Choice of Fluorescent Control Gear/Circuits
Most fluorescent luminaires manufactured by Cooper Lighting and Security Ltd are available with a choice of control gear. There are four main electrical circuits to choose from, each with its own particular advantages.
Switch Start High Frequency
This is the simplest circuit and therefore most economical to purchase where the capital cost of the installation has to be kept to a minimum. The circuit consists of a magnetic copper/iron ballast, a capacitor and a glow starter canister. It is very important to replace defective starters to prevent gear overheating and damage. It is recommended that the starter is replaced whenever a new lamp is installed. This circuit type is available for many of the luminaires manufactured by Cooper Lighting and Security Ltd. This circuit uses the latest electronic technology to give substantial benefits to the user. It provides all the benefits of electronic start - flicker free soft starting, extended lamp life, improved lumen maintenance and automatic shutdown of failed lamps. In addition the lamp is driven at high frequency, offering an instant energy saving of approximately 20% over the other circuits, using exactly the same lamps. High frequency circuits run at near unity power factor, reducing VA load and therefore cutting the electricity costs of users on maximum demand tariffs. Additionally, the light is perfectly flicker free. Flicker free lighting greatly reduces the incidence of headaches and eye strain, eliminates distractions and thus improves workplace quality and productivity. For production areas, high frequency lighting prevents the dangerous stroboscopic effects often experienced with switch start and electronic start circuits, when using rotating machinery. High frequency lighting is also completely silent in operation.
Electronic Start Digital High Frequency Regulating
This uses an electronic starting device, with a magnetic copper/iron ballast, instead of the conventional starter switch and provides flicker free lamp starting. The electronic starter gently warms the lamp for fractions of a second before starting, extending the lamp life by up to 50%, depending on switching frequency. Lumen maintenance is also improved as lamp end blackening is reduced. The electronic starter also automatically switches off a failed lamp - thus preventing troublesome lamp flicker and flashing - which if left can lead to ballast burnout. A selected number of Cooper luminaires are offered with this option as standard. Other luminaires can be supplied with electronic starters to order. Please see the options section of individual product entries in the Lighting Solutions Catalogue for availability. Alternatively check product availability using the E-Catalogue on this website. This circuit has all the advantages of high frequency, but with the added benefit of being able to dim and brighten (regulate) the lamps. This circuit is therefore used for lighting and energy management systems. As lamps are dimmed, either manually or automatically, such as in response to an increase in daylight detected by a photocell, the ballast energy consumption is reduced. Therefore, further energy saving cost benefits can be realised. Digital regulating ballasts also provide precision control of light output, superior to that experienced with conventional analogue regulating ballast types. All luminaires with Intellect intelligent controls, plus Cooper luminaires for use with the remote lighting controls are supplied fitted with digital high frequency control gear. Please contact our Technical Support and Application department for further information.
Note - Switch/electronic start control gear should not be mixed on the same circuit as high frequency gear, as damage can result to the high frequency ballasts.