Device and types of electronic ballast for fluorescent lamps

The electronic ballast acts as a kind of trigger mechanism that ensures the stable operation of the fluorescent lamp. The use of this device is relevant in case of insufficient electrical load or in the absence of limitation in current consumption.

Conditions for connecting, starting and burning a fluorescent lamp

A fluorescent lamp is a glass bulb filled with an inert gas with the addition of a small amount of mercury. There are electrodes on the tube that supply a voltage of a certain magnitude. The generated electric field provokes the appearance of a discharge and, as a consequence, a current.

The produced bluish glow is almost imperceptible to humans, as it belongs to the invisible color range. The emitted ultraviolet radiation hits the lamp coating containing phosphorus compounds. As a result, rays are formed that are in the visible part of the spectrum.

When the fluorescent lamp is turned on, an avalanche-like increase in current is observed, which provokes a decrease in resistance. Therefore, it is impossible to connect such a consumer directly to the network. For effective and long-term operation of the light bulb, it is necessary to prevent overheating of the electrodes. For this, a ballast or choke is used. It produces additional load when there is not enough of it in the network, which limits the amount of current.

The main characteristics of ballasts

Ballasts - ballasts - are of two types: electronic and electromagnetic.

Electromagnetic devices

The unit operates thanks to the inductive reactance of the inductor. It is built into the circuit in series with the lamp.

A starter is also required to turn on the light. This is a small lamp-like device from the gas discharge category. Inside it are bimetal electrodes.

The starter is connected to the device in a parallel way.

In the presence of an electromagnetic ballast, the fluorescent lamp works according to the following scheme:

1. When voltage is applied, a discharge appears in the starter. As a result, the electrodes are heated, as a result of which they are closed.
2. The working current increases several times. This process only limits the internal resistance of the inductor.
3. Against the background of an increase in current indicators, the lamp electrodes are heated.
4. When the starter cools down, the circuit is opened.
5. The processes occurring lead to the appearance of a relatively high voltage. As a result, the source is “ignited” inside the bulb.

When the lighting fixture enters normal operation, its voltage will be significantly lower than the mains voltage, which is not enough to activate the starter. Therefore, it is open and does not affect the functioning of the lamp.

In the presence of electromagnetic modules, it takes a relatively long time to turn on the lighting fixtures. During operation, this time is constantly increasing, which is a significant disadvantage of the products. Such light sources flicker during operation, so they are not recommended for use in residential premises.They are also quite noisy and consume a lot of electricity.

Electronic aggregates

Electronic ballasts (electronic ballasts) are a kind of voltage converters. There is no starter in the device diagram. To understand what an electronic ballast is for an LED or fluorescent lamp, it is necessary to disassemble the principle of its operation.

Before the ignition potential is applied to the cathodes of the lamp, they are heated. At the same time, the high frequency of the voltage supplied to the device increases its efficiency and prevents flickering. An oscillating circuit can also be involved in the ignition process. It enters into resonance until there is no discharge in the lamp bulb. This leads to an increase in voltage and to an increase in current, which provokes heating of the cathodes.

Ballasts for compact lamps

Relatively recently, fluorescent lamps, adapted to standard shades, have appeared on the market. This allows them to be used as lighting devices in premises for any purpose without replacing lamps.

The ballast of compact lamps is housed inside the socket. Therefore, their repair is theoretically possible, but in practice it is not carried out.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Electronic Ballast

An electronic ballast has a number of undeniable advantages:

• The start-up of the lamp with electric ballast occurs very quickly - within 1 second after switching on.
• The electronic ballast generates a frequency of 38-50 kHz. Therefore, lamps with electronic ballast are devoid of such negative aspects as flickering and image distortion.
• The service life of devices with electronic ballasts is doubled.
• If a luminescent device with electronic ballasts fails, it immediately stops generating alternating voltage. This significantly increases the safety of the product.
• The use of electronic ballasts for LED luminaires makes it impossible to cold start them, which prevents erosion of the cathodes.
• Such devices operate silently. Therefore, they are allowed to be used in rooms where people are for a long time.

The advantage of electronic ballast for fluorescent lamps is called a simple wiring diagram. Also, a similar device belongs to the category of energy efficient. Moreover, its efficiency is 95%, which is a pretty good indicator.

Electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps are more expensive than their electromagnetic counterparts. Also, their disadvantage is called the high probability of failure during power surges.

Expert recommendations for selection

When purchasing a ballast, pay attention to the power of the module. It should correspond to a similar indicator of the lighting device. Otherwise, the device will not be able to function normally.

When buying ballast, you cannot focus only on its cost. Electromagnetic devices are cheaper but less efficient. The high cost of electronic devices is offset by their excellent performance.

Ballast selection by manufacturer

When buying a choke, you should be guided by the reputation of the company that produces it. A Chinese-made product will not always be able to meet the expectations of users. Experts recommend buying devices from brands whose products are time-tested and confirmed by positive customer reviews.

High-quality ballasts have a sturdy body made of plastic that is resistant to deformations and critical temperatures. They have been assigned a degree of protection IP2. This means that foreign objects larger than 12.5 mm cannot enter the device.

A sign of good ballast in a lamp is called its smooth start. There is always a short pause between turning on the device and the appearance of lighting. In its absence, the choke circuit is simplified, which reduces the lamp life.

Popular electromagnetic ballasts

Electromagnetic chokes made by E.Next are very popular among users. The manufacturer supplies high quality products that meet international standards. The company provides a warranty and service support for its products.

The products of the well-known European manufacturer of electrical equipment Philips are in no less demand. Such products are positioned as energy efficient and reliable. When using them, it is possible to correctly regulate the load, which has a positive effect on the operation of the lamps.

Best Electronic Type Devices

Electronic chokes are modern products with optimal functions. Similar products are manufactured by the German company Osram. The cost of ballasts from this company is higher than Chinese counterparts, but lower in comparison with Philips and Vossloh-Schwabe products.

Horos modules belong to the budget category. Despite their low cost, they have optimal efficiency and are characterized by low power consumption. At the same time, the ballasts of this company improve the quality of the lighting devices and eliminate the delay when turning on. When using them, you can completely forget about the flickering of lighting fixtures.

The products of the young but promising company Feron are popular on the market. It provides customers with European quality products at affordable prices. Feron ballasts protect lamps from voltage surges, eliminate flicker and save energy. The lighting produced by the devices is soft and uniform.