Do high pressure sodium lights need ballast?
HPS lamps require ballasts to regulate the arc current flow and deliver the proper voltage to the arc. Instead, an electronic starting circuit within the ballast generates a high-voltage pulse to the operating electrodes.
Are magnetic ballasts dimmable?
While magnetic dimmable ballasts do exist, almost all dimmable ballasts these days are electronic. Electronic ballasts vary the frequency at which they run the lamps without changing the electrode voltage and are therefore able to get a much wider range of dimming.
Do I need a ballast for a 250w HPS?
Metal Halide (MH) and High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights require a remote ballast to work. When building your own plant grow light, it’s important to match the ballast with the wattage of the bulb you will be using. A Metal Halide bulb must be used with MH ballasts (or convertible ballasts) of the same wattage.
What is a major problem in producing a high pressure sodium lamp?
Although the sodium light requires less energy that other types of light and is more efficient, there are drawbacks to the use of these light sources. Metallic sodium reacts with the moisture in the air and can explode if the bulb is broken.
What is the use of electronic ballast?
An electronic ballast will convert power frequency to a very high frequency to initialize the gas discharge process in Fluorescent Lamps – by controlling the voltage across the lamp and current through the lamp.
What is a dimming ballast?
dimming ballasts specifically designed to work. with some reduced wattage lamps. A linear fluorescent lamp consists of a glass tube. containing low pressure mercury vapor with a tungsten. filament at each end.
Can a dimmer switch be used on fluorescent lights?
FYI, fluorescent lights do not dim well at all. Furthermore, it takes the correct type of dimmer switch, like those made for incandescent or led lights won’t work with fluorescent lights and a fluorescent light fixture that’s rated for dimming.
Why do I need a ballast for a HPS light?
The ballast ensures that the lamp only receives the current it needs and nothing more. Without the ballast to regulate the amount of electricity going into the bulb, the light would continue to increase in intensity until the bulb blows.
What is the purpose of the ballast in a high pressure sodium lamp?
Ballasts are needed to run high pressure discharge Lamps with their various gas fillings (mercury vapour, sodium vapour or metal halide). They stabilise the lamp current and thus lamp power. The rating of the ballast is important to ensure proper lamp operation.
How many ballasts are needed for a switchdim system?
Theoretically unlimited number of ballasts (we recommend a maximum of 25 ballasts per switchDIM system) Intelligent solution in combination with Smart-LS II ambient light sensor (manual regulation of the setpoint via the switch)
How is the dimming function of a switch performed?
The different switching and dimming functions are performed depending on the operating status at the time and how long the switch is pressed. A short press on the switch switches the connected ballasts on or off; holding down the switch will fade the connected ballasts up or down.
How is switchdim used in a lighting system?
With switchDIM it is possible to create lighting systems that can be easily switched and dimmed at low cost. The key is simple but clever. It involves using standard mains voltage switches for lighting control.