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Home » FAQs » How to protect the fluorescent lamp ballasts?
How to protect the fluorescent lamp ballasts?
2014-03-26 13:01:49
All gas discharge lamps, including fluorescent lamps, require a ballast to operate. The fluorescent lamp ballast provides a high initial voltage to initiate the discharge, then rapidly limits the lamp current to safely sustain the discharge. Lamp manufacturers specify lamp electrical input characteristics (lamp current, starting voltage, current crest factor, etc.) required to achieve rated lamp life and lumen output specifications.
The ballast supplies the right voltage to start and operate the lamp.
The ballast limits current to a gas discharge lamp during operation – the resistance of a gas discharge lamp becomes negligible once the arc has been struck.
The ballast prevents any voltage or current fluctuations caused by the arc discharge from reflecting into the line circuit.
The ballast compensates for the low power factor characteristic of the arc discharge.
Ballast Construction
A simple standard ballast is a core and coil assembly.
The core is made of laminated transformer steel.
The coil consists of copper or aluminum wire which is wound around the core.
The core–coil assembly is impregnated with a nonconductor to provide electrical insulation and aid in heat dissipation.
Capacitors may be included in the ballast circuit to assist in providing sufficient voltage, start the lamp, and/or correct power factor.
Some ballasts are housed inside the lighting fixture.
A ballast, like any electrical device, generates heat. To ensure maximum ballast life, it is imperative that operating temperatures be kept as low as possible. Burned-out or failing lamps, or high temperatures in or around the fixture, can cause the ballast to overheat, resulting in premature failure. For additional information regarding heat and recommendations for maximizing ballast life and performance, consult Universal Lighting Technologies' catalogs.
 
Most fluorescent ballasts incorporate internal automatic-resetting thermal protection, which deactivates the ballast should it overheat. Normal operation resumes once the ballast has cooled sufficiently. Cycling will continue until the cause of overheating is corrected.
 

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