Compared to incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps have a number of advantages. They have higher luminous efficacy, a wide range of shades and a long service life. But they do not work on a standard 220 volt network. Therefore, they need a special adapter. Control gear (ballast) - not everyone knows what kind of device it is.
Content
- general information
- Main characteristics
- Testing features
- Causes of malfunctions
general information
The design of the device is extremely simple. It consists of a choke that smooths out the ripple, a starter as a starter and a capacitor to stabilize the voltage. But this device is already considered obsolete.
Models have been finalized and now they are called electronic ballasts (EPR). They are of the same type as ballasts, but they are based on electronics. Basically, it is a small board with several elements. The compact design makes it easy to install.
All ballasts are conditional are divided into two types:
- consisting of a single block;
- consisting of several parts.
Devices can also be classified according to the type of lamps: devices for halogen, LED and gas discharge. To understand what an electronic ballast is, and how it differs from an electronic ballast, it is necessary to consider the characteristics of its functioning. They can be electronic and electromagnetic.
Main characteristics
Installation of electronic ballasts allows you to reduce the amount of energy consumed. The fixture allows the lamps to start instantly. This device has analogues, but they are noisy and bulky. When the ballast is connected, the flickering of the lamps is reduced to zero.
No false start of the lamp - flashes before ignition. This allows the filaments to last longer.
Thanks to the use of modern devices, lighting stability is achieved. Some models have a brightness adjustment function.
The ballast lamp works quickly, but smoothly, it does not make noise and does not blink. The new starting block provides several types of protection, and this increases operational safety and reduces the risk of fire.
The principle of operation of the device is very simple. At the first stage, a switch-on occurs, which heats up the lamp electrodes - it takes a few seconds, after which the light is smoothly ignited. Electronic ballasts can be operated at low temperatures.
In the second stage, ignition is carried out. A high voltage pulse is generated and facilitates the filling of the flask with gas. After that, combustion occurs, during which a low voltage is maintained, which ensures the operation of the lamp.
Testing features
Electronic ballasts have been tested in a series of tests. This was necessary to check their quality and identify product defects. Tests have shown that the built-in fluorescent lamp can work: in a wide voltage range - 110-220 volts. Together with this indicator, the frequency of the converter changes - at 220 volts it is 38 kHz, at 100 volts - 56 kHz.
Lowering the voltage will decrease the brightness. Fluorescent lights use alternating current, which allows the device to wear out evenly. Especially its filaments. This helps to extend the life of the lamp. DC was used during testing, and this quickly destroyed the device.
Some companies produce electronic ballasts of a new standard. In fact, these devices differ in low cost and similar quality:
- such devices have a short service life;
- circuits do not provide preliminary "warm-up", and this negatively affects the operation of the lamps;
- they do not have an output power adjustment with voltage fluctuations;
- automatic shutdown of luminaires at the end of their service;
The use of cheap and low quality electronic ballasts results in reduced luminaire life and increased operating costs.
Causes of malfunctions
The fluorescent lamp may not work due to various breakdowns. Most often this happens due to cracks in the soldering points on the board. When the lamp turns on, it starts to warm up, and the ECG unit cools down. Temperature changes lead to circuit breakage.
In case of problems with the filament, the unit itself remains in working order. Therefore, it is sufficient to replace the burnt out lamp.
Electronic components are most often damaged by power surges. The first to suffer is the transistor. Installing circuit fuses does not save you from possible breakdowns, so it is better not to turn on fluorescent lamps in bad weather. In some cases, the matter may be in the wrong connection to the lamp.
Optimal model Is a device with protection against non-standard operating modes of light sources and against their deactivation. When choosing a specific device, you should pay attention to the permissible weather conditions.
