Wiring of fluorescent lamps

Fluorescent lamps are connected in accordance with the number of more complex circuitry compared to its closest "relatives" - incandescent lamps.For ignition type fluorescent lamps, in the chain should be included starters, the quality of which depends the life of the lamps.

To understand the features of the schemes, we must first examine the structure and mechanism of action of such devices.

Briefly about the features of lamps

Each of these devices is a sealed flask filled with a specialgas mixture.When the mixture is calculated so that the gas in the ionization took much smaller than conventional incandescent amount of energy that allows to save significantly on the light.

To fluorescent lamp constantly give light, it must be supported by a glow discharge.supply the required voltage to the bulb electrodes is carried out to ensure such.The main problem lies in the fact that the discharge can only occur when a voltage is applied, substantially exceeding business.However, this problem manufacturers of lamps successfully solved.

electrodes installed on both sides of the fluorescent lamp.They take the stress, due to which the discharge is maintained.Each electrode has two contacts.They connected a current source, which ensures heating of the surrounding area electrodes.

Thus, the fluorescent lamp is lit after heating its electrodes.For this, they are exposed to high-voltage pulse, and only then comes into action the operating voltage, whose value must be sufficient to maintain the discharge.

Luminous flux	LED lamp, W	Contact fluorescent lamp, W	Tungsten W
50	1	4	20
100		5	25
100-200		6/7	30/35
300	4	8/9	40
400		10	50
500	6	11	60
600	7/8	14	65

Under the influence of dischargegas into the flask begins to emit ultraviolet light insensitive human eye.To light became visible to man, the inner surface of the bulb is coated with phosphor.This material provides the frequency shift of light in the visible spectrum range.By changing the composition of the phosphor, and changing the color temperature range, thereby providing a wide range of fluorescent lamps.

Fluorescent lamp type, unlike ordinary incandescent bulbs, can not simply be incorporated into the electricity network.For the appearance of the arc, as mentioned, should be warm and the electrodes receive a pulsed voltage.These conditions are provided with special ballasts.The most widely used electromagnetic ballasts and electronic type.

classic connection via electromagnetic ballast

Features scheme

In accordance with this scheme is included in the choke chain.Also in the circuit is required to present a starter.

latter is a low-power neon light source.The device is equipped with a bi-metal contacts and is powered from the mains AC values.Choke, starter contacts and electrode strands are connected in series.

Instead starter circuit can be switched from an ordinary button elektrozvonka.In this case, the voltage will be applied by holding the call button is pressed.The button must be released after lamp ignition.

Procedure of the scheme with ballast electromagnetic type is as follows:

• after inclusion in the network, the throttle begins to accumulate electromagnetic energy;
• starter through contacts provided electricity delivery;
• current rushes on the tungsten electrode filaments heat;
• electrodes and hot starter;
• there is a disconnection starter contacts;
• throttle accumulated energy is released;
• the voltage on the electrodes is changed;
• fluorescent lamp gives light.

In order to improve the efficiency of the index and reduce the noise arising in the process of switching on the lamp, the circuit is equipped with two capacitors.One (lower) housed within a starter.Its main function is to improve the repayment sparks and neon pulse.

Among the key benefits of the scheme with ballast electromagnetic type can be distinguished:

• reliable, time-tested;
• simplicity;
• affordable price.
• drawbacks, as experience shows, more than the benefits.Among them the number you want to select:
• impressive weight of the fixture;
• lamp incorporating a long time (on average up to 3 seconds);
• low efficiency of the system in operation in the cold;
• relatively high energy consumption;
• noisy work the throttle;
• flicker, the negative impact on vision.

Connection

Connecting lamp on the considered circuit is performed taking advantage of the starters.Next will be considered an example of the installation of the lamp with the inclusion of a starter circuit S10 model.This modern device has a self-extinguishing housing and high-quality design that makes it the best in its niche.

starter main objectives are to:

• ensure inclusion of the lamp;
• gas gap breakdown.For this purpose, the circuit is broken after a prolonged heating of the lamp electrodes, which leads to the release of high-power pulse directly and breakdown.

throttle is used for such tasks:

• limits the amount of current at the time of the electrode circuit;
• generate sufficient voltage for the breakdown of gases;
• sustain combustion at a constant stable discharge.

In this example, connects the lamp to 40 watts.When this choke should have a similar capacity.Power of the starter used is 4-65 watts.

Connect in accordance with the scheme shown.To do this, do the following.

first step

starter is connected in parallel to the lateral pin contacts on the output fluorescent lamp.These contacts represent the conclusions filaments sealed flask.

second step

On the remaining free contacts connect the throttle.

third step

to the power contacts are connected capacitor, again, in parallel.Due to the condenser will be compensated reactive power and reduced interference in the network.

Connection via a modern electronic ballast

Features scheme

modern connectivity option.The circuit includes an electronic ballast - is economical and improved apparatus provides a much longer service life of fluorescent lamps in comparison with the above embodiment.

In circuits with electronic ballast fluorescent lamps operate at a higher voltage (up to 133 kHz).This light turns smooth, flicker-free.

Modern chips allow you to collect special starting devices with low power consumption and compact size.This makes it possible to place the ballast directly into the lamp base, which makes the actual production of small-sized lighting devices, is screwed into an ordinary cartridge for standard incandescent lamps.

This circuit not only provide power lamps, and gradually heated electrodes, increasing their efficiency and increasing service life.Such fluorescent lamps can be used in conjunction with dimmers - devices for smooth dimming light bulbs.For fluorescent lamps with electromagnetic ballast dimmer is not connected.

The design of the electronic ballast is a Voltage converter.Miniature inverter transforms the direct current into high-frequency and variable.That he arrives at the electrode heaters.With increasing frequency, the electrodes heat intensity decreases.

converter Inclusion organized in such a way that the first current rate was high.Fluorescent lamp, in this case, included in the circuit, the resonance frequency is significantly less than the initial frequency converter.

Further rate begins to gradually decrease, and the voltage across the lamp and the resonant circuit to increase, whereby the circuit close to resonance.The intensity increases as the heating electrodes.At some point, the conditions that are sufficient to create a gas discharge, as a result of which the lamp begins to light.The lamp closes the circuit, which is the operating mode at the same time changes.

When using electronic ballasts lamps wiring diagrams drawn up so that the control device it is possible to adapt to the characteristics of the light bulb.For example, after a certain period of use fluorescent lamps require a higher voltage to generate the initial discharge.Ballast will be able to adjust to these changes and to ensure the required quality of illumination.

Thus, among the many benefits of modern electronic ballast is necessary to highlight the following points:

• high efficiency operation;
• gentle warm lighting device electrodes;
• soft start light bulbs;
• no flicker;
• the use at low temperatures;
• independent adaptation to the characteristics of the lamp;
• high reliability;
• low weight and compact dimensions;
• increase the life of the lighting fixture.

drawbacks of 2:

• complicated wiring diagram;
• higher demands on the correctness of the installation and the quality of components used.

Connection

All the necessary connectors and wires usually come complete with electronic ballast.On the wiring diagram you can see on the displayed image.It is also suitable scheme are given in the instructions for ballasts and lighting equipment directly.

In this scheme, the lamp is included in the 3 main stages, namely:

• electrodes are heated, thereby providing a more gentle and smooth start-up and stored resource unit;
• going to create a powerful momentum required for ignition;
• value of the operating voltage to stabilize, after which the voltage is supplied to the lamp.

Modern circuit connecting tubes eliminate the need for a starter.Due to this risk of burnout ballast in the event of the launch is eliminated without a lamp fitted.

scheme for the serial connection of two lamps

deserves special attention wiring diagrams of two fluorescent lamps to one ballast.Devices are connected in series.To do the work you need to prepare:

• induction choke;
• starters in the amount of two pieces;
• fluorescent lamps directly.

connection sequence

first step. Each bulb connects the starter.Compound parallel.In this example, the starter motor connect to the pin output to both ends of the fixture.

second step. free contacts are connected to the mains.When this connection is made sequentially through a throttle.

third step. parallel to the contacts of the lighting device connected capacitors.They will reduce the severity of interference power and reactive power to compensate arises.

important point!In normal household switches, in particular it is typical for low-end models, the contacts may get stuck under the influence of high starting currents.In view of this to be used in conjunction with fluorescent lighting fixtures recommended to use only specially designed for this high-quality switches.

you are familiar with the peculiarities of the different schemes of connection type fluorescent lamps and is now able to cope with the installation and replacement of lighting fixtures.

Successful work!

Video - Wiring of fluorescent lamps