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Instant-start electronic ballasts are the most popular type of electronic ballast today because they provide maximum energy savings and they start lamps without delay or flashing. Since they do not provide lamp electrode heating, instant-start ballasts generally consume less energy than comparable rapid-start,
program rapid-start or programmed-start ballasts. As a result, they usually provide the most energy efficient solution to fluorescent lamp ballasting. The instant-start ballast uses 1.5 to 2 watts less energy per lamp than the rapid-start alternative. The also have the least amount of output leads, making for easy wiring.