GE Ultrastart GE228MVPMC 2-Lamp T5 High Ballast Factor Electronic Ballast – 120-277V | 95% Efficiency | F28T5 / F35T5 / F21T5 / F14T5 | GE #68993

The GE Ultrastart GE228MVPMC is a high-ballast-factor programmed rapid start electronic ballast for standard T5 fluorescent lamps — F14T5, F21T5, F28T5, and F35T5 — on universal 120–277V circuits. Operating at 95% industry-leading efficiency with anti-striation control, parallel lamp operation, auto-restart, and a 108–305V operating range, this ballast delivers maximum light output from standard T5 fixtures across a wide voltage tolerance. A direct replacement for Universal B228PUNV-C, Philips Advance ICN2S28, Hatch HL228HE/PS/UV/S, Keystone KTEB-228HE-UV-TP-PS, and Robertson PSV228T5MV/A. Catalog #68993.

Quick Specs

• Brand: GE Lighting
• Model: GE228MVPMC
• Series: Ultrastart
• Catalog Number: 68993
• Ballast Type: Electronic Fluorescent, Programmed Rapid Start
• Ballast Factor: High (verify exact value with GE product data sheet Catalog #68993)
• Lamp Type: T5 Standard (HE — High Efficiency)
• Lamp Count: 1 or 2 Lamps
• Compatible Lamps: F14T5, F21T5, F28T5, F35T5 (all standard T5 / HE wattages)
• 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 GE228MVPMC (Catalog #68993) is the high-ballast-factor standard T5 variant in GE’s Ultrastart platform — specified when maximum lumen extraction from F14T5, F21T5, F28T5, or F35T5 standard (HE) T5 lamps is required. At 95% efficiency, this ballast drives lamps above their nominal rated output while operating at the highest efficiency available in the T5 ballast category. The result is elevated light levels without a proportional increase in energy cost compared to adding fixtures or lamp positions.

This ballast is designed for standard T5 (non-HO) fluorescent lamps — covering the full wattage range from 14W through 35W in a single part number. Programmed rapid start preheats lamp cathodes before ignition, extending standard T5 lamp life in applications with frequent switching from occupancy sensors, motion detectors, or automated lighting control systems. Parallel lamp operation keeps the second lamp running if one lamp fails.

Auto-restart recovers from temporary power interruptions without a manual power cycle. Anti-striation control eliminates visual banding in T5 lamps at elevated output. The 108–305V operating range accommodates all standard North American commercial voltages with ±10% tolerance. EOL protection safely removes power at lamp end of life.

Why Choose This Product

• High ballast factor — maximum T5 light output: Drives standard T5 lamps above nominal rated output — the correct specification when footcandle targets require increased output from existing T5 fixture positions without adding lamps or fixtures.
• 95% efficiency at high output: Industry-leading efficiency delivers elevated light levels without a proportional increase in energy draw.
• Full T5 standard wattage range (14W–35W): One SKU operates F14T5, F21T5, F28T5, and F35T5 — simplifies procurement for facilities with multiple T5 lamp types across different fixture lengths.
• Programmed rapid start for occupancy sensor compatibility: Cathode preheating before ignition extends T5 lamp life in frequent-switching applications.
• Parallel lamp operation: Remaining lamp stays lit when one fails — reduces dark fixtures and maintenance urgency.
• Auto-restart: Recovers from temporary power interruptions without manual power cycling.
• Anti-striation control: Eliminates visual banding in standard T5 lamps at elevated output — maintains clean lamp appearance in open fixture designs.
• 108–305V operating range: Widest available voltage tolerance — installs across all North American commercial and industrial distribution systems.
• UL Type 1 Outdoor rating: Approved for outdoor and damp location fixture applications.
• Cross-referenced to 5 competitor models: Verified direct replacement for Universal, Philips Advance, Hatch, Keystone, and Robertson T5 ballasts.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions

Lamp Compatibility

This ballast operates 1 or 2 lamps from the following compatible standard T5 (HE) fluorescent lamp types:

Important: This ballast is rated for standard T5 (HE) lamps only. Do not use with T5HO (High Output) lamps such as F24T5/HO, F39T5/HO, or F54T5/HO. Those require a T5HO-rated ballast.

Cross Reference — Direct Replacement For

The GE Ultrastart GE228MVPMC directly replaces the following 2-lamp standard T5 ballast models:

Always verify lamp type, lamp count, and operating voltage match your fixture before substituting.

Applications

The GE Ultrastart GE228MVPMC high-ballast-factor standard T5 ballast is specified for applications requiring elevated light output from T5 fluorescent fixtures:

• Commercial offices and open-plan workspaces – High BF increases delivered footcandles from 2-lamp T5 troffer and pendant fixtures without adding lamps or changing fixture positions.
• Retail display and merchandise lighting – Anti-striation control ensures clean, uniform lamp appearance at elevated output in display case and shelf lighting applications.
• Educational facilities – Full T5 wattage range (14W–35W) covers multiple classroom fixture types; programmed rapid start protects lamp life in frequently switched circuits.
• Healthcare and institutional buildings – Class A silent operation supports occupied clinical and patient environments; high BF delivers elevated light levels for task-intensive spaces.
• Occupancy sensor and lighting control installations – Programmed rapid start is the required specification for T5 fixtures with frequent switching from occupancy sensors or daylight harvesting systems.
• Facilities with variable power quality – 108–305V operating range handles voltage fluctuations in older commercial buildings, industrial facilities, or utility-constrained locations.
• T5 retrofit projects – Cross-referenced to five competitor models — drop-in replacement for Universal, Philips Advance, Hatch, Keystone, and Robertson T5 ballasts without fixture modification.

Replacing Your Current Standard T5 Ballast?

Confirm the following before ordering to ensure a compatible installation:

• Standard T5 — not T5HO: This ballast operates standard T5 (HE) lamps only — F14T5, F21T5, F28T5, and F35T5. Do not use with T5HO lamps (F24T5/HO, F39T5/HO, F54T5/HO). Verify your lamp code does not include "HO" before ordering.
• High ballast factor — confirm elevated output is required: This ballast drives T5 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 with this unit. Verify this is the intended outcome before ordering.
• Exact ballast factor value: Confirm the exact ballast factor with the GE product data sheet (Catalog #68993) before specifying for footcandle calculations or energy audit documentation.
• Lamp count: Operates 1 or 2 standard T5 lamps. Confirm your fixture lamp count before ordering.
• Circuit voltage: 108–305V operating range covers all standard North American commercial and industrial voltages.
• Start method — programmed rapid start: Requires standard T5 lamps with compatible 4-pin 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: GE228MVPMC
• Catalog Number: 68993
• Series: Ultrastart
• Lamp Type: 1–2 Lamp Standard T5 (F14T5–F35T5), 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 #68993) prior to specification or installation.