When the ballast for fluorescent lamps (FL) fails, the lighting fixture stops functioning correctly. It can only be returned to normal mode by quickly replacing the damaged element with a serviceable one.
You can buy the part in a specialized store, the main thing is to choose the module of the correct modification. Our article is devoted to solving this issue.
We will tell you what ballast is and what tasks it performs in the operation of a fluorescent lamp. We will provide a detailed classification and also describe the specifics of the functioning and application of different modules. We will help you choose the appropriate ballast, taking into account the parameters of the lamp and the manufacturer of the control device.
A fluorescent lamp is a practical and economical module designed for organizing lighting systems in domestic, industrial and technical premises.
The only difficulty is that it is not possible to directly connect the device to centralized power supply communications.
This is due to the fact that the creation of a stable activating discharge in and subsequent limitation of the increasing current requires the organization of some specific physical conditions. It is these problems that the installation of a ballast device solves.
Ballast is a device that regulates starting functions and connects fluorescent lighting fixtures to electrical communications.
Used to maintain correct operating mode and effectively limit operating current.
It becomes increasingly relevant when there is insufficient electrical load in the network and there is no necessary limitation on current consumption.
Inside fluorescent lamps there is an electrically conductive gaseous medium with negative resistance. This is manifested in the fact that as the current between the electrodes increases, the voltage decreases significantly.
A ballast connected to the control system compensates for this moment and ensures correct operation of the lighting device.
When a large current is applied to any fluorescent device, it can fail. To prevent this from happening, a ballast is included in the lamp design, which acts as a converter
It also increases the overall voltage for a short period and helps the luminescent lights ignite when there is not enough resource for this in the central network. Additional functions of the module vary depending on its design features and type of execution.
Today, electromagnetic and electronic ballast devices are extremely widespread. They work reliably and ensure long-term proper functioning and comfortable operation of fluorescent lamps of all types. They have the same general principle of operation, but differ slightly in individual capabilities.
Electromagnetic type ballasts are used for lamps connected to the central electrical network using a starter.
The supply of voltage in this embodiment is accompanied by a discharge, subsequent intense heating and short-circuiting of the bimetallic electrode elements.
Electromagnetic ballast differs from electronic ballast even in appearance. The first has a more massive, tall design, and the second is an elongated thin board on which all the working elements are located
At the moment when the starter electrodes are short-circuited, the operating current increases sharply. This is due to the limitation of the maximum resistance of the choke coil.
After the starter has completely cooled down, the bimetallic electrodes open.
If the starter in the design of the electromagnetic ballast fails, a false start appears in the operation of the luminescent. At the same time, at the moment of switching on and immediately before full ignition, the lamp flashes 3-4 times and only then starts to burn. This leads to the consumption of excess energy and significantly reduces the overall working life of the light source
When the luminescent circuit is opened by the starter, an active high-voltage pulse is immediately formed in the induction coil and the lighting device is ignited.
The advantages of the device include:
In addition to the positive aspects, users note an extensive list of disadvantages that spoil the overall impression of the device.
Among them are the following items:
When purchasing, all these conditions must be taken into account in order to understand what the operation of a household lighting system equipped with fluorescents will cost in the future.
The electronic type ballast is used for the same purposes as the electromagnetic module. However, structurally and according to the principle of performing their duties, these devices differ significantly from each other.
Cheap electronic ballast, has a simple self-oscillator circuit with a transformer and a basic output stage operating on bipolar transistors. The big disadvantage of these devices is the lack of protection against abnormal operating conditions.
The products became widely popular in the early 90s. At this time, they began to be used in combination with a variety of light sources.
Manufacturers compensated for the initially high cost compared to electromagnetic products with the good efficiency of the devices and other useful characteristics and properties.
The use of electronic ballasts made it possible to reduce the total consumption of electrical energy by 20-30%, while maintaining full saturation, power and light flux.
This effect was achieved by increasing the base light output of the lamp itself at an increased frequency and significantly higher efficiency of electronic modules compared to electromagnetic ones.
The most vulnerable elements of the electronic ballast are the fuse (1), capacitor (2) and transistors (3). They are the ones that usually fail for various objective reasons and render the lamp inoperative.
Soft start-up and gentle operating mode made it possible to extend the life of luminescents by almost half, thus reducing the overall operating costs of the lighting system. Lamps needed to be changed much less frequently, and the need for starters disappeared altogether.
In addition, with the help of electronic ballasts, it was possible to get rid of operating background noise and pronounced irritating flicker, while at the same time achieving stable and uniform lighting of the premises even with voltage fluctuations in the network within 200-250 V.
To prevent a fluorescent lamp from humming or flickering, it is necessary to power it only with high-frequency current of 20 kHz or more. To implement this task, the switching circuit must include a rectifier, a high-voltage RF generator and a ballast, which plays the role of a switching power supply
Additionally, it became possible to control the brightness of the lamp, adjusting the light flow to the individual desires and needs of the user.
Among the main advantages of the products, the following criteria stood out:
Some manufacturers equip their electronic ballasts with a special fuse. It protects devices from voltage surges, fluctuations in the central network and erroneous activation of a lamp without a lamp.
Today, labor protection authorities recommend that in order to improve working conditions and increase productivity, fluorescent lamps installed in office premises should be equipped with electronic rather than electromagnetic triggering devices
Among the disadvantages of electronic products, only the cost is usually mentioned, which is significantly higher compared to electromagnetic modules. However, this may only matter at the time of purchase.
In the future, during intensive use, the electronic ballast will fully work out its price and even begin to bring benefits, seriously saving electrical resources and removing part of the load from the light source.
Fluorescent lamps are devices similar to traditional incandescent lamps with a threaded base E14 and E27.
They can be placed in modern and vintage chandeliers, sconces, floor lamps and other lighting fixtures.
Due to the design features of compact luminescent lamps, increased demands are placed on the electronic “filling”. Brands always take them into account during production, and unknown manufacturers, in order to reduce costs, change many elements to simpler ones. This significantly reduces the efficiency and service life of the module.
Devices of this class are usually equipped with a progressive electronic ballast, which is built directly into the internal structure and is usually located on the circuit board of the lamp product.
When choosing a ballast for a fluorescent lamp, you first need to pay attention to such a parameter as the power of the module.
It must completely coincide with the power of the lighting device, otherwise the lamp simply will not be able to fully function and produce light output in the required mode.
It is strictly prohibited to connect ballast to the network without load. The device may burn out immediately and you will have to repair it or buy a new one.
True, such devices are considered obsolete, have bulky dimensions and consume additional energy. This significantly reduces their attractiveness, even despite the affordable initial price.
To check the serviceability of the electronic ballast, you will need a special measuring device - a pocket oscilloscope
Electronic devices are much more expensive. This point especially applies to products produced by cool branded manufacturers. But their price is more than compensated by energy efficiency, practicality, impeccable assembly and a high level of overall quality of the devices.
The manufacturing plant is another significant criterion when purchasing. You should not focus solely on price and purchase the cheapest model of all that is offered in the store.
An unnamed Chinese-made product can very quickly fail and lead to subsequent problems with the operation of the light bulb itself and even the lamp.
Branded manufacturers equip ballasts with high-quality, wear-resistant parts that ensure correct operation of the module throughout the entire operational period
It is better to give preference to brands with a reliable reputation that have proven themselves in the market for lighting equipment and related elements over a long period of time.
Such devices will reliably work for the entire required period, ensuring the full functioning of the luminescent in any lighting device.
Ballast products produced at the enterprises of popular brands specializing in the manufacture of electrical equipment and related elements have a strong and durable outer casing made of a heat-resistant plastic composition that is not prone to deformation.
The IP2 marking on the products shows that the device has a good level of overall protection and is protected from foreign parts larger than 12.5 mm from getting inside the box.
Operation of the device is comfortable and absolutely safe. The design completely eliminates the possibility of user contact with conductive elements.
Ballast modules marked IP2 are reliable, practical and convenient for domestic use, however, they are vulnerable to dust penetration. Because of this small disadvantage, it is not advisable to place them in lamps that illuminate dusty work areas.
The normal temperature range for efficient and long-term operation of the device is quite wide.
Branded ballasts efficiently cope with the assigned tasks in frosts reaching -20°C and feel great on hot days when the air heats up to +40°C.
Electromagnetic ballast devices manufactured under the brand are very popular among customers E.Next.
This is due to the fact that the company offers truly high-quality, reliable and progressive modules, manufactured at the highest level in strict accordance with the requirements for equipment of this class.
In addition to warranties and service, E.Next offers customers custom technical support through call centers. By calling there, the consumer can ask the operator a question of any complexity and within a few minutes receive a professional, understandable answer
The company provides a company guarantee for all products and offers customers high-quality service at all stages of cooperation.
No less in demand are electromagnetic ballasts created by a well-known and respected European manufacturer of electrical equipment and related elements - the company Philips.
The products of this brand are considered to be among the highest quality, reliable and effective.
Philips electromagnetic modules are presented in the widest range on the market. It’s not difficult to choose the right option for a lamp of any configuration.
Philips ballasts help save energy resources and neutralize the load that arises during the operation of fluorescent lamps.
Electronic products are a modern type of equipment and, in addition to traditional ones, also have additional functions. In this segment, the leading positions are occupied by products from the German company Osram.
Their cost is slightly higher than that of Chinese or domestic analogues, but significantly lower compared to competitors such as Philips And Vossloh-Schwabe.
Osram electronic ballasts have a number of advantages. They have a neat shape and modest dimensions, can operate in temperatures of -15...+50 °C and reliably serve for 100,000 hours
Among budget branded modules, electronic ballasts stand out clearly from competitors Horos.
Despite the reasonable price, these items demonstrate high operating efficiency and a good level of efficiency, eliminate delays during ignition, reduce energy consumption to a minimum and increase the light output of the lamp itself.
Using these means, you can eliminate annoying flicker in fluorescent lamps and make lighting devices as convenient and comfortable as possible.
A young, promisingly developing company does not lag behind the venerable old-timers of the market. Feron. It offers users European-level products at a very low, reasonable price.
Feron ballasts are neatly made. All parts have certificates of conformity. The outer casing, made of plastic, is an elongated flat rectangle. The product is lightweight and easy to install in fluorescent light sources of any configuration
Ballast-type devices from Feron protect lamps from unexpected electromechanical interference and voltage surges, eliminate eye-irritating flicker and help save more than 30% of electrical energy.
Controlled by Feron ballast, the fluorescent turns on/off instantly. There is no background sound effect during operation. The lighting is soft, uniform and creates a pleasant, calm atmosphere around.
How does an electronic device work in a fluorescent lamp? Detailed description of the device and operating principle of the product:
What is the difference between electromagnetic and electronic ballasts? Features of each module and specific nuances of their use in household lighting devices:
Features of the operation of lamps equipped with different types of ballasts. Which elements are more effective and why. Practical recommendations and useful tips from the master’s personal experience:
To choose the right ballast for household fluorescent lamps, you need to know how this element is designed and what function it performs. Having such information, as well as understanding the types of devices, you will be able to purchase the desired modification without any difficulties.
The cost of the module depends on the manufacturer, but even branded products have a very reasonable price and do not harm the budget of the average consumer.
Do you have experience selecting and replacing ballast in a fluorescent lamp? Please tell readers which module you preferred and whether you are satisfied with the purchase. Comment on the post and participate in discussions. The feedback block is located below.
Another shopping trip ends with a purchase ballast for lamps daylighting. A 40-watt ballast is capable of powering one high-power LDS or two low-power 20-watt ones.The interesting thing is that the price of such ballast is inexpensive, only 2 dollars. For some, it will seem that $2 for ballast is still a bit expensive, but after opening it, it turned out that it uses components that are several times more expensive than the total price of the ballast. Just one pair of high-power, high-voltage 13009 transistors already cost over a dollar each.
By the way, the service life of the LDS depends on the method of starting the lamp. The graphs show that a cold start sharply reduces the life of the lamp.
Especially in the case of using simplified electronic ballasts, which abruptly bring the LDS into operating mode. And the method of powering the lamp with direct current also reduces its service life. Slightly - but still reduces. Examples are in the diagrams below:
A simple electronic ballast circuit (no control chip) lights the lamp almost instantly. And this is bad for the longevity of the lamp. In a short time, the filament does not have time to warm up, and the high voltage applied between its filaments pulls out from the filament the required number of electrons necessary to ignite the lamp, and this destroys the filament, reducing its emissivity. Typical electronic ballast circuit diagram:
Therefore, it is recommended to choose a more serious circuit, with a power supply delay (click to enlarge):
In the circuit of the purchased ballast, I was especially pleased with the network filter - which is not found in electronic transformers for halogen lamps. The filter turned out to be not simple: a choke, a varistor, a fuse (not a resistor like in an ET, but a real fuse), capacitors before and after the choke. Next comes a rectifier and two electrolytes - this does not look like the Chinese.
After that comes the standard, but much improved, push-pull converter circuit. Here two things immediately catch your eye - heat sinks of transistors and the use of more powerful resistors in power circuits; usually the Chinese do not care where the current in the circuit is more or less, they use standard 0.25 W resistors.
After the generator there are two chokes, it is thanks to them that the voltage increases, everything here is also very neat, no complaints. Even in powerful electronic transformers, Chinese manufacturers rarely use heat sinks for transistors, but here, as we see, they are there, and not only are they there, but they are also very neat - the transistors are screwed in through additional insulators and washers.
On the reverse side, the board also shines with neat installation, no sharp leads or damaged tracks, they didn’t spare the tin either, everything is very beautiful and of high quality.
I connected the device - it works great! I was already starting to think that the assembly was done by the Germans, under strict control, but then I remembered the price and almost changed my opinion about Chinese manufacturers - well done guys, they did a great job! Review prepared by AKA KASYAN.
Discuss the article ELECTRONIC BALLAST FOR LDS LAMPS
Electromagnetic or electronic ballast for fluorescent lamps is needed for the normal operation of this lighting source. The main task of the ballast is to convert direct voltage into alternating voltage. Each of them has its own pros and cons.
Connection diagram of the ballast to the LL Pay attention to this connection diagram. Marking LL1 is a ballast. There is a gaseous environment inside fluorescent lamps. As the current increases, the voltage between the electrodes in the lamp gradually drops and the resistance is negative. The ballast is used precisely to limit the current, and also creates an increased short-term ignition voltage for the lamps, since there is not enough of it in a regular network. This element is also called a choke.
Such a device uses a starter - a small glow discharge lamp (E1). It contains two electrodes. One of them is bimetallic (movable).
In the initial position they are open. By closing contact SA1 and applying voltage to the circuit, the current does not initially pass through the light source, but a glow discharge appears in the starter between the two electrodes. The electrodes heat up, and the bimetallic plate bends as a result, closing the contact. The current passing through the ballast increases, heating the electrodes of the fluorescent lamp.
Next, the electrodes in the starter open. A process of self-induction occurs. The choke creates a high voltage pulse, which ignites the LL. The rated current passes through it, but then it drops by half due to a decrease in the voltage across the inductor. The starter electrodes remain in the open position as long as the light is on. And capacitors C2 and C1 increase efficiency and reduce reactive loads.
Connecting fluorescent lamps Advantages of classic electromagnetic ballast:
Disadvantages of EmPRA:
On a note! The problem of energy loss can be solved by connecting (in parallel to the network) a capacitor with a capacity of 3-5 μF.
Advice! The ballast must be selected strictly in accordance with the power of the lamp. Otherwise, your light may break prematurely.
The following problems are identified:
Due to the mass of shortcomings of electromagnetic ballast, a new, more durable and technologically advanced electronic ballast was created. This is a single electronic power supply. Now it is the most common, as it does not have the disadvantages of EMPA. In addition, it works without starters.
For example, let's take the circuit of any electronic ballast.
Electronic ballast circuit for fluorescent lamps The incoming voltage is rectified, as usual, by diodes VD4-VD7. Next comes the filter capacitor C1. Its capacity depends on the power of the lamp. Usually they are guided by the calculation: 1 µF per 1 W of consumer power.
Next, capacitor C4 is charged and dinistor CD1 is broken through. The resulting voltage pulse activates transistor T2, after which a half-bridge self-oscillator from transformer TR1 and transistors T1 and T2 is switched on.
The lamp electrodes begin to heat up. To this is added an oscillatory circuit that enters into electrical resonance before discharging from inductor L1, generator and capacitors C2 and C3. Its frequency is about 50 kHz. As soon as capacitor C3 is charged to the starting voltage, the cathodes heat up intensely, and the LL is smoothly ignited. The inductor immediately limits the current and the generator frequency drops. The oscillatory circuit comes out of resonance, and the rated operating voltage is established.
Advantages of electronic ballasts:
The only downside of electronic ballasts is their high cost.
Note! Cheap electronic ballast for fluorescent lamps works like electronic ballasts: a fluorescent lamp is ignited by high voltage, and combustion is maintained at low voltage.
Yes, nothing lasts forever. They break too. But repairing electronic ballast is much more difficult than repairing electromagnetic ballast. This requires soldering skills and knowledge of radio engineering. And it also doesn’t hurt to know how to check the electronic ballast for functionality if there is no known working LL.
Remove the lamp from the fixture. Connect the terminals of the filaments, for example, with a paper clip. And connect an incandescent lamp between them. See picture below.
When power is applied, a working ballast will light the bulb.
Advice! After repairing the ballast, before connecting it to the network, it is better to connect another incandescent lamp (40 W) in series. This means that if a short circuit is detected, it will light up brightly, and the parts of the device will remain unharmed.
Most often, 5 parts fly out in electronic ballast:
If you do not have knowledge and experience in electronics, it is better to simply replace your ballast with a new one. Now each of them is produced with instructions and a diagram on the case. After carefully reading it, you can easily connect the ballast yourself.
The main factor in the normal operation of fluorescent lamps is the type of electric current. Since these lighting devices operate on direct electric current, a ballast or ballast must be installed in their circuit. The most popular is electronic ballast, which has a number of advantages over an electromagnetic unit.
Today there are two types of ballast - electromagnetic and electronic. They differ in how they work, so it’s worth getting to know each of them.
This type of implementation involves connecting the inductor in series to the lamp. Also, for the operation of electromagnetic ballasts, a starter is required, with the help of which the ignition process of the lamp is regulated. This part is a gas-discharge lamp, inside the bulb of which there are bimetallic electrodes.
The device works as follows:
When the luminescent device returns to normal operation, the voltage on it and the starter is 50% less than the mains voltage, and this is not enough to trigger the second element. As a result, the starter goes into a disabled state and ceases to influence the operation of the lighting device.
Electromagnetic ballast is characterized by low cost and simple design. For a long time, these devices were actively used in the manufacture of lamps, however, they have a number of disadvantages:
Because of these shortcomings, electromagnetic ballast for lamps is rarely used today.
Electronic devices are voltage converters that provide power to fluorescent lamps. Although many variations of electronic ballast have been created, most use a single block diagram. At the same time, manufacturers can make certain changes to it, for example, adding a brightness control circuit for a lighting fixture.
Transferring a fluorescent lamp lamp to normal operation using an electronic Ballasts are most often carried out in one of two ways:
When using the second method, the electronic ballast circuit is implemented so that the light bulb filament is part of the circuit. As soon as a discharge appears in a gaseous medium, the parameters of the oscillatory circuit change, after which it goes out of resonance. As a result, the voltage drops to operating voltage.
Scheme of ballast for 36w lamps.
Today, compact fluorescent devices with E14 and E27 sockets have become widespread. In them, the ballast is installed directly into the structure of the device. An example of an electronic ballast circuit for 18w fluorescent lamps is shown below.
If there are problems with the operation of gas discharge lamps, repairs can often be carried out independently. The main task in such a situation is identifying the source of the problem– lighting fixture or ballast. To check the electronic circuit, you must first remove the linear lamp, short-circuit the electrodes and connect an ordinary lamp. If it starts to glow, then the problem is not in the ballast.
To troubleshoot a fluorescent lighting device, you first need to ring all the elements one by one, starting with the fuse. If this part turns out to be working, you need to move on to checking the capacitor and diodes. If all elements of the ballast are in good working order, it is worth checking the throttle. Timely repair of the lighting device will increase its service life.
Despite the fact that durable and reliable fluorescent lamps have firmly entered our lives, the improved ballast mechanism for them has not yet been appreciated by consumers. The main reason for this is the high price of electronic ballasts.
The main advantage of the ballast circuit for fluorescent lamps is the saving of energy consumed by the light source (up to 20%) and increasing its service life. By spending money on the purchase of electronic ballasts, we save on electricity and the purchase of new lamps in the future. The advantages also include quietness, soft start and ease of installation.
Using the instructions supplied with the device, the compact electronic ballast microcircuit can be installed in the lamp without any problems. By replacing the traditional inductor, starter and capacitor with it, we will allow the lamp to become more economical.
Electronic ballast circuits for fluorescent lamps look like this:
On the electronic ballast board there is:
together with ballast can be divided into four main phases.
The current frequency drops to the rated operating frequency. During operation, low voltage capacitors are constantly charged. Feedforward control is activated, which regulates the switching frequency of the half-bridge.
The lamp power is maintained in a fairly stable position, even if voltage fluctuations occur in the network.
Conclusions:
