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Technical
Control Gear Selection
Fluorescent Control Gear Selection
Most fluorescent luminaires detailed in this catalogue 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
DALI
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 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 listed in this catalogue.
This circuit has the advantages of digital high frequency dimming
but with the additional advantages that each ballast can be
individually addressed allowing lighting control systems to
communicate commands to individual luminaires. It is also possible
for the lighting control system to interrogate and receive feedback
from each individual ballast.
High Frequency
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.
1-10 Volt Analogue
This circuit has all the advantages of high frequency, but with the
added benefit of being able to dim and brighten (regulate) the
lamps. The light regulation is by a separate pair of conductors
which can regulate the lamp lumen output by either supplying a
1-10 volt signal or by a potentiometer. This circuit can therefore be
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 High Frequency Regulating
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.
536
DALI circuits are able to have a maximum of 64 DALI components
on any single loop and a maximum cable length of 300 meters.
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.
Note: Luminaires supplied with dedicated controls may be
dependent on the specific controls used, fitted with either digital
high frequency regulating or DALI control gear.
LED Drivers
LED luminaires require control devices referred to as drivers. These
can provide a constant current to the LED or can be constant
voltage. These drivers are electronic circuits and care should be
used to ensure that the correct type of driver is used. It is also
important to ensure that a driver with the correct drive current and
voltage is selected to ensure optimum operation of the LED.
LED Drivers can be supplied with fixed output, DALI, and 1-10 volt
operations.
Please contact our Technical Support and Applications department
for further information.