Features of starters for 36 W fluorescent lamps: principle of operation, selection criteria

Fluorescent lamps have become one of the most popular light sources these days. The features of their device make it possible not only to provide a high quality glow, but also to work well for a long time. A starter for fluorescent lamps is required for operation. You need to know what kind of detail it is, how to choose it, then the light source will delight you with high-quality and long work.

Features of fluorescent lamps

Daylight lamps (fluorescent) are economical light sources made in the form of a glass bulb. They can be of different lengths and shapes. Most often they are:

• U-shaped;
• annular;
• compact with E27 and E14 base;
• straight.

The appearance of the lamps does not affect their principle of operation. All possible options have the same essence of work: inside there is a glass bulb with electrodes, inert gas and mercury vapor, as well as a special special coating.

When power is supplied to the electrodes, they glow and the phosphor glows. There is a great risk that the spirals will overheat, so a 36 W fluorescent lamp starter will be needed for full operation.

Since lamps of this type are small in size, they cannot be powered from a standard voltage, therefore, for operation, you will need not only a starter, but also a choke.

When connected to the mains voltage will be applied to the starter. Since the contacts on it are not open, the total voltage will not pass. It will hit the throttle, where it will be at zero level. This is quite enough for the discharge of the light bulb. When heated by the electrode, an electrical circuit is closed, the lamp thread lights up.

The starter and the choke are the most important components of the fluorescent lamp circuitry, so their choice should be approached with responsibility.

Elements of "ignition" of light

The starter of various modifications ignites light sources, which are powered from AC mains with a frequency of 50 Hz. For this purpose, there is a control gear in the lamp device.

In devices with a glow discharge after activation of the light source, an increased voltage will begin to flow to the contacts.

The component itself is presented in the form of a small glass bulb filled with gas. The bulb itself is located in the inner part of the plastic or metal case. In the lower part there is a rig, consisting of two electrodes that come into contact with the lamp wires. Some models have a window at the top.

It is worth noting that it is the starters that most often break down, after which the lamp cannot be turned on. But replacing them is not difficult if you know how to do it.

The following functions are assigned to this component:

• it is the first to start when connected to the network;
• responsible for heating the electrode;
• increases the supply of current to the illuminator;
• closes and opens bimetallic plates;
• transfers current to the choke.

If a part fails, the lamp will simply not turn on and start to shine. Moreover, if connected directly, the lifespan of the lighting components is reduced. Starters are selected in accordance with the connection diagram.

The principles of the selection of the igniter

If the lamp suddenly stops working, it is most likely that the igniter is out of order. Replacing it is not a difficult task, you can significantly save on repairs, replacing a lamp or a lamp completely.

There is a specific igniter for each type. There are several rules to help you choose the right part, in particular:

• base 2P, straightening indicators no more than 3 microns;
• body material - preferably fire-resistant polycarbonate;
• the length of the legs for light sources with a power of 12 W should not exceed 2.2 cm;
• capacitors must be orthogonal - they have good current conductivity and are resistant to subzero temperatures.

When the selection of a part is necessary for a 3P base, primary attention should be paid to the inductance indicators. The indicator should be within 2.5 H. In addition, you can choose a part based on:

• light source power;
• the type of start-up, depending on the type of choke used (electronic, electromagnetic);
• type of control gear;
• type of legs (movable, asymmetric, etc.);
• parameters of the glow discharge current;
• manufacturer.

The manufacturer should also be given due attention. Give preference to trusted firms. There is no need to save money, it is better to purchase a really high-quality component.

Varieties of parts

For the right choice, you need to know the technical characteristics of various models. Correctly selected parts will not cause trouble in operation. These types of lighters are especially popular these days:

1. Smoldering row. Used in lamps with bimetallic electrodes. They are often bought for their simplistic design. In addition, the ignition time is short.
2. Thermal. They are characterized by a longer ignition period of the light source. The electrodes take longer to heat up, but this has a positive effect on performance.
3. Semiconductor. They act on the principle of a key. After heating, the electrodes are opened, then a pulse is formed in the flask and the lamp is lit.

So, parts from Philips corporation belong to the category of smoldering ones. They are of the highest quality. Body material - fire-resistant polycarbonate. These ignitors have built-in capacitors. No harmful isotopes are used in the manufacturing process. Installation is carried out using a conventional screwdriver.

OSRAM products are characterized by a dielectric, non-flammable macrolon housing. They additionally have interference suppressing capacitors (foil rolls).

Popular and S models: S-2 and S-10. The former are used for the ignition of low-voltage models with a power of up to 22 W. Second - for ignition of high voltage lamps luminescent designs with a wide power range (4-64 W).

The starter is one of the main components of lamps. The correct choice will be the key to the long and trouble-free operation of such light sources.