GE Ultrastart GE224MVPS-N 2-Lamp T5HO High Ballast Factor Electronic Ballast – 120-277V | 95% Efficiency | F24T5/HO | Programmed Rapid Start | GE #68976

The GE Ultrastart GE224MVPS-N is a high-ballast-factor programmed rapid start electronic ballast for F24T5/HO and compatible T5HO and 2G11 long compact fluorescent lamps. Operating at 95% industry-leading efficiency with a high ballast factor, auto-restart, anti-striation control, parallel lamp operation, and a 108–305V operating range, this ballast delivers maximum light output and system reliability for commercial T5HO fixture applications. Catalog #68976.

Quick Specs

• Brand: GE Lighting
• Model: GE224MVPS-N
• Series: Ultrastart
• Catalog Number: 68976
• Ballast Type: Electronic Fluorescent, Programmed Rapid Start
• Ballast Factor: High (verify exact value with manufacturer specification sheet)
• Lamp Type: T5HO Linear, T5 Long Compact (2G11)
• Lamp Count: 1 or 2 Lamps (lamp-type dependent)
• Rated Lamp: F24T5/HO (primary)
• Input Voltage: 120–277V, 108–305V operating range, ±10%, 50/60Hz
• Efficiency: 95%
• Start Method: Programmed Rapid Start
• Circuit Type: Parallel Lamp Operation
• Sound Rating: Class A
• Auto-Restart: Yes — withstands temporary power loss
• Anti-Striation Control: Yes
• EOL Protection: End-of-Lamp-Life Shutdown
• ANSI Standard: C82.11-1993
• UL Outdoor Rating: UL Type 1 Outdoor
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 9.5 in x 1.7 in x 1.2 in

Product Overview

The GE Ultrastart GE224MVPS-N (Catalog #68976) is the high-ballast-factor variant of GE’s Ultrastart T5HO platform — specified when maximum lumen extraction from F24T5/HO lamps is the priority. Operating at 95% efficiency, this ballast delivers elevated light levels above nominal lamp output while minimizing energy waste — the correct specification when footcandle targets require more output from existing fixture positions without adding lamps or replacing housings.

Programmed rapid start preheats lamp cathodes before ignition, extending T5HO lamp life in applications with frequent switching from occupancy sensors or lighting control systems. Parallel lamp operation keeps the second lamp running if one lamp fails, reducing maintenance urgency in installations where a dark fixture creates a service problem. Auto-restart capability allows the ballast to recover from temporary power interruptions without requiring a manual power cycle.

Anti-striation control eliminates the visual banding effect in T5HO lamps — ensuring clean, uniform lamp appearance at elevated ballast factor output. The 108–305V operating range (±10%) is one of the widest available, covering all standard North American commercial voltages and accommodating facilities with variable power quality. EOL protection safely removes power when a lamp reaches end of life.

Why Choose This Product

• High ballast factor — maximum light output: Drives T5HO lamps above nominal rated output — the correct specification when fixture light levels need to increase without adding lamps or changing fixture positions.
• 95% efficiency: Industry-leading efficiency at high ballast factor output — delivers elevated light levels without proportional energy cost increases.
• Programmed rapid start: Cathode preheating before ignition extends T5HO lamp life in applications with occupancy sensors, motion detectors, or any frequent-switching control system.
• Parallel lamp operation: Remaining lamp stays lit when one fails — reduces dark fixtures and maintenance urgency in commercial installations.
• Auto-restart: Recovers from temporary power interruptions without manual power cycling — reduces nuisance service calls in facilities with variable power quality.
• Anti-striation control: Eliminates visual banding in T5HO lamps at elevated output — maintains clean lamp appearance in open fixture designs.
• 108–305V operating range: Installs reliably across all North American commercial and industrial distribution systems, including facilities with power quality variability.
• Class A sound rating: Silent operation suitable for offices, retail, healthcare, and any occupied commercial environment.
• UL Type 1 Outdoor rating: Approved for outdoor and damp location fixture applications.
• Broad lamp compatibility: Operates F24T5/HO (1–2 lamps), F39T5/HO (1 lamp), FT24W/2G11, and FT36W/2G11 — one SKU covers multiple T5HO fixture configurations.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions

Lamp Compatibility

This ballast operates 1 or 2 lamps from the following compatible T5HO and long compact fluorescent lamp types:

Applications

The GE Ultrastart GE224MVPS-N high-ballast-factor T5HO ballast is specified for applications requiring elevated light output from T5HO fixtures:

• High-lumen commercial offices and retail spaces – Where footcandle targets require above-nominal T5HO output without adding fixtures or lamps.
• Retail display and merchandise lighting – Anti-striation control ensures clean, uniform lamp appearance at elevated output in display cases and open-fixture retail configurations.
• Industrial and warehouse facilities – T5HO strip and high-bay fixtures requiring maximum lumen output per fixture position; parallel lamp operation maintains illumination if one lamp fails.
• Occupancy sensor and lighting control installations – Programmed rapid start extends T5HO lamp life in frequently switched fixtures controlled by occupancy sensors or daylight harvesting systems.
• Facilities with power quality variability – 108–305V operating range handles voltage fluctuations in industrial, older commercial, or utility-constrained facilities.
• Outdoor and covered structure applications – UL Type 1 Outdoor rating supports parking canopies, covered walkways, and semi-exposed fixture installations.
• T5HO retrofit projects – High ballast factor resolves underperforming T5HO fixtures by increasing light output without fixture replacement.

Replacing Your Current T5HO Ballast?

Confirm the following before ordering to ensure a compatible installation:

• High ballast factor — confirm elevated output is required: This ballast drives T5HO lamps above their nominal rated output. If your current ballast is 1.0 (normal) or 0.88 (energy-saving), your fixture will produce more light and consume more energy. Verify this is the intended outcome before ordering.
• Exact ballast factor value: The precise high BF value is not stated in the available source data. Confirm the exact ballast factor with the GE product data sheet (Catalog #68976) before specifying for footcandle calculations or energy audit documentation.
• Lamp type — T5HO only: Compatible with F24T5/HO, F39T5/HO, and listed 2G11 long compact lamps. Do not use with standard T5 (non-HO) lamps.
• Lamp count by lamp type: F24T5/HO and FT24W/2G11 operate 1 or 2 lamps. FT36W/2G11 and F39T5/HO are 1-lamp-only. Confirm your fixture lamp count matches.
• Circuit voltage: 108–305V operating range covers all standard North American commercial and industrial voltages.
• Start method — programmed rapid start: Requires 4-pin T5HO lamps with compatible cathode pins. Recommended for occupancy sensor and frequent-switching applications.
• Physical fit: 9.5 x 1.7 x 1.2 inches. Confirm your fixture ballast channel accommodates this footprint.

Ordering Information

• Brand: GE Lighting
• Model: GE224MVPS-N
• Catalog Number: 68976
• Series: Ultrastart
• Lamp Type: 1–2 Lamp T5HO / 2G11, Programmed Rapid Start, High Ballast Factor
• Voltage: 120–277V Multi-Volt Universal
• Case quantities and bulk pricing: Contact ADL Supply for volume orders.

Compliance and Certifications

• UL Type 1 Outdoor Rated: Yes
• ANSI C82.11-1993: Compliant
• Verify FCC Part 18 compliance with manufacturer specification sheet.
• Verify RoHS compliance status with manufacturer specification sheet.
• Verify California Title 20 / T24 compliance with manufacturer specification sheet.
• Verify Prop 65 warning requirements with manufacturer specification sheet.

ADL Supply recommends confirming all applicable compliance data with the GE Lighting official product data sheet (Catalog #68976) prior to specification or installation.