GE Ultrastart GE224MVPS-N-S35 Step-Dimming T5HO Electronic Ballast – 100%↔35% Bi-Level | 120-277V | 2-Lamp F24T5/HO | Part #90904

The GE Ultrastart GE224MVPS-N-S35 is a 2-lamp step-dimming programmed rapid start electronic ballast for F24T5/HO and compatible T5HO and long compact fluorescent lamps. Bi-level 100%↔35% step dimming provides two-state light level control without a separate dimming driver — enabling energy reduction strategies through simple switching. Universal 120–277V multi-volt input, active power factor correction (≥0.91), anti-striation control, Class A sound rating, and UL Type 1 Outdoor listing make this a full-specification ballast for commercial office, retail, and controls-integrated lighting projects.

Quick Specs

• Brand: GE Lighting
• Model: GE224MVPS-N-S35
• Series: Ultrastart
• Catalog Number: 90904
• UPC: 043168909044
• Ballast Type: Electronic Fluorescent, Programmed Rapid Start
• Dimming Type: Bi-Level Step Dimming — 100% ↔ 35%
• Lamp Type: T5HO, T5 Long Compact (2G11)
• Lamp Count: 1 or 2 Lamps (lamp-type dependent)
• Rated Lamp: F24T5/HO (primary)
• Input Voltage: 120–277V AC, ±10%, 50/60Hz
• Power Factor: ≥0.91 (Active Power Factor Correction)
• Sound Rating: Class A (20–24 dB)
• Max Ambient Temperature: 55°C (UL Rated)
• Wiring Configuration: Series Lamp
• Remote Mounting: Up to 8 feet
• Anti-Striation Control: Yes
• EOL Protection: End-of-Lamp-Life Safety Shutdown
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 9.5 in x 1.7 in x 1.2 in
• Certifications: UL Type 1 Outdoor, Type CC, Type HL, Class P; ANSI C82.11; FCC Part 18 Class A; RoHS; PCB-Free

Product Overview

The GE Ultrastart GE224MVPS-N-S35 (Catalog #90904) delivers bi-level step dimming for F24T5/HO T5 high-output fluorescent fixtures — providing two preset light levels (100% and 35%) controlled through standard switching rather than a separate 0-10V or DALI dimming driver. This makes step dimming integration cost-effective: no additional dimming infrastructure is required beyond the switching circuit, and the ballast functions as a direct drop-in replacement in most T5HO fixture housings.

At full output (100%), the ballast drives lamps at rated luminous flux. A switch signal reduces output to 35% — the correct level for ambient light reduction during daylight hours, unoccupied periods, or stairwell and corridor applications where a lower light level is acceptable. Programmed rapid start preheats lamp cathodes before ignition, extending T5HO lamp life in applications where the ballast regularly cycles between dim and full output states.

Active power factor correction (≥0.91) minimizes reactive current on distribution panels. Anti-striation control eliminates visual banding in T5HO lamps. EOL protection shuts down safely when a lamp reaches end of life. Comprehensive UL listings — Type 1 Outdoor, Type CC, Type HL, and Class P — cover the widest range of fixture and installation types in the commercial lighting specification.

Why Choose This Product

• Bi-level step dimming without dimming infrastructure: 100%↔35% switching requires no 0-10V wiring, DALI controller, or dimming driver — step dimming is activated through a standard switching signal, reducing installation complexity and cost.
• 35% dim level for energy management: Reduces lighting energy consumption to 35% of full output during low-occupancy or daylight-available periods — without full lamp shutdown.
• Programmed rapid start for extended lamp life: Cathode preheating before ignition protects T5HO lamp life during the frequent full-to-dim cycling typical in step-dimming applications.
• Universal 120–277V ±10% multi-volt input: Installs on any standard North American commercial or industrial circuit on a single part number.
• Active power factor correction (≥0.91): Minimizes reactive load on distribution panels — meets most utility and energy code power factor requirements.
• Anti-striation control: Eliminates visual banding in T5HO lamps at both full and dimmed output levels — maintains lamp appearance quality at 35% as well as 100%.
• Class A sound rating (20–24 dB): Silent operation at both output levels — critical in offices, conference rooms, and occupied spaces where dimming is frequently used.
• EOL protection: Safely removes power at lamp end of life — protects the fixture and circuit at both the full and dimmed operating state.
• Full UL listing stack: Type 1 Outdoor, Type CC, Type HL, and Class P — covers outdoor-adjacent, pendant, high-lumen, and thermal-protected fixture types in a single ballast.
• Broad T5HO and long compact compatibility: Operates F24T5/HO (1–2 lamps), F39T5/HO (1 lamp), and 2G11 Dulux L / PL-L long compact lamps (1 lamp) — one SKU across multiple T5HO platform types.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions

Lamp Compatibility

This ballast operates the following compatible T5HO and long compact fluorescent lamp types:

Applications

The GE Ultrastart GE224MVPS-N-S35 step-dimming ballast is specified for T5HO fluorescent fixture applications where two-state light level control is required without a dedicated dimming driver:

• Commercial offices with daylight harvesting – Step dimming to 35% during periods of sufficient daylight reduces lighting energy consumption without full lamp shutdown — appropriate for perimeter zones adjacent to windows.
• Occupancy-controlled corridors and stairwells – Bi-level dimming maintains a 35% low-traffic state and switches to 100% for full occupancy — providing light presence without full energy draw during off-peak periods.
• Retail environments with lighting zone control – Step dimming enables preset reduced output for non-peak trading hours or ambient light adjustment without additional dimming hardware.
• Educational facilities – Classroom fixtures with bi-level control for AV presentation mode (35%) and full teaching mode (100%) — controlled through standard wall switches.
• Healthcare facilities – Patient corridors and waiting areas where reduced light levels at off-peak hours are required while maintaining continuous lamp operation.
• Building automation and energy management systems – Step dimming signals can be integrated into relay-based BAS systems without 0-10V or DALI wiring infrastructure.

Replacing Your Current T5HO Ballast — or Adding Step Dimming?

Confirm the following before ordering to ensure a compatible installation:

• Step dimming vs. continuous dimming: This ballast provides only two output levels — 100% and 35%. It does not support continuously variable output. If your application requires 0–100% continuous dimming, a 0-10V or DALI dimming ballast is required instead.
• Lamp type — T5HO only: Compatible with F24T5/HO, F39T5/HO, and 2G11 long compact lamps listed above. Do not use with standard T5 (non-HO) lamps.
• Lamp count by lamp type: F24T5/HO operates 1 or 2 lamps. All other lamp types are 1-lamp-only. Confirm your fixture lamp count matches before ordering.
• N-1 operation (single lamp in 2-lamp fixture): When operating 1 lamp in a 2-lamp wired fixture, unused yellow lamp leads must be insulated for 600 Vrms. This is a required safety step — see the ballast wiring diagram before installation.
• Remote mounting: Maximum 8 feet of wire distance between ballast and lamps. This is shorter than many T5HO ballasts — verify your fixture layout accommodates this constraint.
• Circuit voltage: 120–277V ±10% covers all standard North American commercial voltages.
• Maximum ambient temperature: 55°C (131°F) UL rated. Verify your fixture housing does not exceed this temperature at the ballast mounting point.
• Wiring configuration: Series lamp wiring. Verify your fixture is wired in series configuration before installing this ballast.

Installation Notes

• N-1 single-lamp operation: Insulate unused yellow lamp leads for 600 Vrms when operating fewer than the maximum lamp count. Do not leave unused leads uninsulated.
• Remote mounting: Maximum 8 feet of wire distance between the ballast and the lamps.
• NEC compliance: Installation must comply with the National Electrical Code and all applicable local electrical codes.
• Step dimming wiring: Connect the step-dimming control lead per the wiring diagram included with the ballast.

Ordering Information

• Brand: GE Lighting
• Model: GE224MVPS-N-S35
• Catalog Number: 90904
• UPC: 043168909044
• Series: Ultrastart
• Lamp Type: 1–2 Lamp F24T5/HO, Step Dimming 100%↔35%
• Voltage: 120–277V Multi-Volt Universal
• Case quantities and bulk pricing: Contact ADL Supply for volume orders.

Compliance and Certifications

• UL Listed — Type 1 Outdoor: Yes
• UL Listed — Type CC: Yes
• UL Listed — Type HL: Yes
• UL Listed — Class P: Yes
• ANSI C82.11-Cons 2002: Compliant
• FCC Part 18 Class A (EMI/RFI): Compliant
• RoHS Compliant: Yes
• PCB-Free Construction: Yes
• 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 prior to specification or installation.