The programmed start ballast reduces the amount of voltage across the lamp before supplying voltage to pre-heat the cathodes. The ballast is programmed to continue supplying voltage till the cathodes reach a temperature of at least 700-degree Celsius.
What does Program Start mean in ballast?
Program start (Rapid-start) ballast provides low voltage to heat the lamp cathodes before applying higher starting voltage, and it continues to provide cathode heating voltage during normal lamp operation. … * Program Start ballast precisely heats the lamp cathodes to 700°C prior to lamp ignition.
What is the difference between program start and rapid start ballasts?
While programmed start and rapid start ballasts are quite similar, programmed start ballasts apply the starting voltage once the cathodes are known to be heated. In comparison, rapid start ballasts may apply the starting voltage before the cathodes are sufficiently heated.
How does an instant start ballast work?
An instant start ballast does not preheat the electrodes, instead using a relatively high voltage (~600 V) to initiate the discharge arc. It is the most energy efficient type, but yields the fewest lamp-start cycles, as material is blasted from the surface of the cold electrodes each time the lamp is turned on.
What is a trigger start ballast?
Rapid or trigger start electromagnetic ballasts are used in T12 and older T8 fixtures and wired in series. Rapid start electronic ballasts heat the electrodes while applying the starting voltage (about 500 volts) to start the lamps quickly in about 0.5 to 1.0 seconds.
Can you replace a rapid start ballast with an instant start ballast?
The majority of commercial ballasts in the market that operate T8 lamps are instant start. Because of this, when retrofitting a rapid start system to an instant start system, some alterations to the socket wiring are required in order for it to work optimally.
How do I know if I have an instant start ballast?
You can determine whether you have a compatible fixture in seconds. Simply turn the light on, then take a photo of the fixture using your smartphone or digital camera. If there are no dark bands on the resulting image, you have an electronic ballast that will work with direct drop-in LED tubes.
What is a preheat ballast?
Fluorescent ballasts are manufactured for three primary types of fluorescent lamps: preheat, rapid start, and instant start. Preheat Operation Lamp electrodes are heated prior to initiating the discharge. A ‘starter switch’ closes, permitting a current to flow through each electrode.
What is the difference between magnetic and electronic ballast?
What’s the Difference between an Electronic Ballast and a Magnetic Ballast? Electronic ballasts alter the flow of electricity in the light bulb by using a series of induction coils that are separated from one another. In contrast, magnetic ballast uses 1 induction coil and not a series.
Which lamp is also known as Quick Start or instant start fluorescent tube?
The power consumption of the neon lamp is 5 W. A fluorescent lamp without a starter is commercially called ‘quick start’ or ‘instant start’ fluorescent lamp.
What is the disadvantage of electronic ballast?
Electronic ballasts are more efficient and more compact in size and weight. They also provide the ability for continuous power adjustment at different settings. A disadvantage is that power fluctuations may cause a failure but this can be offset by adding a buffer capacitor. Operation of the ballasts generate heat.
What are the different types of ballast?
There are two categories of ballasts – magnetic and electronic. Magnetic ballasts are the most basic type and operate bulbs through a core and coil transformer.
How do I know what ballast I need?
The only things that matter when you're replacing a ballast are we're number one the number of bulbs number two the type of bulbs number three the voltage.
Do LED tube lights need a ballast?
No LED bulbs require a ballast, although some are engineered to work with an existing ballast. You will find ballast-compatible or “plug-and-play” LEDs that are designed to replace linear fluorescents, compact fluorescents, or HIDs. Incandescent and halogen lamps do not require a ballast.
How do I know if I have a T8 or T12 ballast?
If no markings are available, the size in diameter of the tube is the easiest way to determine the type you have installed. T8 tubes are 1-inch in diameter and T12 tubes are 1 1/2 -inch.
Does an electronic ballast need a starter?
Magnetic ballasts required a starter to get the lamp lit, electronic ballasts do not require a starter.
Is ballast same thing as starter?
In older fluorescent fixtures, the ballast, or choke, is a transformer that limits the current flowing into the tube, while the starter provides the high voltage needed to excite the tube when it is turned on.
Are all starters the same for fluorescent lights?
While all starters are physically interchangeable, the wattage rating of the starter should be matched to the wattage rating of the fluorescent tubes for reliable operation and long life. The glow tube incorporates a switch which is normally open.