Should I use the ID or the full category path?

You can use either, but the numeric ID 7183 is preferred because it is language-independent and less prone to errors during feed processing.

Does this category require specific attributes like size or color?

No, size and color requirements typically apply to apparel categories. You should focus on providing accurate product titles and GTINs for hardware.

Can I use my own internal classification instead of this category?

Yes, you can use the free-form product_type attribute for your internal classification, but google_product_category should still be used for Google's taxonomy.

Google product category

Ballasts & Starters

Category ID7183

Full path for the feedHardware > Power & Electrical Supplies > Ballasts & Starters

Product examples in this category (US market)

Real products found in Google Shopping, shown as examples.

Robertson Circline Ballast with Socket Connector
Iopa Fluorescent Ballast
Fulham Lighting Workhorse Adaptable Electronic Fluorescent Ballast
Amax Lighting Electronic Ballast
B+L Technologies CFL Ballast
Advance Fluorescent Ballast
Philips Advance Ballast
Advance Dimmable Electronic Ballast
Keystone Lamp Fluorescent Ballast
Universal Electronic Fluorescent Ballast
Sunpark Electronic Circline Ballast
Ge Ultrastart Fluorescent Ballast
Philips AmbiStar Electronic Fluorescent Replacement Ballast
Philips Advance Electronic Ballast
Robertson Electronic Ballast

Category Overview

The Ballasts & Starters category, identified by ID 7183, encompasses specialized hardware components designed to regulate the current and voltage in lighting fixtures. This is a level 3 category within the Power & Electrical Supplies tree in the Google product taxonomy.

What Belongs Here

This category is intended for electronic and electromagnetic components required to initiate and maintain operation for specific lamp types. Based on examples from the US market, typical items include:

Fluorescent ballasts (electronic or magnetic)
Circline lamp ballasts
Dimmable electronic ballast units
CFL-specific ballasts
Replacement lighting starters

These products are essential for ensuring that lighting systems receive the correct electrical parameters to function safely and efficiently. If you sell replacement parts that enable a lamp to strike or operate correctly, this is the appropriate classification.

What Does Not Belong Here

Do not use this category for general electrical components found in other branches of the hierarchy. If your item fits into the following, please use those instead: Generators, Power Outlets & Sockets, Electrical Wires & Cable, or Voltage Transformers & Regulators. Devices such as wall switches, circuit breaker panels, or extension cords also belong to their respective neighbouring categories under Power & Electrical Supplies rather than here.

Implementation in Feed

To assign this category in your feed, use the numeric ID 7183 or the full string Hardware > Power & Electrical Supplies > Ballasts & Starters. While the attribute is optional, providing the ID ensures Google applies the correct policies and attributes to your lighting hardware.

Frequently asked questions

Should I use the ID or the full category path?: You can use either, but the numeric ID 7183 is preferred because it is language-independent and less prone to errors during feed processing.
Does this category require specific attributes like size or color?: No, size and color requirements typically apply to apparel categories. You should focus on providing accurate product titles and GTINs for hardware.
Can I use my own internal classification instead of this category?: Yes, you can use the free-form product_type attribute for your internal classification, but google_product_category should still be used for Google's taxonomy.

This category in other languages

ru: Оборудование и технические изделия > Товары для систем электроснабжения > Пускорегулирующая аппаратура
uk: Обладнання та технічні вироби > Товари для систем електропостачання > Пускорегулювальна апаратура