Product Overview

SYLVANIA QUICKTRONIC QHE2x59T8/UNV-ISL-SC – 2-Lamp 59W 8 ft T8 Instant Start Electronic Ballast | Low Ballast Factor 0.77 | 120–277V | Item 49869
The SYLVANIA QUICKTRONIC QHE2x59T8/UNV-ISL-SC (item 49869) is a two-lamp instant start electronic ballast for 59W 8-foot T8 OCTRON fluorescent lamps, from the QHE High Efficiency series. It is the low ballast factor version at 0.77 BF, running on universal 120–277V input with parallel circuitry so the remaining lamp stays lit if one fails. With a pair of FO96T8/XP 59W lamps it delivers 9395 system lumens at 95/94W input. THD is under 10%, power factor above 98%, and maximum case temperature is 70°C. This model can operate either one or two lamps — cap off and insulate any unused blue lead for single-lamp use. Supplied in the SC small enclosure, leads only, packed 10 pieces per pack.
Ballast Factor 0.77 Low BF | Lamps 1 or 2 59W 8 ft T8 | System Lumens 9395 Pair of FO96T8/XP | Input Voltage 120-277V 108-305V Range | Max Case Temp 70°C Instant Start |
Technical Specifications
| Brand | SYLVANIA QUICKTRONIC |
| Product Family | QUICKTRONIC QHE T8 8FT — High Efficiency Series, 59W Instant Start |
| Item Number | 49869 |
| Description | QHE2x59T8/UNV-ISL-SC, 10-Pack |
| Ballast Type | Electronic, instant start |
| Ballast Factor Class | Low ballast factor |
| Ballast Factor | 0.77 with 59W FO96T8 lamps (varies by lamp type — see table below) |
| Number of Lamps | 1 or 2 — cap off and insulate any unused blue lead for single-lamp operation |
| Primary Lamp | 59W 8-foot T8 OCTRON fluorescent |
| Circuit Type | Parallel — remaining lamp stays lit if one fails |
| Input Voltage | 120–277V universal |
| Voltage Range | ±10% of rated line, 108–305V |
| Input Frequency | 50/60 Hz |
| Lamp Operating Frequency | Greater than 42 kHz |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | Less than 10% |
| Power Factor | Greater than 98% |
| Lamp Current Crest Factor | Less than 1.7 |
| Sound Rating | Class A |
| Maximum Case Temperature | 70 °C |
| Minimum Starting Temperature (OCTRON 96T8) | 0 °F / -18 °C |
| Minimum Starting Temperature (SUPERSAVER T8) | 60 °F / 16 °C |
| Remote Mounting — full wattage T8 | Maximum 20 ft from ballast case to lampholder |
| Remote Mounting — energy-saving T8 | Maximum 10 ft from ballast case to lampholder |
| GFCI Compatible | Yes |
| Emergency Ballast Compatible | Yes |
| Enclosure | SC small enclosure |
| Overall Dimensions | 9.5 in. L x 1.68 in. W x 1.18 in. H |
| Mounting Length | 8.90 in. |
| Product Weight | 1.6 lb approximate |
| Wiring | Leads only, no connectors provided |
| Certifications | UL Listed Class P Type 1 Outdoor, CSA Certified, FCC 47 CFR Part 18 Non-Consumer, ANSI C62.41 Category A transient protection, RoHS compliant |
| Construction | Lead-free solder and manufacturing process |
| Warranty | Covered by the QUICK 60+ lamp and ballast system warranty |
| Packaging | 10-Pack (10 pieces) |
| UPC | 046135498695 |
| Performance with 2 x FO96T8/700 (59W) | 0.80/0.34 A input, 5700 lm rated per lamp, 0.77 ballast factor, 8780 system lumens, 7900 mean lumens, 95/94 W input, 92/93 lm/W system efficacy, BEF 0.82 |
| Performance with 2 x FO96T8/XP (59W) | 0.80/0.34 A input, 6100 lm rated per lamp, 0.77 ballast factor, 9395 system lumens, 8830 mean lumens, 95/94 W input, 99/100 lm/W system efficacy, BEF 0.82 |
| Performance with 2 x FO96T8/54W/XP/SS | 0.73/0.31 A input, 5700 lm rated per lamp, 0.77 ballast factor, 8780 system lumens, 8250 mean lumens, 87/85 W input, 101/103 lm/W system efficacy, BEF 0.91 |
| Performance with 2 x FO96T8/50W/XP/SS | 0.67/0.29 A input, 5400 lm rated per lamp, 0.75 ballast factor, 8100 system lumens, 7615 mean lumens, 79/78 W input, 103/104 lm/W system efficacy, BEF 0.96 |
| Performance with 2 x FO72T8/XP | 0.62/0.27 A input, 4650 lm rated per lamp, 0.79 ballast factor, 7345 system lumens, 6905 mean lumens, 74/73 W input, 99/101 lm/W system efficacy, BEF 1.08 |
| Performance with 2 x FO48T8/XP | 0.42/0.19 A input, 2850 lm rated per lamp, 0.80 ballast factor, 4560 system lumens, 4285 mean lumens, 50 W input, 91 lm/W system efficacy, BEF 1.60 |
Product Overview
Eight-foot fluorescent strips are among the most expensive fixtures a facility can keep in service, and the 59W T8 system is the standard route out of aging F96T12 installations. QUICKTRONIC QHE ballasts save up to 6% wattage over standard electronic ballasts without compromising light output or lamp life, and deliver 30–50% energy savings against F96T12 magnetic systems. System efficiency is over 90%, and with OCTRON lamps these systems exceed 100 lumens per watt.
This is the low ballast factor model, which is the choice that actually determines the design. Low ballast factor trades light output for the lowest possible input wattage, and suits spaces that are over-lit at full output or where a lamp-for-lamp retrofit would exceed the target foot-candle level. Across the lamp range this model runs from 0.80 to 0.80 ballast factor depending on which lamp is fitted, so the specific pairing matters.
Instant start operation gives the highest system efficacy, low temperature starting capability, and the longest remote wiring distances. Universal 120–277V input eliminates wrong-voltage wiring errors on the job and cuts the number of ballast models carried in inventory by half. Parallel circuitry keeps the remaining lamp lit if one fails, which in an eight-foot high-bay strip means a partially lit fixture rather than a dark one and a lift. The SC small can enclosure allows low profile fixture design. These ballasts are RoHS compliant, use lead-free solder, and meet the most demanding utility rebate standards.
Compatible Applications
- Eight-foot T8 strip and high bay fixtures in warehouses and distribution centers
- Single-lamp eight-foot fixtures, by capping off the unused blue lead
- Energy retrofits replacing F96T12 magnetic or older electronic ballast systems
- Commercial and retail back-of-house, stockrooms, and service corridors
- Hospitality and institutional installations
- New construction specifying 59W 8-foot T8 systems
- Lamp types: FO96T8 (59W), FO96T8/SS (54W and 50W), FO72T8, and FO48T8
- Compatible with other manufacturers’ equivalent lamp types that meet ANSI specifications
- Installations requiring GFCI compatibility or an emergency ballast in the same fixture
- Outdoor-rated fixtures, per the UL Type 1 Outdoor listing
- Projects pursuing utility rebates on high efficiency ballast systems
Before Ordering – Verify
- Confirm the ballast factor you need. This is the low BF model at 0.77. The 2x59T8 family is offered in 0.77 low, 0.88 normal, and 1.15 high ballast factor versions, and they produce substantially different light levels from the same lamps.
- For single-lamp operation, cap off any unused blue lead and insulate to 600 volts. One-lamp operation is supported on the ISL and ISN models.
- Confirm the remote mounting distance against the lamp type. Maximum wire length from ballast case to lampholder is 20 ft for full wattage T8s but only 10 ft for energy-saving T8s.
- Confirm the starting temperature against the lamp type. OCTRON 96T8 lamps start at 0 °F, but SUPERSAVER energy-saving T8 lamps require 60 °F. Operation below 50 °F may affect light output or lamp operation either way.
- Confirm the enclosure fits. This is the SC small enclosure at 9.5 in. L x 1.68 in. W x 1.18 in. H, with an 8.90 in. mounting centerline.
- Confirm the supply falls within 108–305V, which is ±10% of the 120–277V rated line.
- Confirm the maximum case temperature of 70 °C will not be exceeded in the fixture.
- Check the performance table above for your specific lamp. Ballast factor, input watts, and system lumens all shift with lamp type, and the FO48T8 and FO72T8 figures differ considerably from the 59W FO96T8 numbers.
- Note that FO96T8/XP/SS (55W) has been re-rated by the manufacturer to FO96/54W/XP/SS.
- This item ships as a 10-pack containing 10 pieces.
Safety and Handling Guidelines
- Disconnect power at the breaker before installing, wiring, or replacing the ballast.
- Wire per the QUICKTRONIC 2x59 diagram: black and white are line input, red and blue are lamp output.
- For one-lamp operation, cap off any unused blue lead and insulate it to 600 volts.
- Leads only are provided; no connectors are supplied.
- Use only replacement lamps that comply with applicable lamp and ballast manufacturers’ ratings, compatibility listings, and instructions.
- Direct replacement LED tubes should not be used unless certified for electrical safety, confirmed compatible with this ballast, and suitable for the application environment.
- Mount so the case stays at or below its 70 °C maximum, and do not obstruct airflow around the enclosure.
- Eight-foot lamps are long and fragile; use two people and support the lamp at both ends during handling and installation.
- Recycle or dispose of removed fluorescent lamps and ballasts according to local regulations, as fluorescent lamps contain mercury.
- Installation should be performed by a qualified electrician in accordance with the National Electrical Code and local codes.
Compliance
- UL Listed Class P, Type 1 Outdoor
- CSA Certified
- Meets FCC 47 CFR Part 18, Non-Consumer
- ANSI C62.41 Category A transient protection
- Class A sound rating
- RoHS compliant, per European Union Directive EC 2002/95
- Lead-free solder and manufacturing process
- Meets demanding utility rebate standards for high efficiency ballast systems
- Covered by the QUICK 60+ lamp and ballast system warranty; refer to the QUICK 60+ warranty bulletin for full terms
- Specifications per OSRAM SYLVANIA document ECS415; specifications subject to change without notice
Ordering Information
- Item number: 49869
- Description: QHE2x59T8/UNV-ISL-SC, 10-Pack
- UPC: 046135498695
- Packaging: 10-Pack, 10 pieces per pack
- Catalog number decode: QHE (High Efficiency) / 2 (number of lamps) / 59T8 (primary lamp wattage) / UNV (120–277V line voltage) / IS (instant start) / L, N or H (ballast factor) / SC (small case size, where fitted)
- Other ballast factors in this family: item 49859 (ISN-SC, 0.88 normal BF) and 49879 (ISH, 1.15 high BF)
- The ISN model is also offered as item 50237 in a banded pack; both banded and 10-packs contain 10 pieces
- Distributed by LEDVANCE LLC
- Case and project quantities available
For wholesale pricing, bulk availability, or help confirming the correct replacement ballast, contact ADL Supply at 1-800-235-3489.