Fluorescent Light wiring question

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by Shroomster

that was the one thing I was concerned about too as I purchased Energy saving bulbs and I read that some are not back-wards compatible with some ballasts/fixtures. but if that were the case the ones I have installed wouldn't light at all. that and the prongs are spaced differently as well.

Correct. The ballast and bulbs must have the same rating. You can replace the bulb sockets (depending on the type of fixture). At most home improvement centers they sell the sockets right next to the ballasts. In a worst case, just upgrade the ballast to an electronic one rated for the same bulbs as the original fixture. You will still see an increase in efficiency, but not as significant as going from T12 to T8 bulbs, where a 4 footer goes from 40 to 32 watts with the same light output.