### Question
How does the law define ballast?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 6291*, **ballast** is defined as:

> a device used with an electric discharge lamp to obtain necessary circuit conditions (voltage, current, and waveform) for starting and operating

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 6291*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 77-ENERGY CONSERVATION > SUBCHAPTER III-IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY > Part A-Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles**

