GE UltraMax Ballast-different?

72chevy4x4

I found this on the GE website:

With GE's new line of UltraMax™ ballasts, lighting systems save more energy, become more adaptable, and deliver optimal lamp performance.

• UltraMax™ ballasts can virtually "read" the incoming voltage and adapt automatically to any voltage from 108V to 305V.
• Multi-Voltage Control (MVC) means fewer models handling more jobs, which reduces inventory requirements.
• UltraMax™'s high-efficiency design results in ultra-cool operation, providing AC energy savings during peak demand periods.
• UltraMax™ is the only full line of T8 ballasts with a UL type CC anti-arc rating.

If I have a facility full of T12's (I'm guessing 150-200 ballasts)-would it make sense to convert everything to T8's or would the cost not be recoverable for many, many years (cost of purchase/install versus energy savings)? Are these GE ballasts being used in commercial settings?

mdshunk

Every ballast manufacturer makes a ballast that has similar specs to the one you listed. Advance's equivalent is the "Intellivolt". Payback on T8 retrofit? Yes, I think the ROI is there. How long of an ROI does the facility in question want for projects such as this? I know that some want a 3-6 month payback, and others will give you years. There can be some government grant and utility grant money involved in these projects sometimes, too. The T8 retrofit is one of the most popular energy saving projects in a commercial facility. If you have an energy audit, that's often #1 on the list.

Sparky Joe

Most ustility's will offer a buy back when retrofitting to more energy efficient means.

And I haven't tried it, but I'm sure the old magnetic T12 ballasts will recycle for a pretty penny.

You'd have to look at the difference on energy use between the new and old to determine the ROI