GE

GE 74474 UltraMax Proline Electronic Ballast

4.0 (40 reviews)

GE UltraMax Proline electronic ballast delivers instant-start efficiency for T12 fluorescent lamps across 120-277V installations.

$38.80*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 08, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The GE 74474 UltraMax Proline is an electronic ballast designed to drive one or two T12 fluorescent lamps in parallel operation. Compatible with both F96T12 (8-foot) and F48T12 (4-foot) lamp formats, it provides instant-start ignition for immediate full output and operates across a wide 120-277V input range. This multi-voltage capability makes it suitable for a variety of commercial and industrial installations without requiring voltage-specific models. The normal ballast factor ensures lamps operate at their rated output, maintaining expected light levels.

As an electronic ballast, the GE 74474 replaces heavier, less efficient magnetic ballasts with solid-state circuitry that runs cooler, consumes less energy, and eliminates the audible hum common in older fluorescent fixtures. The parallel lamp operation means that if one lamp fails, the other continues to operate independently. For facilities still maintaining T12 fluorescent infrastructure, this ballast provides a reliable and energy-efficient way to keep existing fixtures running without a full lighting retrofit.

Key Features

2 lamp ballast

T12 ballast

F96T12 or F48T12

Instant Start

120-277V

Specifications

Brand
GE
Model
74474
Type
Electronic Ballast
Product Line
UltraMax Proline
Input Voltage
120-277V
Start Type
Instant Start
Ballast Factor
Normal
Lamp Compatibility
(1) or (2) Lamp T12
Lamp Types
F96T12, F48T12
Lamp Operation
Parallel

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Multi-voltage 120-277V compatibility allows use across residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems
  • Instant-start operation provides immediate full brightness with no flickering warm-up period
  • Supports both single-lamp and dual-lamp configurations for flexible fixture design
  • Electronic design runs cooler and more efficiently than older magnetic T12 ballasts
  • Normal ballast factor maintains rated lamp output without over-driving or under-driving the lamps

👎 Cons

  • Only compatible with T12 lamps, which are being phased out in favor of more efficient T8 and T5 formats
  • Instant-start operation can reduce lamp life compared to programmed-start ballasts in frequently switched applications
  • Does not support dimming — on/off operation only
  • Limited to F96T12 and F48T12 lamp sizes, so it will not work with shorter T12 configurations

Frequently Asked Questions

It supports T12 fluorescent lamps, specifically F96T12 (8-foot) and F48T12 (4-foot) configurations. It can operate one or two lamps in parallel.
Yes. The GE 74474 is a multi-voltage ballast rated for 120-277V operation, so it can be wired to either voltage without needing a separate model.
Instant start means the ballast ignites the lamps immediately at full brightness without a warm-up flicker or delay. This start type uses higher initial voltage but does not require cathode pre-heating, which simplifies wiring.
Yes. The GE 74474 is rated to operate either one or two T12 lamps, giving you flexibility if you only need a single-lamp fixture.