NALMCO Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician (CALT) Practice Exam

A ballast is needed for all lighting systems except which type?

1. Fluorescent

2. Metal halide

3. Incandescent and halogen

4. CFLs

The correct answer is: Incandescent and halogen

A ballast is an essential component in many types of lighting systems as it regulates the current to the lamp and provides the necessary voltage to start the lamp. However, incandescent and halogen lighting systems do not require a ballast. These types of lights function by passing electricity directly through a filament, which heats up and produces light. The operation of incandescent and halogen lights relies on a simple circuit design, where the power supply directly influences the brightness without the need for voltage regulation or special starting mechanisms that a ballast provides. This is in contrast to systems like fluorescent and CFLs, which require a ballast to ensure the lamps operate efficiently and safely by managing the electrical current and providing the necessary ignition voltage. Essentially, the straightforward design of incandescent and halogen lights eliminates the need for additional components like a ballast, making them simpler to use in various applications.