Specification

Application
The B70A emergency ballast works in conjunction
with an AC ballast to convert new or existing
fluorescent fixtures into emergency lighting.
The emergency ballast consists of a high-
temperature nickel-cadmium battery, charger
and electronic circuitry in one compact red
case. The B70A can be used with most 32 - 215
W (4’ - 8’) T8, T12 fluorescent lamps without
integral starters, including U-shaped. It is also
compatible with most one-, two-, three- and
four-lamp electronic, standard, energy-saving
and dimming AC ballasts. If used in an emergency-
only fixture, no AC ballast is necessary. The B70A
is suitable for indoor and damp locations and for
sealed & gasketed fixtures, including fixtures
rated for wet locations. It is not suitable for air
handling heated air outlets or wet or hazardous
locations. For information about specific lamp
and ballast compatibility, please call the factory.
Operation
When AC power fails, the B70A immediately switches
to the emergency mode, operating one lamp at
a reduced lumen output for a minimum of 90
minutes. Two-hour duration may be selected with
one 32 W T8 or one 34 - 40 W T12 fluorescent
lamp. When AC power is restored, the emergency
ballast automatically returns to the charging
mode and, using a patented circuit, delays
AC ballast operation for approximately three
seconds to prevent false tripping of the AC
ballast end-of-lamp-life shutdown circuits.
Installation
The B70A does not affect normal fixture operation
and may be used with either a switched or
unswitched fixture. If a switched fixture is used,
an unswitched hot lead must be connected to the
emergency ballast. The emergency ballast must be
fed from the same branch circuit as the AC ballast.
The B70A may be installed inside, on top of or
remote from the fixture. The emergency ballast may
be remotely installed up to half the distance the AC
ballast manufacturer recommends remoting the AC
ballast from the lamp or up to 50 feet, whichever is
less. Installation is not recommended with fixtures
where the ambient temperature may fall below 0°C.
Emergency Illumination
Depending on the wattage and type of lamp
selected, the B70A produces 600 to 700 lumens
initial emergency light output. During emergency
illumination, one lamp is illuminated, even if installed
with a multi-lamp AC ballast. Emergency lumen
output will be less with a compact fluorescent lamp.
Specification
Emergency lighting shall be provided by using a
standard fluorescent fixture equipped with a Bodine
B70A emergency ballast. This emergency ballast
shall consist of a high-temperature, maintenance-
free nickel-cadmium battery, charger and electronic
circuitry contained in one 9 3/8” x 2 3/8” x 1 1/2” red
metal case. A solid-state charging indicator light to
monitor the charger and battery, a single-pole test
switch and installation hardware shall be provided.
The emergency ballast, using a patented circuit,
shall delay AC ballast operation for approximately
three seconds to prevent false tripping of AC
ballast end-of-lamp-life shutdown circuits. The
emergency ballast shall be capable of operating
one 32 - 215 W T8, T12 at reduced illumination in
the emergency mode for a minimum of 90 minutes
or one 32 W T8 or one 34 - 40 W T12 at reduced
illumination in the emergency mode for a minimum
of 120 minutes. It shall be suitable for indoor and
damp locations and for sealed & gasketed fixtures,
including fixtures rated for wet locations. The
B70A shall have 3.5 Watts of input power and a 14.4
Watt-hour battery capacity and shall comply with
emergency standards set forth by the current NEC.
The emergency ballast shall be UL Listed (Pending)
for factory or field installation inside, on top of or
remote from the fixture and shall be warranted
for a full three years from date of purchase.
Warranty
Model B70A is warranted for three (3) full years
from date of purchase. Please see detailed
warranty information on our web site..
© 2019 Signify Holding. All rights reserved. The information provided herein is subject to change,
without notice. Signify does not give any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or
completeness of the information included herein and shall not be liable for any action in reliance
thereon. The information presented in this document is not intended as any commercial offer and
does not form part of any quotation or contract, unless otherwise agreed by Signify. All trademarks
are owned by Signify Holding or their respective owners.
B70A.spec.L8000038 03/19 page 2 of 2
Signify North America Corporation
Bodine
236 Mt. Pleasant Road
Collierville, TN 38017 USA
Telephone: [phone]
Signify Canada Ltd.
281 Hillmount Road,
Markham, ON, Canada L6C 2S3
Telephone [phone]
www.bodine.com
B70A Fluorescent emergency ballast, 2-hour operation,
damp location