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what is the electronic ballast reliability?
I thought I’d give this a shot.
I’m doing some work at present on the reliability of electronic fluorescent lamp ballasts. Some of our customers have had reports of high levels of failures of lighting ballasts when used in signage (i.e. outdoor but a bit protected) applications.
It would seem that the elimination of CELMA type D ballasts (and soon type C) coupled with the desire to be green and efficient, has prompted quite a substantial shift towards the use of electronic (type A2) ballasts.
Can anyone tell me if they’ve had any experience of using them? Have they given any problems? Any idea if the problems related to units getting wet? Or perhaps experiencing mains glitches? Or….?
Any anecdotes either way would be appreciated E-mail me direct if you don’t want to go on the record, but posting here would be nice to help stimulate a bit of debate.
Ta!
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2 Replies
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Hi Phil,
Firstly, low-loss conventional ballasts will be with us for some considerable time – ask John about the LIF Technical Note.
In my rounds, I have found that sign makers (even major ones) have been using electronic ballasts that are not designed for outdoor use. I have seen several types with semi exposed PCBs that would not withstand an outdoor environment.
12 months ago, I asked most of the major ballast suppliers how their units would withstand the dirty and wet conditions within a typical sign box. With one exception, they were not happy – stating that their ballasts should be enclosed within boxes giving protection to IP65. The one exception was a Spanish company (name escapes me at the moment, but I could look it up if you want it). They are supplying well rated enclosures.
Use of PCBs in signs is a recurrent problem – remember LED lighting strips with 48V tracks. Protection should be straightforward but it seems that each generation has to re-invent the wheel.
Regards
Don
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Don,
I negelected to thank you for this………..thanks! I would appreciate any info you’ve got on the Spanish ballast if possible. I was told of a potted conventional (Spanish!) ballast. Is this any relation?
I’ve just been informed that Tridonic have withdrawn their warranty on any of their electronic ballasts when used in signage applications. Can this possibly be true? Anybody?
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