With the continuous expansion of the application field of ultraviolet germicidal lamps, in order to maximize the development of ultraviolet lamps , the current ultraviolet lamps are equipped with special electronic ballasts, which greatly increase the intensity output of ultraviolet lamps. Do you know the role of electronic ballasts in ultraviolet germicidal lamps? Are there any precautions for ballast selection?
An electronic ballast is an electronic device that is used to regulate the current and voltage in an electrical circuit.
A UV lamp ballast is an electrical device that regulates the current and voltage output to a UV-C lamp, ensuring that the lamp operates at the correct voltage and frequency for optimal performance. In traditional magnetic ballasts, inductive reactance and self-inductance electromotive force are used to start the lamp and limit the lamp's current to prevent it from burning out. However, electronic ballasts are now commonly used due to their energy-saving, low-voltage start-up, and high power factor advantages, which greatly extend the service life of the UV-C lamp.
How ballasts work with UV-C lamps
(1) High pressure is generated, and the starter lamp breaks the rare gas in the lamp.
(2) After the sterilizing lamp is ignited, it plays the role of ballast (current limiting), so that the lamp can work normally and stably.
Gas discharge lamps have high starting voltage and low discharge maintenance voltage. When the lamp is started by high voltage, the voltage drops and the current increases. If there is no limit, the lamp current will continue to increase until the lamp burns out, so it must be discharged A ballast that matches the type and specification of the lamp is connected in series in the lighting circuit of the lamp to provide a high starting voltage for starting the lamp, and limit the lamp current to stabilize it within the specified range.
The UVC ballast also serves as a safety device, preventing the lamp from overheating or failing due to power surges or other electrical disturbances. If the ballast detects an irregularity in the electrical current, it will automatically shut down the lamp to prevent damage or other hazards.
Optimized UV-C ballast solutions are designed to work with specific germicidal bulbs and tailored to most standard lamp types, such as mercury and amalgam lamps. Ballasts can be designed to drive multiple lamps for larger sanitation assemblies and are available in different input voltages such as 12VDC, 24VDC, 110VAC-220VAC, and 24VAC. Auto-switching ballasts are preferred for products intended for global use.
Precautions for Using Ultraviolet Lamp Ballasts
(1) Instantaneous start V.S. Delayed start
When matching low-power lamps, the impact is not too obvious, but when matching high-power ultraviolet germicidal lamps (such as 120W, 150W and 320W, etc.)instant start has a great impact on the service life of ultraviolet lamps. This is due to the fact that when the ultraviolet germicidal lamp is started, the starting current required is very large, and it is easy to break down the lamp tube, and the delayed start can reduce the instantaneous pressure through energy storage, and play a better role in protecting the lamp tube.
(2) Select Adaptation
Be sure to select the appropriate model. Since the core function of the ballast is to protect the ultraviolet germicidal lamp and prolong its service life. If the selected ballast does not match the parameters of the lamp, both parties are victims.
