by the power-efficiency 

equation. In the NOPR notice, DOE did not evaluate max tech at a level equivalent to these 

products because DOE could not confirm it to be technologically feasible for a sufficient 

diversity of ballasts (spanning several ballast factors, number of lamps per ballast, and types of 

lamps operated). However, in this appendix, DOE is assuming that a max tech level based on 

these high efficiency ballasts is technologically feasible for a sufficient diversity of products and 

therefore analyzes an EL4 for the IS and RS product class.

5F.3 METHODOLOGY

The methodology used to develop the manufacturer selling prices (MSPs) and efficiency 

levels (ELs) for the advanced technology scenario remains the same as that presented in chapter 

5 of the NOPR technical support document (TSD). With the exception of EL4, this scenario 

maintains the same efficiency level equations and representative units (with their corresponding 

characteristics) as analyzed in the NOPR notice for the IS and RS product class. 

5F.3.1 Development of the EL4 Equation 

For the advanced technology scenario, DOE followed the same methodology outlined in 

the NOPR notice and chapter 5 of the NOPR TSD. In general, DOE plotted all of the test data 

and found that a logarithmic relationship best modeled the observed trend between total lamp arc 

power and BLE. Next, DOE plotted curves that aligned with certain key divisions in product 

offerings using an equation of the form: BLE = coefficient * ln (total lamp arc power) + 

constant. DOE adjusted the coefficient and constant to delineate different efficiency levels.
5F-2 

 To develop EL4, DOE fitted a logarithmic relationship between total measured lamp arc 

power and efficiency to the most efficient 4-lamp MBP IS and RS and 8-foot slimline ballasts 

tested. The EL4 equation just allows the most efficient commercially available 2-lamp 8-foot 

slimline ballasts and 4-lamp MBP IS and RS ballasts. EL4 is also met by the most efficient 1- 

and 2-lamp 8-foot slimline and 4-lamp high ballast factor MBP IS ballasts. The table below 

presents the equation for the new EL4, along with the existing equations for EL1, EL2, and EL3. 

In addition, the figure below shows all of the efficiency levels plotted against all of the ballasts

tested in the IS and RS product class. 

Table 5F.3.1 Summary of ELs for the IS and RS Product Class

Efficiency Level BLE Requirement With Variation 

Reduction

BLE Requirement Without Variation 

Reduction

EL1 2.98 * ln(total lamp arc power) + 72.61 3 * ln(total lamp arc power) + 73.2

EL2 2.48 * ln(total lamp arc power) + 79.16 2.5 * ln(total lamp arc power) + 79.8

EL3 1.32 * ln(total lamp arc power) + 86.11 1.33 * ln(total lamp arc power) + 86.8

EL4 0.86 * ln(total lamp arc power) + 89.48 0.87 * ln(total lamp arc power) + 90.2

75.0

80.0

85.0

90.0

95.0

100.0

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0 120.0 140.0

EL4

EL3

EL2

EL1

Average measured lamp arc power (W)

BLE 

(%)

Figure 5F.3.1 Instant-start and Rapid-start Efficiency Levels

5F.3.2 Representative Units

Although the EL4 equation was based on commercially available data, not all of the 

representative ballast types had a commercially available unit at this level. If a commercially 

available unit existed, as was the case for the 2-lamp 8-foot slimline and 4-lamp MBP 

representative ballast types, the characteristics of the representative units were based on the 

tested performance of the ballast. However, for the 2-lamp MBP IS and RS (residential and 
5F-3 

commercial) representative ballast type, DOE did not identify any commercially available units 

that met EL4. Thus, DOE had to calculate the relevant technical characteristics, such as ballast 

factor (BF), input power, and ballast luminous efficiency (BLE). 

To develop these theoretical units, DOE used both the EL4 equation and the 

characteristics of the representative units that met EL3. DOE assumed that representative units 

for the 2-lamp MBP IS and RS (residential and commercial) ballast types that met EL4 would 

have the same BF and operate the same total lamp arc power as the representative units at EL3.

Next, DOE evaluated the EL4 equation using the total lamp arc power assigned to the 

representative unit at EL3. This yielded the representative BLE for EL4. Then, DOE divided the 

total lamp arc power at EL4 by the calculated BLE at EL4 to determine the representative input 

power. Using these values (input power, BF, and BLE) DOE calculated additional technical 

values (system lumen output, normalized input power, etc.) for comparison with representative 

units at other efficiency levels. 

5F.3.3 Manufacturer Selling Prices

In addition to determining the technical information for all representative units at EL4, 

DOE also had to calculate the manufacturer selling price. As described in chapter 5 of the TSD, 

DOE developed prices using three main inputs: teardown data, blue book prices, and 

manufacturer-provided MSPs. In general, DOE used a combination of the teardown- and blue 

book-sourced prices throughout the analysis and used the aggregated manufacturer-supplied 

MSPs for normalization and comparison purposes. 

 For the advanced technology scenario, DOE needed to determine MSPs at EL4 for the 

four representative ballast types in the IS and RS product class. For the 8-foot slimline

representative ballast type, DOE used blue book data for the commercially available unit to 

estimate an MSP at EL4 (using the method described in chapter 5 of the NOPR TSD for blue 

book-sourced MSPs). Although a commercially available unit was identified for the 4-lamp 

MBP representative ballast type, DOE did not identify any blue book data or sufficient retail data 

to develop an MSP. Similarly, DOE did not possess either type of price data for 2-lamp MBP IS 

and RS (residential and commercial) ballasts because neither type was commercially available. 

Thus, for these three representative ballast types, DOE employed a scaling methodology. DOE 

multiplied the MSP at EL3 by the ratio of the 8-foot slimline MSP at EL4 to the MSP at EL3.

5F.4 INSTANT AND RAPID START BALLASTS THAT OPERATE TWO FOURFOOT MBP AND TWO-FOOT U-SHAPED LAMPS IN THE COMMERCIAL 

SECTOR

5F.4.1 Efficiency Levels

The equations identified for EL1, EL2, and EL3 have not changed from those presented 

in chapter 5 of the NOPR TSD. However EL4 represents the new efficiency level analyzed for 

the advanced technology scenario. EL4 affects both of the baseline ballasts and represents the 
5F-4 

maximum technologically feasible level for this representative ballast type. Though DOE did not 

identify commercially available 2-lamp medium bipin (MBP) IS and RS ballasts that meet EL4, 

DOE believes ballasts could be designed and manufactured to meet this new max tech level. 

Ballasts at this level would use slightly better components and circuit designs than those ballasts 

that just meet EL3.

Figure 5F.4.1 illustrates the four ELs on a plot of 2-lamp MBP IS and RS ballasts. A star 

indicates a representative unit. A circle indicates a theoretical representative unit. Diamonds 

indicate other 2-lamp MBP IS and RS ballasts tested by DOE. 

75.0

80.0

85.0

90.0

95.0

100.0

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 70.0 80.0 90.0 100.0

EL4

EL3

EL2

EL1

Average measured lamp arc power (W)

BLE 

(%)

F34T12 Baseline

F32T8 Baseline

Figure 5F.4.1 Efficiency Levels for the 2-lamp MBP IS and RS Representative Ballast Type
5F-5 

5F.4.2 Results

Table 5F.4.1 and Table 5F.4.2 present the engineering characteristics of the representative 2-lamp MBP IS and RS ballast 

designs used in the engineering analysis and subsequent analyses. In general, for the 2-lamp MBP IS and RS representative ballast 

type, ballasts at higher efficiencies can operate at multiple input voltages and have a lower THD, similar BF, and similar PF compared 

to the baseline ballast designs. For the advanced technology scenario, DOE used the same ballast prices for the baseline, baseline/EL1, 

EL2, and EL3, and the same lamp prices as those presented in chapter 5 of the NOPR TSD. To develop a ballast price at EL4, DOE 

used the scaling technique described in section 5F.3.3. The retail price of the replacement lamps reflects the number of lamps in the 

system (e.g., if it is a 2-lamp system the retail price is the price of two lamps). 

Table 5F.4.1 presents the engineering characteristics of the ballast replacement options for the baseline F32T8 system. Because 

the ballast factors of the standards-case systems are slightly lower than the baseline system, the normalized input power is slightly 

higher than the measured input power. If a direct substitution is made, mean lumen output does not change by more than eight percent 

relative to the mean lumen output of the baseline system.

Table 5F.4.1 Two-lamp MBP IS and RS Representative Ballast Type with F32T8 Baseline Efficiency Level For Operation Of Ballast Type Starting Method Input Voltage Universal or Single Voltage Ballast Factor Input Power (W) Lamp Arc Power (W) BLE (%) System Initial Light Output (lm) System Mean Light 

Output (lm)

Percentage Change 

Mean Lumen Output 

(%) 

Ballast Manufacturer 

Selling Price (2009$)

Lamp Retail Price ($)

Normalized Input 

Power (W)

Baseline

/EL1

2 F32T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 277 Single 0.90 61.1 52.4 85.8 5,426 5,154 0.0% $6.94 $5.65 61.1

EL2 2 F32T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 277 Universal 0.90 58.1 52.4 90.2 5,423 5,152 0.0% $8.85 $5.65 58.1

EL3 2 F32T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 277 Single 0.84 52.8 48.7 92.2 5,033 4,782 -7.2% $9.27 $5.65 56.9

EL4* 2 F32T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 277 Universal 0.84 52.0 48.7 93.6 5,033 4,782 -7.2% $11.17 $5.65 56.0

* The representative unit for EL4 is theoretical.
5F-6 

Table 5F.4.2 presents the engineering characteristics of the ballast replacement options for the baseline F34T12 system in the 

2-lamp MBP IS and RS representative ballast type. The representative F34T12 baseline ballast has a relatively low BF of 0.80. 

Typical F32T8 replacements have a higher ballast factor which results in increased total lumen output. If a direct substitution is made, 

mean lumen output does not change by more than 15 percent relative to the mean lumen output of the baseline system. 

Table 5F.4.2 Two-lamp MBP IS and RS Representative Ballast Type with F34T12 Baseline Efficiency Level For Operation Of Ballast Type Starting Method Input Voltage Universal or Single Voltage Ballast Factor Input Power (W) Lamp Arc Power (W) BLE (%) System Initial Light Output (lm) System Mean Light Output (lm)

Percentage Change 

Mean Lumen Output 

(%) 

Ballast Manufacturer 

Selling Price (2009$)

Lamp Retail Price ($)

Normalized Input 

Power (W)

Baseline 2 F34T12 

Lamps Electronic RS 277 Universal 0.80 60.7 47.5 78.3 5,005 4,505 0.0% $8.41 $11.65 60.7

EL1 2 F32T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 277 Single 0.90 61.1 52.4 85.8 5,426 5,154 14.4% $6.94 $5.65 53.4

EL2 2 F32T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 277 Universal 0.90 58.1 52.4 90.2 5,423 5,152 14.3% $8.85 $5.65 50.8

EL3 2 F32T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 277 Single 0.84 52.8 48.7 92.2 5,033 4,782 6.1% $9.27 $5.65 49.7

EL4* 2 F32T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 277 Universal 0.84 52.0 48.7 93.6 5,033 4,782 6.1% $11.17 $5.65 49.0

* The representative unit for EL4 is theoretical.
5F-7 

5F.5 INSTANT AND RAPID START BALLASTS THAT OPERATE TWO FOURFOOT MBP AND TWO-FOOT U-SHAPED LAMPS IN THE RESIDENTIAL 

SECTOR

5F.5.1 Efficiency Levels

The equations identified for EL1, EL2, and EL3 for the residential 2-lamp 4-foot MBP 

and 2-foot U-shaped IS and RS representative ballast type (hereafter referred to as the residential 

representative ballast type) have not changed from those presented in chapter 5 of the NOPR 

TSD. However, EL4 represents the new EL analyzed for the advanced technology scenario. EL4 

affects both baseline ballasts and represents the maximum technologically feasible level. Though 

DOE did not identify commercially available residential ballasts that meet this new max tech 

level, the advanced technology scenario assumes that a residential ballast could be designed and 

manufactured to meet EL4. Ballasts at this level would use slightly better components and circuit 

designs than those that just meet EL3.

Figure 5F.4.1 illustrates the four ELs on a plot of residential ballasts. A star indicates a 

representative unit. A circle indicates a theoretical representative unit. Diamonds indicate other 

residential ballasts tested by DOE. 

75.0

80.0

85.0

90.0

95.0

100.0

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 70.0 80.0 90.0 100.0

EL3

EL2

EL1

EL4

Average measured lamp arc power (W)

BLE 

(%)

Figure 5F.5.1 Efficiency Levels for the Residential Representative Ballast Type
5F-8 

5F.5.2 Results

The tables below present the engineering characteristics of the representative residential ballast designs used in the engineering 

analysis and subsequent analyses. In general, for the residential representative ballast type, ballasts at higher efficiencies can operate at 

120 volts (V) and have a slightly higher ballast factor compared to the baseline ballast designs. For the advanced technology scenario, 

DOE used the same ballast prices for the baseline, baseline/EL1, and EL3, and the same lamp prices as those presented in chapter 5 of 

the NOPR TSD. To develop a ballast price at EL4, DOE used the scaling technique described in section 5F.3.3. The retail price of the 

replacement lamps reflects the number of lamps in the system (e.g., if it is a 2-lamp system the retail price is the price of two lamps). 

The first table presents the engineering characteristics of the ballast replacement options for the baseline F32T8 system. 

Because the ballast factors of the standards-case systems are slightly higher than the baseline system, the normalized input power is 

slightly lower than the measured input power. If a direct substitution is made, mean lumen output does not change by more than seven 

percent relative to the mean lumen output of the baseline system.

Table 5F.5.1 Residential Representative Ballast Type with F32T8 Baseline Efficiency Level For Operation Of Ballast Type Starting Method Input Voltage Universal or Single Voltage Ballast Factor Input Power (W) Lamp Arc Power (W)

BLE (%)

System Initial Light 

Output (lm)

System Mean Light 

Output (lm)

Percentage Change 

Mean Lumen Output 

(%) 

Ballast Manufacturer 

Selling Price (2009$)

Lamp Retail Price ($)

Normalized Input 

Power (W)

Baseline

/EL1

2 F32T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 120 Single 0.81 53.8 47.3 87.8 4,888 4,644 0.0% $3.77 $5.65 53.8 

EL2 2 F32T8 

Lamps Electronic - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

EL3 2 F32T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 120 Single 0.87 54.7 50.3 92.2 5,207 4,947 6.5% $4.62 $5.65 51.3 

EL4* 2 F32T8 

Lamps

Electronic IS 120 Single 0.87 53.8 50.3 93.7 5,207 4,947 6.5% $5.57 $5.65 50.5 

* The representative unit for EL4 is theoretical.
5F-9 

Table 5F.5.2 presents the engineering characteristics of the ballast replacement options for the baseline F34T12 system in the 

residential representative ballast type. Because the ballast factors of the standards-case systems are slightly higher than the baseline 

system, the normalized input power is slightly lower than the measured input power. If a direct substitution is made, mean lumen 

output does not change by more than 8 percent relative to the mean lumen output of the baseline system. 

Table 5F.5.2 Residential Representative Ballast Type with F34T12 Baseline Efficiency Level For Operation Of Ballast Type Starting Method Input Voltage Universal or Single Voltage Ballast Factor Input Power (W) Lamp Arc Power (W) BLE (%)

System Initial Light 

Output (lm)

System Mean Light 

Output (lm)

Percentage Change 

Mean Lumen Output 

(%) 

Ballast Manufacturer 

Selling Price (2009$)

Lamp Retail Price ($)

Normalized Input 

Power (W)

Baseline 2 F34T12 

Lamps Electronic RS 120 Single 0.82 62.6 48.6 77.7 5,119 4,609 0.0% $4.68 $11.65 62.6

EL1 2 F32T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 120 Single 0.81 53.8 47.3 87.8 4,888 4,644 0.8% $3.77 $5.65 53.4

EL2 2 F32T8 

Lamps Electronic - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

EL3 2 F32T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 120 Single 0.87 54.7 50.3 92.0 5,207 4,947 7.3% $4.62 $5.65 51.0

EL4* 2 F32T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 120 Single 0.87 53.8 50.3 93.6 5,207 4,947 7.3% $5.57 $5.65 50.1

* The representative unit for EL4 is theoretical.
5F-10 

5F.6 INSTANT AND RAPID START BALLASTS THAT OPERATE FOUR FOURFOOT MBP AND TWO-FOOT U-SHAPED LAMPS

5F.6.1 Efficiency Levels

The equations identified for EL1, EL2, and EL3 for the 4-lamp 4-foot and 2-foot Ushaped MBP IS and RS representative ballast type (hereafter referred to as the 4-lamp MBP IS 

and RS representative ballast type) have not changed from those presented in chapter 5 of the 

NOPR TSD. However, EL4 represents the new efficiency level analyzed for the advanced 

technology scenario. This level requires the use of improved components and represents the 

maximum technologically feasible level. DOE identified commercially available ballasts that 

meet EL4.

Figure 5F.6.1 illustrates the four ELs on a plot of 4-lamp MBP IS and RS ballasts. A star 

indicates a representative unit tested by DOE. Diamonds indicate other 4-lamp MBP IS and RS 

ballasts tested by DOE.

 

85.0

87.0

89.0

91.0

93.0

95.0

97.0

99.0

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0 120.0 140.0

EL4

EL3

EL2

EL1

Average measured lamp arc power (W)

BLE 

(%)

F32T8 Baseline

Figure 5F.6.1 Efficiency Levels for the 4-lamp MBP IS and RS Representative Ballast Type
5F-11 

5F.6.2 Results

The table below presents the engineering characteristics of the representative 4-lamp MBP ballast designs used in the 

engineering analysis and subsequent analyses. In general, for the 4-lamp MBP IS and RS representative ballast type, ballasts at higher 

efficiencies can operate at multiple voltages and have a similar BF and PF as the baseline ballast designs. For the advanced technology 

scenario, DOE used the same ballast prices for the baseline/EL2 and EL3 units and the same lamp prices as those presented in chapter 

5 of the NOPR TSD. To develop a ballast price at EL4, DOE used the scaling technique described in section 5F.3.3. The retail price of 

the replacement lamps reflects the number of lamps in the system (e.g., if it is a 2-lamp system the retail price is the price of two 

lamps).

Table 5F.6.1 presents the engineering characteristics of the ballast replacement options for the baseline F32T8 system. Because 

the BF of EL3 is slightly lower than the baseline system, the normalized input power is higher than the measured input power. By 

contrast, the BF at EL4 is slightly higher than the baseline system, so the normalized input power is lower than the measured input 

power. If a direct substitution is made, mean lumen output does not change by more than two percent relative to the mean lumen 

output of the baseline system. 

Table 5F.6.1 Four-lamp MBP IS and RS Representative Ballast Type with F32T8 Baseline Efficiency Level For Operation Of Ballast Type Starting Method Input Voltage Universal or Single Voltage Ballast Factor

Input Power (W)

Lamp Arc Power (W)BLE (%)System Initial Light Output (lm)System Mean Light Output (lm)Percentage Change Mean Lumen Output (%)Ballast Manufacturer Selling Price (2009$)Lamp Retail Price ($)Normalized Input Power (W) 

Baseline/EL2 4 F32T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 277 Universal 0.89 112.0 103.1 92.1 10,668 10,135 0.0% $9.79 $11.29 112.0

EL3 4 F32T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 277 Universal 0.88 109.3 102.1 93.4 10,560 10,032 -1.0% $11.63 $11.29 110.4

EL4 4 F32T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 277 Universal 0.90 110.5 104.4 94.5 10,796 10,256 1.2% $14.01 $11.29 109.1
5F-12 

5F.7 INSTANT AND RAPID START BALLASTS THAT OPERATE TWO EIGHTFOOT SP SLIMLINE LAMPS

5F.7.1 Efficiency Levels

The equations identified for EL1, EL2, and EL3 for the 2-lamp 8-foot SP slimline 

representative ballast type (hereafter referred to as the 8-foot slimline representative ballast type) 

have not changed from those presented in chapter 5 of the NOPR TSD. However EL4 represents 

the new efficiency level analyzed for the advanced technology scenario. This level affects both 

baseline ballasts and represents the maximum technologically feasible level. DOE identified 

commercially available ballasts that meet EL4. 

Figure 5F.7.1 illustrates the four ELs on a plot of 8-foot slimline ballasts. A star indicates 

a representative unit. Diamonds indicate other 8-foot slimline ballasts tested by DOE. 

85.0

87.0

89.0

91.0

93.0

95.0

97.0

99.0

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0 120.0 140.0

EL4

EL3

EL2

EL1

Average measured lamp arc power (W)

BLE 

(%)

F96T12/ES Baseline

F96T8 Baseline

Figure 5F.7.1 Efficiency Levels for the Eight-foot Slimline Representative Ballast Type
5F-13 

5F.7.2 Results

The tables below present the engineering characteristics of the representative 8-foot slimline ballast designs used in the 

engineering analysis and subsequent analyses. In general, ballasts at higher efficiencies operate multiple voltages and have similar 

ballast factors and power factors compared to the baseline designs. For the advanced technology scenario, DOE used the same MSPs 

for the baseline/EL1, baseline/EL2, and EL3 units and the same lamp prices as those presented in chapter 5 of the NOPR TSD. To 

develop a ballast price at EL4, DOE used the blue book (also described in chapter 5 of the NOPR TSD). The retail price of the 

replacement lamps reflects the number of lamps in the system (e.g., if it is a 2-lamp system the retail price is the price of two lamps). 

Table 5F.7.1 presents the engineering characteristics of the ballast replacement options for the baseline F96T12/ES system. 

Because the ballast factors of the more efficient replacements are slightly lower than the baseline system, the normalized input power 

is higher than the measured input power. If a direct substitution is made, mean lumen output does not change by more than four 

percent relative to the mean lumen output of the baseline system. 

Table 5F.7.1 Eight-foot Slimline Representative Ballast Type with F96T12/ES Baseline Efficiency Level For Operation Of Ballast Type Starting Method Input Voltage Universal or Single Voltage Ballast Factor Input Power (W) Lamp Arc Power (W) BLE (%) System Initial Light Output (lm)

System Mean Light 

Output (lm)

Percentage Change 

Mean Lumen Output 

(%)

Ballast Manufacturer 

Selling Price (2009$)

Lamp Retail Price ($)

Normalized Input Power 

(W) 

Baseline

/EL1

2 F96T12ES 

Lamps Electronic IS 277 Dedicated 0.88 113.5 100.9 88.9 10,443 9,699 0.0% $8.84 $14.00 113.5

Baseline

/EL2

2 F96T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 277 Universal 0.88 109.1 99.2 91.6 10,348 9,520 -1.8% $10.05 $11.84 111.2

EL3 2 F96T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 277 Universal 0.86 105.4 98.2 93.2 10,160 9,347 -3.6% $10.29 $11.84 109.3

EL4 2 F96T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 277 Universal 0.87 105.3 99.4 94.3 10,287 9,464 -2.4% $12.39 $11.84 108.0
5F-14 

Table 5F.7.2 presents the engineering characteristics of the ballast replacement options for the baseline F96T8 system in the 8-

foot slimline representative ballast type. Because the ballast factors of the standards-case systems are slightly lower than the baseline 

system, the normalized input power is slightly higher than the measured input power. If a direct substitution is made, mean lumen 

output does not change by more than two percent relative to the mean lumen output of the baseline system.
5F-15 

Table 5F.7.2 Eight-foot Slimline Representative Ballast Type with F96T8 Baseline Efficiency Level For Operation Of Ballast Type Starting Method Input Voltage Universal or Single Voltage Ballast Factor Input Power (W) Lamp Arc Power (W) BLE (%) System Initial Light Output (lm)

System Mean Light 

Output (lm)

Percentage Change 

Mean Lumen Output 

(%) 

Ballast Manufacturer 

Selling Price (2009$)

Lamp Retail Price ($)

Normalized Input 

Power (W)

Baseline

/EL2

2 F96T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 277 Universal 0.88 109.1 99.2 91.6 10,348 9,520 0.0% $10.05 $11.84 109.1

EL3 2 F96T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 277 Universal 0.86 105.4 98.2 93.2 10,160 9,347 -1.8% $10.29 $11.84 107.3

EL4 2 F96T8 

Lamps Electronic IS 277 Universal 0.87 105.3 99.4 94.3 10,287 9,464 -0.6% $12.39 $11.84 106.0
5F-16 

5F.8 MSP COMPARISON

As described in chapter 5 of the NOPR TSD, DOE developed MSPs using three main 

inputs. These inputs included physical teardown analysis, blue book manufacturer price lists, and 

confidential manufacturer supplied data. DOE used an average of blue book- and teardownbased MSPs when developing the final MSP to be assigned to an EL. Manufacturer MSPs were 

used for normalization and verification purposes. DOE chose to use the blue book and teardown 

data because this data was available in the public domain allowing for verification by DOE and 

interested parties. Manufacturer data is less verifiable by interested parties, so DOE decided not 

to use it as the primary data source for developing MSP data. Furthermore, manufacturer data 

was not available for all ELs in all representative ballast types. However, Table 5F.8.1 lists the 

prices based on each information source for each representative ballast type. All manufacturersupplied MSP data included in these figures are aggregations of multiple data points. DOE also 

presents plots for the three representative ballast types with the most complete data. 

Table 5F.8.1 Summary of MSP Data 

Final 

($)

Blue Book 

($)

Teardown 

($)

Manufacturer 

($)

Two-Lamp MBP IS 

and RS

Baseline 8.41 8.41 11.89

Baseline/EL 1* 6.94 6.94 6.94 6.94

EL 2 8.85 8.36 9.34 7.45

EL 3 9.27 8.51 10.04 9.06

EL 4 11.17 10.25 11.86

Four-Lamp MBP IS 

and RS

Baseline/EL 2* 9.79 9.79 9.79 9.79

EL 3 11.63 12.18 11.09 12.47

EL 4 14.01 14.67 16.67

Eight-foot SP 

Slimline

Baseline/EL 1 8.84 8.84 12.75

Baseline/EL 2 10.05 10.05 8.75

EL 3* 10.29 10.29 10.29 10.29

EL 4 12.39 12.39 11.54

Two-Lamp MBP IS 

and RS Residential

Baseline 4.68 4.68

Baseline/EL 1 3.77 3.77

EL 2

EL 3* 4.62 4.62 4.62

EL 4 5.57 5.57

* MSPs were normalized to the EL marked with an asterisk.
5F-17 

Figure 5F.8.1 Two-Lamp MBP IS and RS Representative Ballast Type MSP Data

6.00

7.00

8.00

9.00

10.00

11.00

12.00

13.00

MSP ($)

Blue Book

Manufacturer

Teardown

Final

Figure 5F.8.2 Four-Lamp MBP IS and RS Representative Ballast Type MSP Data
5F-18 

Figure 5F.8.3 Eight-foot Slimline Representative Ballast Type MSP Data