NEMA BL 3

Description / Abstract: This standard provides a methodology for applying existing test methods for program start ballasts to fluorescent dimming ballasts and provides a way to calculate BLE for fluorescent dimming ballasts. NEMA offers this standard to augment and harmonize with the 2014 Department of Energy (DOE) fluorescent ballast regulations. By design, dimming ballasts are already energy saving, but this standard would provide the methodology to also calculate new BLE limits for fluorescent dimming ballasts. This standard offers BLE limits for ballasts of common four foot bi-pin lamps, such as T8 and T5 lamps that are not covered by the most recent Federal rulemaking.