Philips

Philips 496810 Advance 4-Bulb Fluorescent Ballast

4.8 (28 reviews)

Power four T8 fluorescent tubes efficiently with this quiet, energy-saving Philips Advance electronic ballast.

$27.27*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Philips Advance 496810 is an electronic fluorescent ballast designed to drive four 32-watt T8 fluorescent tubes from a single 120-volt power source. As an electronic ballast, it replaces older magnetic technology with a lighter, quieter, and more energy-efficient alternative. Its compact and lightweight construction simplifies installation in existing fixtures, and it is well suited for general retrofit applications where an aging or failed ballast needs to be swapped out without modifying the fixture itself.

Certified by CSA, ETL, FCC, and UL, the 496810 meets the safety and electromagnetic compliance standards required for residential and light commercial use in North America. Its energy-saving design helps lower electricity consumption across multi-lamp fixtures, while its quiet operation ensures it won't introduce distracting hum or buzz into living or working spaces. For anyone maintaining T8 fluorescent lighting systems, this ballast offers a dependable and cost-effective solution.

Key Features

Product is manufactured in Mexico

Specifications

Brand
Philips
Model
496810
Bulb Type
Fluorescent T8
Number of Bulbs Supported
4
Wattage Per Bulb
32 watts
Input Voltage
120 Volts
Ballast Type
Electronic
Certifications
CSA / ETL / FCC / UL
Country of Manufacture
Mexico

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Supports four T8 bulbs from a single ballast, reducing component count in multi-lamp fixtures.
  • Quiet electronic operation eliminates the hum associated with older magnetic ballasts.
  • Lightweight design makes installation easier and puts less stress on fixture housings.
  • Carries CSA, ETL, FCC, and UL certifications for verified safety and compliance.
  • Energy-saving design reduces operating costs compared to magnetic ballast alternatives.

👎 Cons

  • Limited to 120-volt input, so it cannot be used in 277-volt commercial circuits without a separate transformer.
  • Only compatible with T8 tubes, offering no support for T5 or T12 lamp types.
  • Manufactured in Mexico, which may matter to buyers seeking domestically produced components.
  • No dimming capability, limiting its use in applications where adjustable light levels are needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

This ballast is designed specifically for T8 fluorescent tubes, supporting up to four 32-watt bulbs simultaneously.
The Philips 496810 operates on standard 120-volt residential power.
Yes, it is designed as a general retrofit ballast, making it a straightforward replacement for older or failed ballasts in existing fluorescent fixtures.
No, the Philips Advance 496810 is engineered for quiet operation, eliminating the buzzing or humming commonly associated with older magnetic ballasts.
It is certified by CSA, ETL, FCC, and UL, meeting rigorous North American electrical safety and performance standards.