Are there DC voltage ballasts?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only in Older Equipment
• D. Only for Low Wattage Systems

Answer: (A)

Ballasts regulate current to lamps and must provide a starting voltage; they’re not limited to a single type of supply. There are DC voltage ballasts designed to run lamps from a direct-current source, delivering the starting pulse and then limiting the current to keep the arc stable. You’ll encounter them in applications where the power source is DC or where a rectified DC bus feeds the lamp, such as certain signage, specialized backlighting, or automotive/industrial lighting. That’s why there are DC voltage ballasts. The other options imply such ballasts don’t exist or are restricted to old gear or low wattage, which isn’t accurate.