This text is machine translated.
Useful information about lamp ballast devices
-
Was it a lamp ballast and what do you need it for?
-
What was the difference between electronic ballasts and conventional ballasts?
-
What are the additional components and functions of electronic ballasts?
-
What do you need to pay attention to when purchasing the devices?
-
What types of ballasts does Conrad offer?
Was it a lamp ballast and what do you need it for?
Lamp ballast devices are protective devices for fluorescent lamps and discharge tubes, which can contain, in addition to the protection of the lamps, other additional components specific to the design. Without these devices, the lamps cannot be operated because fluorescent lamps operate in a different way from conventional incandescent lamps: Incandescent lamps generate light through heating and the associated glow of an electrical conductor.
In fluorescent lamps, light is generated by the ionization of their gas filling and the associated electrical generation of plasma. This creates an ultraviolet light, which is usually converted and made visible using a fluorescent tube. The ballasts are required to ensure that this process is safe and that the lamp is not damaged. The primary protection function of the ballasts is to protect the lamps from an increased discharge current. The high current flow, caused by the required shock ionization during ignition, leads to damage without the throttling of the ballast and ultimately to a defect.
The devices are not only available as a single component. In some discharge and fluorescent lamps, it is already integrated into the lamps. The external versions can be used to operate different types of lamps, such as metal halide lamps or LED tubes, depending on the type.
What was the difference between electronic ballasts and conventional ballasts?
Unlike conventional ballasts (conventional ballasts), EVGs supply the lamps with high-frequency voltage and thus work more energy-efficiently than their conventional counterparts. They therefore differ in their design and are made up of different components: A rectifier changes the line-side alternating voltage to direct voltage before a high-frequency inverter converts this into a square-wave voltage, with which the respective illuminant is then supplied.
The frequency here is usually in a range from 32 kHz to a range of just under 40 kHz. With this, a higher performance can be achieved with lower consumption. In addition, electronic ballasts have a number of other advantages: They work flicker-free and the power and power losses are lower . The warm-start function, which is now integrated in all high-quality electronic ballast, not only speeds up the start-up process in comparison to the KVG's, it also protects the light bulbs used.
What are the additional components and functions of electronic ballasts?
In addition to protection and safe commissioning, the electronic ballasts can also take on additional functions. In the Conrad shop, you therefore receive ballasts that contain not only the protection function but also functions such as dimming capability , integrated components such as strain reliefs for simpler installations and built-in automatic safety shut-offs - in this way you will find a suitable solution for each specific application. However, you should consider which components are really needed, as the functionality of the devices increases their price.
What do you need to pay attention to when purchasing the devices?
The additional components are only one aspect that must be taken into account when selecting the device correctly. The following factors should be considered when deciding on an electronic ballast.
Housing and durability
Housings in metal and plastic versions are generally offered. This is mainly due to the different requirements that arise from the use in indoor or outdoor areas. Especially in outdoor areas, it should be checked whether the selected housing is suitable for this purpose. This can be easily determined by meeting specific IP protection levels.
Type, connection and number of lamps
Of course, the used ECGs should be selected according to the lamps used later and their connections. For example, different types of lamps such as compact fluorescent lamps, LED tubes or high-pressure discharge lamps have different electronic ballasts, the connection options of which must be selected with regard to the respective lamp variant. For this purpose, the respective technical data of the electronic ballast and the illuminant should also be taken into account.
What types of ballasts does Conrad offer?
In the Conrad online shop, you receive the complete range of electronic ballasts:
From simple standard devices, the spectrum ranges from dimmable ECGs for one or more fluorescent lamps to devices with robust metal housings for adverse conditions of use . The devices are supplemented by the suitable accessories.
Electronic lamp ballasts are essential for working with gas discharge or fluorescent lamps . With these recommendations, it is no problem to find the right device for solving your personal challenges in the Conrad online shop.