GE 68994 GE228MVPS-MC-H

Product Overview

GE 68994 GE228MVPS-MC-H — UltraStart T5 Electronic Ballast, 2-Lamp F28T5, Programmed Rapid Start, High Ballast Factor

The GE 68994 GE228MVPS-MC-H is a GE LFL UltraStart electronic programmed rapid start ballast from GE Lighting, designed for high-efficiency T5 fluorescent fixtures requiring fast starting, parallel lamp operation, and multi-voltage flexibility. Operates 1–2 lamps across the F28T5, F21T5, and F14T5 family (WM, HL, and HE variants — see Compatible Lamps below). Multi-voltage 120–277VAC input, high ballast factor (1.18), active power factor correction, Continuous Cathode Cutout Technology, parallel lamp wiring (lights stay on if one lamp fails), and end-of-lamp-life protection. Suitable for frequently switched applications via programmed rapid start. Verify exact lamp type, line voltage, and lamp count before ordering.

Lamps

1–2

T5 Family

Voltage

120–277V

Multi-Voltage

Start Type

Programmed Rapid Start

Ballast Factor

1.18 (High)

Power Factor Active

Case Temp

90°C Max

UltraCool Rated

Technical Specifications

Brand	GE Lighting — UltraStart
GE Product Code	68994
Description	GE228MVPS-MC-H
Category	Linear Fluorescent — T5
Ballast Type	Electronic — Programmed Rapid Start
Lamp Wiring	Parallel (lights remain on if one lamp fails)
Line Voltage	Multi-Voltage 120–277VAC, ±10%, 50/60Hz
Ballast Factor	High (1.18)
Power Factor Correction	Active
Starting Time	<700ms
Sound Rating	A (20–24 decibels)
Enclosure Type	Metal Can
Ambient Temperature Range	0°F to 131°F (0°C to 55°C)
Max Case Temperature	90°C (UltraCool rated)
Case Dimensions (L x W x H)	9.5" x 1.3" x 1.0"
Mounting Length / Width	8.9" / 0.9"
Weight	1.0 lb
Lead Exit Type	Side
Remote Mounting Distance	8.0 ft (nominal)
Lead Wires	1 Black, 1 White, 2 Yellow, 2 Blue, 2 Red
Standard Package Quantity	10 per case
UPC	043168689946
GTIN	10043168689943

Compatible Lamps

This ballast operates 1 or 2 lamps from the following T5 families (consult the table below for system watts and electrical characteristics by exact lamp/voltage/quantity combination):

F28T5/WM — 1 or 2 lamps, 120V or 277V
F28T5/HL — 1 or 2 lamps, 120V or 277V
F28T5/HE — 1 or 2 lamps, 120V or 277V
F21T5/WM — 1 or 2 lamps, 120V or 277V
F21T5/HE — 1 or 2 lamps, 120V or 277V
F14T5/WM — 1 or 2 lamps, 120V or 277V
F14T5/HE — 1 or 2 lamps, 120V or 277V

Note for single-lamp operation: When operating only one lamp, insulate the blue leads individually per manufacturer instructions.

Product Overview

The GE 68994 GE228MVPS-MC-H is a high-efficiency T5 electronic ballast built for applications with frequent on/off switching, using programmed rapid start technology to extend lamp life under these conditions. Continuous Cathode Cutout Technology reduces unnecessary cathode heating once lamps reach full output, lowering energy use without sacrificing starting reliability. Multi-voltage input (120–277VAC) allows a single ballast part number to service fixtures across the most common commercial branch circuit voltages.

Parallel lamp wiring means that in 2-lamp configurations, if one lamp fails, the remaining lamp continues to operate normally — reducing the appearance of total fixture outage and easing maintenance scheduling. Auto-restart allows the ballast to recover automatically from brief power interruptions without requiring a manual power cycle, and active power factor correction with end-of-lamp-life protection support both energy efficiency and extended system reliability. Anti-striation control improves light quality across the lamp by preventing visible striping or banding sometimes seen in T5 lamps under certain electronic ballast designs.

Before Ordering — Verify

Lamp Type and Wattage: Confirm your lamps are exactly F28T5, F21T5, or F14T5 in the WM, HL, or HE variant — these are not interchangeable with standard (non-T5) fluorescent tubes.
Lamp Count: Confirm whether your fixture requires 1 or 2 lamps — system wattage and electrical characteristics differ significantly between configurations (see table above).
Line Voltage: Confirm your circuit falls within the 120–277VAC multi-voltage range.
Single-Lamp Wiring: If operating only 1 lamp, confirm the blue leads will be individually insulated per the included installation notes.
Physical Fit: Confirm 9.5" x 1.3" x 1.0" case dimensions and 8.9" mounting length fit within your fixture's ballast channel.
Case Temperature Rating: Confirm whether your application requires the 70°C max case temp (5-year warranty) or 90°C max case temp (3-year warranty) rating, per GE's published warranty terms.

Safety and Installation Guidelines

Disconnect power before installing or servicing.
Single-Lamp Operation: Insulate blue leads individually when operating only one lamp.
Wire per GE's lead color and exit length diagram included with the ballast.
Install in accordance with the National Electric Code and local electrical codes.
UL Listed, UL Class P, UL Type 1 Outdoor, UL Type CC, UL Type HL. CSA certified. RoHS compliant. No PCBs.

Compliance

ANSI C82.11, ANSI C62.41.
FCC Class A (Non-Consumer).
UL Listed; UL Class P; UL Type 1 Outdoor, CC, and HL rated.
RoHS compliant. No PCBs.
High temperature rated, suitable for high-temperature applications. Warranty terms vary by case temperature rating (70°C max case temp = 5-year warranty; 90°C max case temp = 3-year warranty) — verify which applies to your installation conditions per GE's warranty documentation.