Irisservice
11-23-2002, 12:01 AM
This is off GE site.
FACTORS AFFECTING LAMP PERFORMANCE
Ballasts
The three basic types of ballasts for fluorescent lamps are Preheat (PH),
Instant Start (IS), and Rapid Start (RS). In general, lamps identified as
preheat, rapid start or instant start should be used only on the corresponding
ballast type. Electronic ballasts are presently available in both instant
start and rapid start designs. Ballasts that operate with output currents
below recommended levels, either by design or poor performance, will
reduce fluorescent lamp life.
Operating Characteristics - Fluorescent lamp life is strongly affected by
the ballast. ANSI has set standards for fluorescent ballasts that will ensure
proper operation of fluorescent lamps. Ballast characteristics that have a
significant effect on lamp life are Current Crest Factor, Starting Time,
Cathode Voltage and Open Circuit Voltage.
Ballast Factor - This is the percentage of a lamp’s rated lumen output
that can be expected when operated on a specific, commercially available
ballast. For example, a ballast having a ballast factor of 0.93 will result in
the lamp emitting 93% of its rated lumen output.
High Frequency
All fluorescent lamps operate more efficiently when
driven at frequencies greater than 15 kHz. Four-foot fluorescent lamps
operate approximately 10% more efficiently, while eight-foot lamps
improve efficiency by about 5%. This efficiency improvement is one
reason for the popularity of electronic ballasts.
Temperature
Light output and watts of a fluorescent lamp are affected by the ambient
temperature, and by drafts. Most fluorescent lamps reach their maximum
light output at room temperatures or at “luminaire temperatures.” All-
Weather fluorescent lamps are designed with jackets that improve
performance in low temperature environments.
Luminaire
The design of the lighting fixture (luminaire) affects the ambient
temperature in which the fluorescent lamps will be operating. A fixture
that operates too cool or warm will result in lower light output from the
lamps and reduce illumination levels.
Starting
The life of a fluorescent lamp is affected by the number of times the
lamp is started. Starting results in shorter lamp life, while continuous
operation will provide the longest lamp life. All fluorescent lamps,
except where noted, have life ratings based on 3 hours per start.
GE fluorescent lamps should be used only with auxiliary equipment
designed to produce proper characteristics. Specifications for auxiliary
equipment are covered by ANSI. Specifications for auxiliary equipment
not included in ANSI Standards are available from GE Lighting.
FACTORS AFFECTING LAMP PERFORMANCE
Ballasts
The three basic types of ballasts for fluorescent lamps are Preheat (PH),
Instant Start (IS), and Rapid Start (RS). In general, lamps identified as
preheat, rapid start or instant start should be used only on the corresponding
ballast type. Electronic ballasts are presently available in both instant
start and rapid start designs. Ballasts that operate with output currents
below recommended levels, either by design or poor performance, will
reduce fluorescent lamp life.
Operating Characteristics - Fluorescent lamp life is strongly affected by
the ballast. ANSI has set standards for fluorescent ballasts that will ensure
proper operation of fluorescent lamps. Ballast characteristics that have a
significant effect on lamp life are Current Crest Factor, Starting Time,
Cathode Voltage and Open Circuit Voltage.
Ballast Factor - This is the percentage of a lamp’s rated lumen output
that can be expected when operated on a specific, commercially available
ballast. For example, a ballast having a ballast factor of 0.93 will result in
the lamp emitting 93% of its rated lumen output.
High Frequency
All fluorescent lamps operate more efficiently when
driven at frequencies greater than 15 kHz. Four-foot fluorescent lamps
operate approximately 10% more efficiently, while eight-foot lamps
improve efficiency by about 5%. This efficiency improvement is one
reason for the popularity of electronic ballasts.
Temperature
Light output and watts of a fluorescent lamp are affected by the ambient
temperature, and by drafts. Most fluorescent lamps reach their maximum
light output at room temperatures or at “luminaire temperatures.” All-
Weather fluorescent lamps are designed with jackets that improve
performance in low temperature environments.
Luminaire
The design of the lighting fixture (luminaire) affects the ambient
temperature in which the fluorescent lamps will be operating. A fixture
that operates too cool or warm will result in lower light output from the
lamps and reduce illumination levels.
Starting
The life of a fluorescent lamp is affected by the number of times the
lamp is started. Starting results in shorter lamp life, while continuous
operation will provide the longest lamp life. All fluorescent lamps,
except where noted, have life ratings based on 3 hours per start.
GE fluorescent lamps should be used only with auxiliary equipment
designed to produce proper characteristics. Specifications for auxiliary
equipment are covered by ANSI. Specifications for auxiliary equipment
not included in ANSI Standards are available from GE Lighting.