| Electronic Ballast Q & A |
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| Posted date:
2006-12-28 10:19:24
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343
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Electronic Ballast Q & A
What is a ballast? A ballast is an electrical device that supplies sufficient voltage to start the flow of arc current in a fluorescent lamp, and then regulates the proper arc current to the lamp.
Electronic Ballasts are able to operate lamps at high frequencies because they utilize semi-conductor component circuitry instead of the standard electro-magnetic transformer circuit operating at line frequency.
Passive Input Ballasts utilize inductance and capacitance to correct for power factor and current harmonics. The Universal Lighting Technologies RH and L series of ballasts are considered Passive Input Electronic ballasts.
Active Input Ballasts utilize semi-conductor circuitry to correct for power factor and current harmonics. The Universal Lighting HP series is considered an Active Input Electronic Ballast.
Ballast Factor is the measure of the light output (lumens) of a ballast and lamp combination in comparison to the ANSI standard ballast operated with the same lamp. Electronic ballasts generate 10% more lumens, per watt, verses electromagnetic ballasts, due to the high frequency operation of the fluorescent lamps.
A simple way to think of Ballast Factor is as a Multiplier. Simply multiply the ballast factor times the rated lumens of the lamp to get the amount of lumens produced from the lamp/ballast combination.
Rapid Start ballasts provide continuous filament voltage which allows for a lower starting voltage. A grounded reflector close to the lamp, and a grounded line circuit are required to provide a capacitive starting aid for the lamp. Rapid Start used to be considered the best for frequently switched applications.
Programmed Start ballasts improve on the rapid start concept by delaying the starting voltage until the filament is fully heated. This results in a 50 percent greater number of safe starts during a normal lamp life. After the lamp is started the filament voltage is reduced to a minimum, saving energy and enhancing longer lamp life.
AccuStart? is the name of the new Universal Lighting Programmed Start Ballast.
Instant Start ballasts start the lamps without preheating the filaments. This requires a higher starting voltage to start the arc current. Because there is no filament voltage applied by the ballast it is the most energy efficient.
Do electronic ballasts run cooler? Electronic ballasts generate less heat than electro-magnetic ballasts by using highly efficient semi-conductor circuitry. This saves money on air conditioning costs.
Are electronic ballasts lighter? Electronic ballasts are lighter in weight than electro-magnetic ballasts because they utilize semi-conductor circuitry instead of a transformer based design.
Are electronic ballasts cheaper to operate? Electronic ballasts pay for themselves over time because they use 10 to 30 percent less energy to create the same amount of light as electro-magnetic ballasts.
Do electronic ballasts provide flicker free light? Electronic ballasts operate the lamps at roughly 25KHZ where electro-magnetic ballasts operate a 60HZ. The high frequency operation prevents stroboscopic effect, and makes the light appear continuous to the human eye with no perceptible flicker.
Do electronic ballasts make noise? Because electronic ballasts do not have the auto transformer that is inherent to an electro-magnetic ballast, the characteristic "hum" of a magnetic ballast is not present in an electronic ballast. The electronic ballast generates a small noise, much less than a magnetic ballast of a similar application. Other factors such as the lighting fixture, and room characteristics affect the noise level.
What is RFI? Radio Frequency Interference is any signal, either radiated from the lamps, or conducted on the power line, that interferes with radio or television reception. Electronic ballasts have built in filter circuits that meet the FCC Guidelines Part 18 (Class A) for RFI and EMI for eliminating these unwanted signals, when the ballast is installed properly with a good earth ground.
What is High Power Factor? High Power Factor ballasts correct for the loading effect of the ballast on the supply voltage. This results in more efficient operation. All Universal Lighting electronic ballasts are High Power Factor ballasts.
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