In addition to being more energy-efficient than magnetic ballasts, these electronic ballasts are lighter and quieter. Ballasts that can operate multiple bulbs may have more wires than you need. Cover unused wires with a wire nut.

Instant-start ballasts turn on immediately. They are the most energy-efficient, but shorten the bulb's life.

Programmed-start ballasts provide the longest bulb life, but take longer than instant-start ballasts to turn on. They are often used with motion-sensing light controls.

Ballasts that cannot be sold to Canada are restricted by local product labeling requirements.

These ballasts are often found in older installations. All are preheat ballasts so they take several seconds to start.

Send electricity to LED lights while protecting them from voltage and current fluctuations. These drivers convert high-voltage, alternating current from your power supply into low-voltage, direct current. Use them to replace existing LED drivers or build your own light fixtures. All meet U.S. and Canadian safety standards, as well as UL requirements for use in dry and damp locations. They’re also FCC compliant to meet regulations for electromagnetic interference.

Drivers that are not for use outdoors power indoor lights. Linear drivers pair with ceiling strip lights, which are common in offices and storage rooms. Use them to replace fluorescent strip lights for more energy-efficient and longer-lasting lighting. Downlight drivers create directed, ambient lighting, so they’re often used for offices, lobbies, and decorative lighting. They work well with recessed ceiling can lights and downlight wall sconces.

Drivers that are for use outdoors help light roadways and parking garages. They’re often used with area, flood, bay, and security lights, as well as with signage.

Constant-current drivers ensure a reliable output from your fixture and prevent it from degrading quickly due to current fluctuations and receiving too much power. They’re the most common type of LED driver.

Constant-voltage drivers send a consistent voltage output to exactly match the light’s required voltage. They’re useful for signs and cabinet lights.

Drivers with constant current and voltage provide both functions at the same time. Drivers with constant current or constant voltage only perform one of those functions at a time.

Programmable drivers let you set their output current and voltage to match the power requirements of your light. They’re good to have on hand when you don’t know which drivers you’ll have to replace.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Probe-start ballasts are often found in older installations.

Pulse-start ballasts turn on faster than probe start. Some include a starter, which increases bulb life.

Pair these starters with pulse-start ballasts for metal halide bulbs.

Pair these starters with ballasts for high-pressure sodium bulbs.