GEC225MVPS-A 2 Lamp Electronic Ballast #75950

GE UltraStart GEC225MVPS-A – High Lumen Biax CFL Electronic MultiVolt Programmed Start Ballast | 1 or 2 Lamps | 120–277V | 70°C Max Case | Product Code 75950

The GE GEC225MVPS-A (product code 75950) is a CFL UltraStart High Lumen Biax electronic MultiVolt programmed start ballast for one or two FT40W four-pin Biax compact fluorescent lamps. It accepts any line voltage from 120V to 277V within ±10% regulation, uses active power factor correction, and carries a 70°C maximum case temperature. Programmed start extends lamp life on frequently switched circuits, yet GE rates the starting time as visually the same as instant start. Parallel lamp operation keeps the fixture lit if one lamp fails, and the design includes anti-striation control, an end-of-life safety shutdown circuit with re-lamping auto-reset, auto-restart, and inherent thermal protection.

Technical Specifications

Product Overview

The choice between programmed start and instant start comes down to how often the circuit is switched. Instant start delivers the best efficacy but shortens lamp life every time the lamp strikes cold. Programmed start preheats the cathodes before applying the arc voltage, which protects the electrodes and substantially extends lamp life in spaces on occupancy sensors, timers, or frequent manual switching. GE notes that despite the preheat sequence, the starting time on this ballast is visually the same as instant start — so occupants do not perceive a delay.

MultiVolt operation is the other headline feature. One ballast covers every line voltage from 120V through 277V, which eliminates wrong-voltage wiring errors in the field and halves the number of models a contractor or facility has to stock. Efficiency is above 90%, and active power factor correction holds power factor at 99% on 120V circuits and 95% on 277V.

Ballast factor on this unit is worth reading carefully, because it is not a single number. Running one lamp, the ballast drives it hard — 1.17 with an FT40W/28W lamp and 1.22 with an FT40W/25W — which is how a single-lamp fixture reaches high lumen output. Running two lamps, ballast factor drops to 1.00 on both lamp types. Design to the configuration actually being installed rather than to the "Normal" ballast factor label. Protection is layered: an end-of-life safety shutdown circuit that auto-resets when the lamp is replaced, auto-restart, inherent thermal protection, and anti-striation control that keeps the visible banding off the lamp.

Compatible Applications

• One-lamp and two-lamp FT40W four-pin Biax compact fluorescent fixtures
• Recessed and surface-mounted CFL downlights and troffers
• Spaces on occupancy sensors, timers, or frequent switching, where programmed start protects lamp life
• Commercial offices, corridors, and institutional buildings
• Retrofit replacement of a failed CFL ballast in an existing Biax fixture
• Mixed-voltage buildings where one ballast model needs to cover 120V through 277V
• Single-lamp fixtures where high ballast factor is needed for maximum lumen output
• Remote-mounted ballast installations up to 10 ft using 18 AWG wire

Before Ordering – Verify

• Confirm the lamp is an FT40W four-pin Biax — either FT40W/28W/4P or FT40W/25W/4P. This ballast is rated for those types; other CFL wattages and pin configurations require a different model.
• Confirm the lamp count, because ballast factor changes with it. One lamp gives 1.17 to 1.22 ballast factor; two lamps give 1.00. A one-lamp fixture will therefore be noticeably brighter per lamp than a two-lamp fixture on the same ballast.
• For single-lamp operation, cap the unused blue lead and insulate for 600 Vrms.
• Confirm the supply is between 120V and 277V, within ±10% regulation.
• Confirm the fixture has clearance for a 9.5 in. x 1.7 in. x 1.2 in. case with an 8.9 in. mount length and 0.3 in. mount slots.
• Confirm lead reach and exit direction. Input leads are 25 in. and exit the left side; output leads are 33 in. and exit the right side.
• For remote mounting, confirm the run does not exceed 10 ft and use 18 AWG wire.
• Confirm the fixture will keep the case at or below 70 °C / 158 °F.
• Confirm the ambient allows starting at or above 0 °F.
• This item is packaged as a case of 10; the sales unit is a standard pack of 1 ballast.

Safety and Handling Guidelines

• Disconnect power at the breaker before installing, wiring, or replacing the ballast.
• For one-lamp applications, cap the unused blue lead and insulate it for 600 Vrms.
• Observe lead colors and exit sides when routing: black and white are line input on the left, blue, red, and yellow are lamp output on the right.
• Do not exceed 10 ft between the ballast case and the lampholder, and use 18 AWG wire for remote runs.
• If the end-of-life shutdown circuit trips, replace the lamp; the ballast auto-resets on re-lamping.
• Mount so the case stays at or below its 70 °C maximum and do not obstruct airflow around the metal enclosure.
• Handle Biax lamps by the base rather than the tubes, and avoid stressing the four-pin base during insertion.
• Recycle or dispose of removed compact 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

• cUL Listed
• UL Type HL
• Contains no PCBs
• Compliant with material restriction requirements of RoHS
• Sound rated A, 20–24 decibels
• Inherent thermal protection
• Lamp end-of-life safety shutdown circuit with re-lamping auto-reset
• GE Lighting warrants each ballast free from defects in material or workmanship for the period defined in its warranty documentation, from the date of manufacture, when properly installed and under normal conditions of use
• Specifications per the GE Lighting product datasheet for product code 75950; specifications subject to change without notice

Ordering Information

• GE product code: 75950
• Description: GEC225MVPS-A
• UPC: 043168759502
• Standard package GTIN: 10043168759509
• Standard package: case of 10 ballasts
• Sales unit: standard pack, 1 ballast per sales unit
• Configuration: 1 or 2 lamp, FT40W four-pin Biax, 120–277V MultiVolt, side lead exit
• No lamps or mounting hardware are supplied with the ballast
• 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.