Abstract: Provided herein is a system which permits refitting of lamp sockets which utilize incandescent lamps with fluorescent lamps. The present system provides for a ballast which is remote from the lamp itself, thus being non-restrictive in regards to the size or wattage of the lamps used. The system is universal in that any existing incandescent lamp may be replaced with a fluorescent lamp, including compact fluorescent lamps, of any wattage desired by the user. The systems herein provide an increased degree of safety, as the socket profile can be matched to the ballast connector to preclude the use of an incorrect ballast with a given fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: A device which is designed to save electrical energy expended by a regular rapid start fluorescent lighting fixture having a plurality of lamps, or tubes, and a conventional ballast. The device comprises the combination of a step-up transformer, a resistor and two capacitors, all of which are mounted externally of the ballast. The device is wired in series with the ballast and one of the lamps to allow normal ballast voltages to be delivered to the lamp circuit, thereby eliminating any detrimental effects to the lamps or ballast. At the same time, the current to the lamps and consequent consumption of power by the lamps is substantially reduced to save electrical energy while providing a reduced, but uniform level of illumination.