GE

GE GEC226-MVPS-3W Compact Fluorescent Ballast

5.0 (3 reviews)
3W

Reliable Fluorescent Lighting with the GE Compact Fluorescent BallastThe GE 71445 - GEC226-MVPS-3W Compact Fluorescent Ballast is designed to provide consistent and efficient power to compact fluorescent lamps, ensuring optimal lighting performance. Compatibility: 2 Lamp 120/277 volt CFQ26W FT24 ...

$41.49*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 13, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

Reliable Fluorescent Lighting with the GE Compact Fluorescent Ballast

The GE 71445 - GEC226-MVPS-3W Compact Fluorescent Ballast is designed to provide consistent and efficient power to compact fluorescent lamps, ensuring optimal lighting performance.

  • Compatibility: 2 Lamp 120/277 volt CFQ26W FT24 or 1-42W CFTR32 ProLine

Key Features

Programmed rapid-start electronic fluorescent ballasts turn on lights near-instantaneously

They are more energy efficient and less damaging to fluorescent light bulbs than instant-start ballasts and rapid-start ballasts

They are used in lighting fixtures that will be turned on or off frequently via occupancy sensors and other lighting controls that automatically operate the lights

The ballasts provide a small amount of voltage to preheat the bulbs' filaments before the bulbs turn on

This small initial voltage is supplied for a specific amount of time to avoid glow current, which can damage the light bulbs

Specifications

Ballast Type
Electronic Fluorescent
Start Method
Programmed Rapid-Start
Lamp Compatibility
Compact Fluorescent
Energy Efficiency
More energy efficient than instant-start and rapid-start ballasts
Bulb Protection
Less damaging to fluorescent light bulbs, prevents glow current
Recommended Use
Lighting fixtures with frequent on/off cycles (e.g., with occupancy sensors)

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Utilizes programmed rapid-start technology, enabling lights to turn on almost instantly without delay.
  • More energy efficient compared to instant-start and standard rapid-start ballasts, potentially reducing electricity consumption.
  • Designed to be less damaging to fluorescent light bulbs, which can extend bulb lifespan and reduce replacement frequency.
  • Ideal for lighting fixtures frequently controlled by occupancy sensors or other automatic lighting controls due to its rapid start.
  • Provides a small initial voltage to preheat bulb filaments, preventing damaging glow current and protecting the bulbs.

👎 Cons

  • This ballast is designed specifically for compact fluorescent lamps, making it incompatible with LED or other lamp types.
  • As a programmed rapid-start ballast, it might still have a very slight delay compared to instant-start ballasts, though less damaging.
  • The provided information does not specify the number of bulbs it can operate or the specific wattage/type of compact fluorescent bulbs supported.
  • There are no details about dimming capabilities, which may be a limitation for installations requiring adjustable light output.

Frequently Asked Questions

This ballast is specifically designed for use with compact fluorescent light bulbs.
It's less damaging to fluorescent light bulbs than instant-start and rapid-start ballasts, and it preheats filaments to prevent damaging glow current.
Yes, programmed rapid-start electronic fluorescent ballasts like this one are more energy efficient compared to instant-start and traditional rapid-start ballasts.
It uses a programmed rapid-start method, which turns on lights near-instantaneously while protecting the bulb.
Yes, it is ideal for lighting fixtures that will be turned on or off frequently via occupancy sensors and other automatic lighting controls.