Building Acoustics & Lighting Laboratories, Inc (BALLabs) was founded in 1978 to provide product and on-site testing for the building industry. These services fall into the general categories of lighting, hvac and architectural acoustics.

All tests are performed according to the standards established by the applicable technical societies, which include:

Illuminating Engineering Society, ASHRAE, ASME, BOCA, UL, NFPA, Institute of Environmental Sciences, ANSI, ASTM, AMA, Air Diffusion Council and IEEE.

Our Policy is If we can't do it, we will find someone who can!

Operating Management

Kent A. Lerbs, MIES, President and General Manager

B.S. in Business Administration - University of Missouri, St. Louis with minors in mechanical engineering and organizational behavior. Co-author of several papers and over 30 years in laboratory operation. Member of the Illuminating Engineering Society. Responsible for day to day operations.

Kelly C. Lerbs, MIES, Vice President

Business Administration with an emphasis in Mathematics - University of Missouri, St. Louis. A.S. in Business Administration - St. Louis Community College - Meramec, St. Louis. Computer Aided Drafting and Technical Drawing - Westco Technical, St. Louis. Responsible for testing activities at BALLabs with 20+ years experience in our laboratory. Member of the Illuminating Engineering Society and the IES Testing Procedures Committee.

James L. Fowler, Laboratory Engineer

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering - University of Missouri, Rolla. Two years of experience in BALLabs laboratories. Luminaire testing and lighting product evaluations plus working with improving laboratory quality control procedures.

The laboratories and offices of BALLabs are located in the I44 Industrial Park at 1618 Headland Drive, Fenton, MO 63026.

Fenton is an immediate suburb of St. Louis - making it convenient to all transportation and shipping facilities in St. Louis. The building has 7500 square feet of working area. 1250 square feet with a 14 foot ceiling height is available for mock-up and in-situ measurements.

**It is our policy to have results in our clients' hands NO LATER THAN 14 working days from receipt of sample. Prior to testing, samples are inspected and, if any discrepancies exist or damage is apparent, the client will be contacted before testing.

We have found that our average delivery for a single test is approximately 1 work week. If there is a rush for a particular test, we can provide same-day or next-day service at a premium. BALLabs works with its clients to deliver results within the time frame they require.

Our Founders

Thomas L. Ballman, PE FIES, Founder - Deceased

Tom had been a Registered Professional Engineer in the state of Missouri, a Fellow of the Illuminating Engineering Society, member of Institute of Environmental Sciences and ASHRAE. He was active in the lighting industry for 38 years, author of numerous papers and member of many technical committees.

Henry L. Oelkers, Co-Founder - Retired

Henry was an Electrical Engineer with 45 years experience in laboratory testing.

Kent and Kelly greatly benefited from Tom and Hank's tutelage and years of experience and carry on the tradition of service and quality.