Rapid start ballasts use two wires for connections to each end of a fluorescent tube. This series wiring uses a non-shunted lampholder, with each side of the lampholder isolated from the other side.

With a two lamp rapid start ballast, if one lamp fails the other lamp connected to that ballast will not light. Generally, rapid start, programmed start, and dimmable ballasts are wired in series. Find Rapid Start Ballasts

Rapid Start Ballast Wiring

2 Lamp Rapid Start Wiring Diagram

4 Individual wires, 2 common wires

3 Lamp Rapid Start Ballast Wiring Diagram

6 Individual wires, 2 common wires

Rapid Start Ballast Wiring Diagrams

3 Lamp Rapid Start Ballast Wiring Diagram (2 Ballasts)

3 Lamp Series Ballast Wiring Diagram (2 Ballasts)

One 2 lamp and one 1 lamp ballast

3 Lamp Programmed Start Ballast Wiring Diagram

3 Lamp Series-Parallel Ballast Wiring Diagram

If one lamp fails or is removed in the series connected section, then all lamps in that section will turn off, but the lamps in the parallel circuit remain on.