Collection: Fluorescent Emergency Ballasts

A fluorescent emergency ballast is the critical component required to bring linear tube fixtures up to code by ensuring they stay lit during a blackout. While LED is the modern standard, many commercial buildings still rely on legacy fluorescent lighting. Unlike standard ballasts which simply regulate current, these units contain a high-temperature nickel-cadmium battery. When power is lost, the emergency ballast automatically switches one or two connected lamps to emergency mode, operating them at a reduced lumen output to conserve battery life for the mandated 90-minute runtime.

T8, T5 & T12 Battery Backup Compatibility

Selecting the right unit requires matching the specific lamp type in your facility. We stock universal and specific models for all common tube sizes:

• T8 Emergency Ballast: The industry standard for 4-foot office lighting. These versatile units typically power one or two F32T8 lamps.
• T12 Support: We still carry hard-to-find T12 emergency ballast replacements for older fixtures that have not yet been retrofitted.
• T5 & T5HO: High-output fixtures used in warehouses require specific high-voltage ballasts to strike the arc in T5HO lamps.
• Compact Fluorescent (CFL): Specialized ballasts designed for 4-pin CFL lamps often found in recessed commercial downlights.

Emergency Lumen Output

Crucially, a fluorescent battery backup does not run the lamps at full brightness. To determine if you are meeting the 1.0 foot-candle safety requirement, you must check the Initial Lumen Output rating:

• Low Profile (500-700 Lumens): Ideal for standard 8-foot ceilings in hallways and offices.
• High Output (1400-3000 Lumens): Required for high ceilings (warehouses/gyms) where you need maximum visibility from a distance during evacuation.

Shop Reliable Fluorescent Backup

Don't let a dead battery compromise your building's safety rating. At Bees Lighting, we carry industry-leading fluorescent emergency ballasts from top brands like Bodine ballast and IOTA. Whether you are maintaining a school full of T8 troffers or a warehouse of T5 high bays, we have the direct-replacement hardware you need. Browse our catalog to find the correct lamp compatibility. For questions about cross-referencing old part numbers, contact our lighting specialists at 855-303-0665.