NALMCO Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician (CALT) Practice Exam

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What characteristic is most affected by the type of ballast used in an HID lamp?

  1. Lumens output

  2. Voltage regulation

  3. Fixture design

  4. Maintenance frequency

The correct answer is: Voltage regulation

The type of ballast used in a High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamp primarily affects voltage regulation. Ballasts are essential components that provide the required starting voltage for the lamp and control the current during operation. Different types of ballasts, such as magnetic or electronic, have varying methods of regulating voltage and current. This regulation is crucial for maintaining consistent light output and ensuring the proper functioning of the HID lamp. Magnetic ballasts tend to have a less stable voltage output, which can lead to flickering or fluctuations in light intensity, while electronic ballasts offer improved voltage regulation, resulting in more stable lighting performance and greater efficiency. Therefore, the effectiveness of a ballast in regulating voltage directly impacts the reliability and performance of HID lamps.