Low loss control gear The main power losses in the control

gear are the result of heating and eddy current losses. In

order to improve energy efficiency, thicker wire with lower
resistance can be used in the ballast and the ballast can be
made more cubic in shape. When this happens the power
losses in the ballast are reduced but the ballast is more
costly. Such ballasts are commonly referred to as `low loss'
and `super low loss' according to their power dissipation.
There is no definition of standard, low loss or super low
loss; therefore comparisons must be based on measured
losses.
It should be noted that, although they improve efficiency,
such ballasts are more expensive, heavier and occupy a
much larger and more awkward volume than conventional
ballasts. This may cause problems by increasing the weight
and bulk of the luminaires.