What is a rapid start socket?
Rapid start configurations have two wires connected to each side of the lamp. There is a small voltage between the two wires that is used to provide heat to the lamp’s cathodes. With an instant start configuration, a high voltage pulse is used to start the arc between the lamp’s cathodes.
What’s the difference between rapid start and instant start ballast?
Instant start lamps don’t use a preheating method. Instead, they send a high amount of voltage across the lamp upon the strike. Typically, instant start ballasts use 1.5-2 watts less per lamp than rapid start ballasts. Instant start lamps also start reliably at temperatures as low as zero degrees.
What is a quick start ballast?
Instant start ballasts are ideal for use with fluorescent lamps that are not switched on and off frequently. Such a type of ballast provides a high amount of voltage to the lamp when it is switched on, but without pre-heating the cathodes either during the start or while the lamp is lighted.
How do rapid start ballasts work?
A rapid start ballast applies voltage and heats the cathodes simultaneously. It provides superior lamp life and more cycle life, but uses slightly more energy as the electrodes in each end of the lamp continue to consume heating power as the lamp operates.
How do you know if you are shunted or non-shunted?
- If your existing light fixture shows positive continuity when testing both contacts on a single socket (usually the meter will beep), there is power flowing between the two contacts, and this is a shunted tombstone.
- If there is no power between contacts, it is a non-shunted tombstone.
How do you know if you have an instant start ballast?
You can determine whether you have a compatible fixture in seconds. Simply turn the light on, then take a photo of the fixture using your smartphone or digital camera. If there are no dark bands on the resulting image, you have an electronic ballast that will work with direct drop-in LED tubes.
How can you tell if a ballast is magnetic or electronic?
Stand under the light or a place close to the light and point your cell phone camera at the light.
- If you can see some strong dark strips flickering in your camera, it must be a magnetic ballast based light.
- Otherwise it should be an electronic ballast based light.
Does a rapid start ballast use a starter?
This style of ballasts do not contain a starter and instead leverage a minimal amount of electrical current circulating to filaments continuously, or for some models, during the start-up period which also usually leverages a capacitor or other methods to initiate the lamp and ionize the gas which helps negate any …
How do I know if I have an instant start ballast?
Are rapid start ballasts electronic?
Instant Start (IS) Electronic instant start ballast applies a high voltage across the lamp with no preheating of the cathode. THIS IS THE MOST ENERGY-EFFICIENT starting method for fluorescent lamp ballasting.
What’s the difference between rapid start and instant start sockets?
Rapid-Start Linear Lamp Sockets Rapid-start sockets can accept 4 wires (2 for wires from the ballast and 2 for wires to another socket). Note: Instant-start sockets, which can only accept two wires, MUST be replaced with 4-pin rapid-start sockets.
How do I know if my ballast is instant start?
Rapid-start ballasts have a separate set of windings which provide a low voltage (approx. 3.5 volts) to the electrodes for one second prior to lamp ignition. Likewise, how do I know if my ballast is instant start? You can determine whether you have a compatible fixture in seconds.
How much does it cost to replace a ballast?
Replacement Ballasts Replacement Ballasts Philips Advance Radionic Hi Tech $20 – $30 Instant Start Programmed Start 5ResultsStarting Method: Rapid Start Sort by:Top Sellers Top SellersMost PopularPrice Low to HighPrice High to LowTop Rated Products Get It Fast In Stock at Store Today (2) Cumberland & nearby stores Free 2-Day Delivery (1)
How does a rapid start fluorescent lamp work?
Fluorescent Lamp. In respect to this, how does rapid start ballast work? Rapid start ballasts ignite lamps by providing cathode voltage (heat) and voltage across the lamp simultaneously. As the cathodes heat, the voltage required to ignite the lamp is reduced.