China manufacturer of magnetic ballasts for metal halide flood lights & hps flood lights

[2014-04-14]

High efficiency, high frequency electronic ballasts offer enhanced lighting performance and energy savings. The Electric Power Research Institute estimates that lighting consumes 20-25% of all electric power and that lighting energy accounts for 40% of the average commercial electric bill. The retrofit of existing facilities with modern lighting systems increases productivity and can save over one-half the energy of the original system. Older ballasts were magnetic, rapidly they are losing ground to electronic ballasts. Also, older fluorescent bulbs were T12. Then, we had combination of magnetic ballasts and T12 bulbs. As I said, they lost to electronic ballasts and T8 bulbs. You simply may look at the numbers on the bulb to see if you have older T12, or newer T8 bulb. Another way, T8 bulbs are smaller in diameter ( 1 inch) in comparison to T12 (1.5 inches in diameter). To find the diameter simply divide the number by 8 and it gives you the diameter of the bulb. EX: T12 12/8=1.5 inches As I said older T12 bulbs and magnetic ballasts come together. But factories made some electronic ballast for T12 bulbs. They said lets make part of the package up to date. If someone still using old package "T12/ magnetic ballast" lets make it "T12/ELECTRONIC ballast". That is why today you see ballasts such as F96T12 in electronic form. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you want to change an old magnetic ballast with electronic ballast you ought to make some changes in wiring inside the fixture or it won't work. The economics of lighting retrofits have never been better. Investment payback is often accelerated by "Demand Side Management" programs from electric utilities that offer incentives in the form of rebates for energy efficient measures. Consult with your local energy provider for available programs in your area. A complete lighting system redesign may save more energy and reduce costs than simple lamp-to-lamp replacement as fewer fixtures/lamp/ballast combinations may be required. Do not mix different lamp types in the same fixtures to avoid voltage and current imbalance and premature failure. Standard ballasts more than five years old may fail when used with lower wattage lamps. All fluorescent lamps, especially T8 lamps, must be supplied with a matching ballast. T8 lamps produce better light and use less energy when combined with fluorescent ballast....

[2014-04-14]

The term High Intensity Discharge or HID describes lighting systems that produce light through an electrical discharge which typically occurs inside a pressurized arc tube between two electrodes. In general, these systems feature long life, high light output for the size of the lamp and increased efficiency compared to fluorescent and incandescent technologies. HID lamps are named by the type of gas and metal contained within the arc tube. There are five different families of HID: Mercury Vapor, High Pressure Sodium, Quartz Metal Halide, Pulse Start Quartz Metal Halide, and Ceramic Metal Halide. HID lamps come in various shapes and types, such as elliptical and tubular. The lamp bases come in various shapes and types as well, such as screw base, double ended, bi-pin and many others. A HID lighting ballast is a piece of equipment required to control the starting and operating voltages of electrical gas discharge lights. Examples of gas discharge light sources include fluorescent and neon lights and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps. The term lighting ballast can refer to any component of the circuit intended to limit the flow of current through the light, from a single resistor to more complex devices. A lighting ballast is necessary to operate discharge lights because they have negative resistance, meaning they are unable to regulate the amount of current that passes through them. A lighting ballast must be used to control current flow; otherwise the light could fail. Small light sources can use passive components, which require no additional power to operate, as ballasts. An example would be a series resistor that limits the flow of current across its terminals. For high-powered lights, however, a resistor would waste a large amount of electricity, so a more complex lighting ballast is required. An electromagnetic lighting ballast uses electromagnetic induction to provide the starting and operating voltages of a gas discharge light. Inside each is a coil of wire and an electromagnetic field that together transform voltage. Some also include an igniter for high-power applications. HID lamps require a ballast to operate. Typically, the HID ballast (sometimes with the addition of a capacitor and igniter) serves to start and operate the lamp in a controlled manner. HID lamps take several minutes to warm-up. Full light output is reached after the arc tube temperature rises and the metal vapors reach final operating pressure. A power interruption or voltage drop will cause the lamp to extinguish. Before the lamp will re-light, it must cool to the point where the lamp's arc will restrike....

[2014-04-13]

Fluorescent lamps are reasonably efficient at converting input power to light. Nevertheless, much of the power supplied into a fluorescent lamp-ballast system produces waste heat energy. There are three primary means of to improving the efficiency of a fluorescent lamp-ballast system: Reduce the ballast losses. Operate the lamp(s) at a high frequency. Reduce losses attributable to the lamp electrodes. Newer, more energy-efficient ballasts, both magnetic and electronic, exploit one or more of these techniques to improve lamp-ballast system efficacy, measured in lumens per watt. The losses in magnetic chokes have been reduced by substituting copper conductors for aluminum and by using higher grade magnetic components. Ballast losses may also be reduced by using a single ballast to drive three or four lamps, instead of only one or two. Careful circuit design increases efficiency of electronic ballasts. In addition, electronic ballasts, which convert the 60 Hz supply frequency to high frequency, operate fluorescent lamps more efficiently than is possible at 60 Hz. Finally, in rapid start circuits, some magnetic choke improve efficacy by removing power to the lamp electrodes after starting. In a fluorescent lighting system, the ballast regulates the current to the lamps and provides sufficient voltage to start the lamps. Without a ballast to limit its current, a fluorescent lamp connected directly to a high voltage power source would rapidly and uncontrollably increase its current draw. Within a second the lamp would overheat and burn out. During lamp starting, the ballast must briefly supply high voltage to establish an arc between the two lamp electrodes. Once the arc is established, the ballast quickly reduces the voltage and regulates the electric current to produce a steady light output. Maintaining an optimum electrode temperature is the key to long lamp life. Thus, some ballasts have a separate circuit that provides a low voltage to heat the lamp electrodes during lamp starting and typically during lamp operation (Hammer, 1995). To achieve full rated light output and rated lamp life from a fluorescent lighting system, a ballast’s output characteristics must precisely match the electrical requirements of the lamps it operates. Traditionally, ballasts are designed to operate a specific number (usually one to four) and type of lamp (such as a four-foot T8 lamp) at a specific voltage (in North America either 120, 277, or 347 volts). Thus, to find a fluorescent light ballast compatible with a particular luminaire (light fixture), lamp type, lamp quantity, and line voltage must all be known....

[2014-04-13]

Metal halide (MH) lamps are available in low, mid-range, and high wattages from 35 to 2000 watts (W). Mid-wattage MH lamps range from 175 to 400 W. All major lamp manufacturers offer MH lamps in this range, commonly in wattages of 175, 200, 225, 250, 300, 320, 350, 360, and 400. MH lamps are a type of high-intensity discharge (HID) lamp that offers long lamp life, high efficacy, and good color rendering properties. In general, they are energy efficient and allow for good optical control. These qualities make them attractive for applications such as retail establishments, where both low operating cost and good light quality are important. Because of their long life, MH lamps are also appropriate for buildings with high ceilings and other facilities in which lighting is constantly in use for many hours at a time. They are popular choices for high-bay and low-bay industrial operations, warehouses, street lighting, and stadium and sports lighting. Like other gas-discharge lamps, all MH lamps require a ballast to operate. (See "Why do metal halide lamps require a ballast?") MH lamps provide white light in a variety of correlated color temperatures (CCTs) ranging from 3200 to 5200 Kelvin, and are commonly available with a color rendering index (CRI) of 65 to 70, but can also have a CRI of 90 or above. They are superior in color characteristic to most high-pressure sodium (HPS) and mercury vapor (MV) lamps that have lower CRI values. MH lamps compete with HPS lamps for outdoor applications such as streetlights, roadway lights, security lights, and pedestrian walkways. HPS lamps provide more photopic lumens per watt, but the whiter light of MH lamps provides better peripheral visibility at low illumination levels. 70,150,250,400,600,1000 Watt High Pressure Sodium ballast is U.L. Listed for safety and is manufactured by James Lighting, a leading manufacturer of horticultural lighting fixtures and bulbs. The ballast is housed in a remote, core and coil ballasts enclosure and features an innovative "thermal chimney". The "thermal chimney" actually separates the box into two sections - one for the ballast and the other for the components - igniter and capacitor. The "thermal chimney" keeps the components cooler by not allowing heat from the ballast to reach them. It is a thermal protective barrier between the ballast and the components. The result is a cooler running unit with longer component and ballast lifespan. This ballast and housing are built to last. The innovative "thermal chimney" allows for effective cooling without the use of air vents and open ports inherent in other systems that allow for dirt, dust and water to contaminate the ballast system. Key Hole Brackets on both the handle and bottom of unit for either ceiling or wall mounting 10' grounded power cord for use with standard household outlets Internal Rubber ballast insulators and Rubber Feet for electrical protection and WHISPER QUIET OPERATION...

[2014-04-13]

Here you can find lighting control gears to professional lighting sector. In our product range, you can find ballasts for many kinds of lamps. We have Ballasts for Fluorescent lamps from the smallest 4W lamp to high output 80W lamp. Included are also ballasts for Discharge (HID) from smallest 35W to 2000W Metal Halide lamp. Ballasts can be divided into two types: magnetic and electronic ballasts. The ballasts are selected depending on the lamp type: fluorescent tube, compact fluorescent lamps or high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps. All the standard model ballasts can be found directly from our stock. Special voltage and for example 60 Hz versions are available upon request. High efficiency, high frequency electronic ballasts offer enhanced lighting performance and energy savings. The Electric Power Research Institute estimates that lighting consumes 20-25% of all electric power and that lighting energy accounts for 40% of the average commercial electric bill. The retrofit of existing facilities with modern lighting systems increases productivity and can save over one-half the energy of the original system. The economics of lighting retrofits have never been better. Investment payback is often accelerated by "Demand Side Management" programs from electric utilities that offer incentives in the form of rebates for energy efficient measures. Consult with your local energy provider for available programs in your area. Modern electronic ballasts operate at a frequency above 20,000 Hz. This high frequency operates lamps more efficiently (10-15% more light output) and eliminates the 60 cycle hum and visible flicker normally associated with magnetic ballast. Modern solid-state circuitry makes the electronic ballast practical, reliable and cooler running....

[2014-04-12]

The term High Intensity Discharge or HID describes lighting systems that produce light through an electrical discharge which typically occurs inside a pressurized arc tube between two electrodes. In general, these systems feature long life, high light output for the size of the lamp and increased efficiency compared to fluorescent and incandescent technologies. HID lamps are named by the type of gas and metal contained within the arc tube. There are five different families of HID: Mercury Vapor, High Pressure Sodium, Quartz Metal Halide, Pulse Start Quartz Metal Halide, and Ceramic Metal Halide. HID lamps come in various shapes and types, such as elliptical and tubular. The lamp bases come in various shapes and types as well, such as screw base, double ended, bi-pin and many others. See the lamp catalog for more information. HID lamps require a ballast to operate. Typically, the HID ballast (sometimes with the addition of a capacitor and igniter) serves to start and operate the lamp in a controlled manner. Ballasts are not subjected to very high voltages when used in superimposed ignitor circuits and, therefore, all normally available ballasts are suitable. The ignitor taps provided on some ballasts are not required, and should not be used in conjunction with superimposed pulse type ignitors. Check ballast assembly for burned components.Check for loose electrical connections. If the ballast has problems, it is possible that one of the following could be the problem. 1. If the system is an older system, it could be normal end of life for the ballast. 2. Check lamp source and wattage to make sure it corresponds with ballast label ratings. If the light source and wattage are mismatched with the ballast, it can lead to premature end of life for the ballast. 3. If the ballast is located in an extremely high ambient temperature, it can overheat the ballast. 4. It is possible that a voltage surge damaged the ballast. 5. A shorted or open capacitor can damage the ballast. Also, check the capacitor rating on the ballast label with the capacitor to insure that the two match. 6. The ballast can become inoperative when the capacitor is wired wrong or if the wiring is shorting against the housing. To determine if HPS ballast is supplying proper starting voltage to the lamp the open circuit voltage must be verified....

[2014-04-10]

High pressure sodium lamp Ignitors, often referred to as starters, are used in conjunction with a HPS ballast to initially start the HID lamp. A high voltage pulse, typically in the range of 2.5 to 6.0 kV, is provided by the ignitor/starter. Ballasts that include an ignitor/starter are typically limited in the distance which they may be mounted remotely from the lamp because the ignitor pulse attenuates as the wire length between the ballast and lamp increases. For ballast-to-lamp distances greater than the capability of the standard published ignitor/starter ballast-to-lamp (BTL) distance, a long range ignitor/starter is required and is available from STANDARD. Lamp manufacturers data will specify the required conditions for ignition. However, for commonly available lamps, the mains voltage and wattage are the only factors normally required to enable correct ignitor selection. (See Lamp Data Section). Most SON and Metal Halide lamps require an external ignitor. However, there are some lamps that include built in starters and some that operate only with special electronic power units. Lampholders must be rated for use at the specified ignitor pulse voltage. Hot restrike ignitors, with pulse heights of greater than 5kV, can only be used with double ended TS or D2 lamps. Ignitors are intended to function with specific ballasts. Always check ballast and ignitor compatibility prior to installation. Ignitors should always be installed near the ballast but not on the ballast. A lighting system which calls for an ignitor must come with a pulse rated lamp socket in order to avoid voltage breakdown and arcing, caused by the high voltage ignitor pulse. All Components to OEM specifications for High Intensity Discharge HID light systems and High Pressure Sodium HPS street light systems Insert molded terminals fit OEM standard receptacle block for quick assembly,Snap-fit design facilitates quick and easy starting-aid assembly or change-out in the field,Versatile open frame accommodates wind range of circuit designs and requirements,Epoxy encapsulation available to protect circuitry from shock and corrosion,Every starting aid is 100% tested prior to shipment to assure functionality...

[2014-04-10]

James produces both oil-filled and dry film capacitors for the HID and sign ballast lighting markets.Constructed with film designed to withstand the rigors of the application, these units are built to operate up to 105ºC. HID lighting film capacitors are built with a ±3% tolerance on capacitance, and are designed to operate for a minimum of 60,000 hours. Sign ballast capacitors are constructed with film/foil technology and have tolerances based on application requirements.The capacitor is a very important part of the ballast and its function is often overlooked or forgotten. Both oil-filled and dry-film capacitors are used with ballasts, neither of which contain PCB’s. Dry film capacitors come in a compact, light weight and cylindrical non-conductive case. They do not use a dielectric fluid and are temperature rated for 100°C. Dry film capacitors do not need to be grounded, and do not have any special clearances above the terminals. Capacitance Range: 1 to 75 µF for HID; 1.4 to 2.6 µF with dual or triple rating for sign ballasts HID Capacitance Tolerance: ±3% AC Voltage Range: 120 VAC to 660 VAC for HID; 550 VAC to 1,200 VAC for sign ballasts Temperature Range: -40°C to +105°C for HID; 0°C to +85°C for sign HPS ballasts Approval Certification: CE (HID only)...

[2014-04-07]

The ratio of (line wattage to line volts X lamps), expressed as a percent. A high power factor (HPF)HPS ballast must have a power factor of at least 90%. Anything less is considered normal power factor (NPF). NPF designs normally range from 40-60%.AnNPF ballast draws about twice the operating line current of an HPF design and may require larger conductors, switches, breakers or distribution transformers for the same lighting load. Where an NPF lighting load adversely affects overall power factor, energy rates may be significantly increased. A lag-type regulating ballast will have a power factor greater than 90% throughout the rated life of the lamp regardless of line voltage or lamp aging. A lead-type regulating ballast will initially have at least 90% PF but may drop as low as 65% due to lamp aging. It is possible for HPF non-regulating ballasts to drop below 90% as lamps and capacitors age. Light output ratings published by lamp manufacturers are based on powering the lamp with a "reference ballast" as specified by ANSI standards. The ballast factor of a particular ballast provides a measure of expected light output. Electronic ballasts have several different ballast factors. This enables the lighting system designer to adjust the lighting level to meet the requirements of a particular application. The lighting system designer can trade watts for lumens by selecting the appropriate ballast....

[2014-04-06]

Metal halide lamps use sodium in their arc tubes to give them comparatively high light output. The arc tubes also have other metals or chemicals mixed with the sodium to balance and improve color. In fact, these lamps have become the standard for lighting sports for TV. Their lives are shorter than those of mercury lamps; but, they are significantly more efficient. You cannot use a mercury ballast with a metal halide lamp. The power supplied by a mercury ballast for starting and for cycling is different from the metal halides requirements and the mismatch can cause explosive failure of the metal halide lamp. Metal halide bulbs must be run using matching metal halide ballasts. High pressure sodium (HPS) lamps generate light with a sodium (primarily) arc discharge. This gives them the highest luminousm efficacy (lumens of light per watt of energy used) of these three lamps (over twice that of mercury). Their average rated life is similar to that of mercury lamps.James's ballast products represent many years of experience in ballast design and manufacturing. JAMES offers ballasts for all HID lighting sources including standard and pulse start metal halide lamps and high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps....