Universal C242UNVBE Electronic CFL Ballast – 120–277V, Programmed Rapid Start, 1–2 Lamp, Bottom Exit

Product Overview

Universal C242UNVBE Electronic CFL Ballast – 120–277V | Programmed Rapid Start | 1–2 Lamp | Bottom Exit

The Universal C242UNVBE is a programmable rapid-start electronic compact fluorescent ballast designed for a broad range of 4-pin CFL, 2G11, 2G10, GR10q, and circline fluorescent lamps. It operates from 120–277V AC ±10% at 50/60Hz and uses a series lamp connection. The BE suffix identifies the Bottom Exit lead configuration. Universal also provides automatic end-of-lamp-life shutdown with auto-reset, high power factor, remote mounting up to 12 feet, and a Class A sound rating. Before ordering, verify the exact lamp type, lamp quantity, ballast factor, socket type, wiring diagram, and fixture requirements.

Voltage

120–277V

50/60Hz

Lamp Count

1–2

Application Dependent

Start Type

Programmed

Rapid Start

Lead Type

Bottom Exit

Warranty

5 Years

Manufacturer

Compatible Lamp Applications

(1–2) CFM42W / GX24q
(1) CFM57W / GX24q
(1) CFM70W / GX24q
(2) FC12T5 40W Circline
(1–2) CFM36W / 2G10
(2) CFTR32W / GX24q
(2) CFS28W / GR10q
(2) CFQ/TR26W / GX24q
(1–2) FT36W / 2G11
(2) FT24W / 2G11
(1) FT55W / 2G11
(2) FC9T5 22W Circline
(1) FC9T5 22W + (1) FC12T5 40W
(1–2) FT40W / 2G11

Important: Lamp quantity and ballast factor vary by lamp family. Do not assume every compatible lamp can be operated in both one- and two-lamp configurations. Match the exact lamp type and quantity to the Universal performance table before installation.

Technical Specifications

Manufacturer	Universal Lighting Technologies
Model	C242UNVBE
Family	C242UNVxxx
BE Designation	Bottom Exit
Ballast Technology	Electronic Compact Fluorescent
Input Voltage	120–277V AC ±10%
Input Frequency	50–60Hz
Starting Method	Programmed Rapid Start
Lamp Connection	Series
Power Factor	High Power Factor; varies by lamp application, generally >0.95 to >0.99
Total Harmonic Distortion	Typically <10%; certain one-lamp configurations may be higher as shown in manufacturer table
Crest Factor	Typically <1.6 or <1.7 depending on lamp application
Operating Frequency	40–50 kHz
Minimum Starting Temperature	0°F / -18°C
Maximum Case Temperature	167°F / 75°C
Sound Rating	A
Remote Mounting	Up to 12 ft
Overall Length	4.94 in
Width	2.98 in
Height	1.00 in
Mounting Dimension	4.61 in
Weight	0.9 lb
Case Material	Metal
Case Color	White
Quantity per Carton	20
Warranty	5 Years from date of manufacture under stated conditions
Country / Region of Manufacture	Manufactured in North America

Product Overview

The Universal C242UNVBE is designed as a highly flexible replacement ballast for multiple compact fluorescent and circline lamp configurations. The product-specific Universal performance sheet shows support for numerous lamp families from 22W through 70W, with one- or two-lamp operation depending on the specific lamp.

The ballast uses programmed rapid-start technology to provide controlled electrode heating before lamp ignition. Universal also incorporates an automatic reset shutdown circuit intended to shut down the system at lamp end-of-life and allow lamps to relight after replacement.

The BE version uses bottom-exit wiring. This is different from the ME version in your previous description, which uses multi-exit wiring. Verify the fixture wiring orientation before replacing a C242UNVME, C242UNVBES, C242UNVMES, or another suffix variant with the C242UNVBE.

Key Features

Universal Voltage: 120–277V AC ±10%, 50/60Hz.
Programmed Rapid Start: Designed for controlled CFL starting.
Multiple Lamp Families: Supports numerous compact fluorescent, 2G11, circline, GR10q, GX24q, and 2G10 configurations.
1- or 2-Lamp Operation: Depending on the exact lamp family.
Auto-Reset Shutdown: End-of-lamp-life shutdown circuit with automatic relight after lamp replacement.
Low-Temperature Starting: Rated down to 0°F / -18°C.
Remote Mounting: Up to 12 feet.
Class A Sound Rating: Suitable for noise-sensitive commercial applications.
Bottom Exit Wiring: BE suffix configuration.
White Metal Housing: Compact 4.94" × 2.98" × 1.00" enclosure.

Before Ordering – Verify

Model: Confirm the required version is C242UNVBE.
Lead configuration: BE means Bottom Exit. Do not confuse this with ME Multi-Exit.
Lamp family: Match the exact lamp code to the Universal compatibility table.
Lamp count: Some lamp types operate as 1 lamp, some as 2 lamps, and some support both.
Voltage: Confirm supply voltage is within 120–277V AC.
Socket type: Verify the existing lamp base such as GX24q, 2G11, 2G10, GR10q, or the appropriate circline socket.
Ballast factor: Ballast factor varies by lamp configuration and should not be treated as one universal value.
Wiring: Follow the one-lamp or two-lamp diagram shown on the Universal specification sheet.
Grounding: The ballast case must be grounded using an external ground wire.
Wire: Universal specifies 18 AWG solid copper wire stripped to 3/8".
Remote mounting: Maximum remote mounting distance is 12 feet.
Case temperature: Do not exceed 75°C at the tc point.
Fixture fit: Verify 4.94" overall length, 2.98" width, 1.00" height, and 4.61" mounting dimension.

Safety and Installation Guidelines

Disconnect and lock out electrical power before installation or servicing.
Ballast must be grounded. Use the external ground wire.
Install according to the National Electrical Code and applicable local electrical codes.
Use only approved lamp types and lamp quantities from the manufacturer performance table.
Follow the correct one-lamp or two-lamp wiring diagram.
Universal specifies plug-in wire-trap connectors with 18 AWG solid copper wire stripped to 3/8".
Do not exceed the stated 12-foot remote-mounting distance.
Maintain ballast case temperature below 167°F / 75°C.
Both lamps should be replaced at end of life in two-lamp applications.
Installation should be performed by qualified electrical personnel.

Compliance

Meets ANSI C82.11.
Meets FCC Part 18 Non-Consumer limits for EMI/RFI.
cULus Listed Class P.
Type 1 Outdoor.
Type CC.
Type HL.
No PCBs.
Suitable for use in air-handling spaces when NEC wiring guidelines are followed.