Scheme of an eternal fluorescent lamp. Purpose and connection of the choke for fluorescent lamps

Fluorescent lamps are connected in accordance with a slightly more complex circuit compared to their closest “relatives” - incandescent lamps. To ignite fluorescent lamps, starting devices must be included in the circuit, the quality of which directly determines the life of the lamps.

To understand the features of circuits, you must first study the structure and mechanism of action of such devices.

Each of these devices is a sealed flask filled with a special mixture of gases. Moreover, the mixture is designed in such a way that the ionization of gases requires a much smaller amount of energy compared to ordinary incandescent lamps, which makes it noticeable in the lighting.

In order for a fluorescent lamp to continuously produce light, it must maintain a glow discharge. To ensure this, the required voltage is supplied to the electrodes of the light bulb. The main problem is that a discharge can only appear when a voltage is applied that is significantly higher than the operating voltage. However, lamp manufacturers have successfully solved this problem.

Electrodes are installed on both sides of the fluorescent lamp. They accept voltage, thanks to which the discharge is maintained. Each electrode has two contacts. A current source is connected to them, which ensures heating of the space surrounding the electrodes.

Thus, the fluorescent lamp lights up after its electrodes have warmed up. To do this, they are exposed to a high-voltage pulse, and only then the operating voltage comes into effect, the value of which must be sufficient to maintain the discharge.

Luminous flux, lm	LED lamp, W	Contact fluorescent lamp, W	Incandescent lamp, 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 a discharge, the gas in the flask begins to emit ultraviolet light, which is imperceptible to the human eye. To make light visible to humans, the inner surface of the bulb is coated with a phosphor. This substance shifts the frequency range of light into the visible spectrum. By changing the composition of the phosphor, the range of color temperatures also changes, thereby providing a wide range of fluorescent lamps.

Fluorescent lamps, unlike simple incandescent lamps, cannot simply be plugged into an electrical network. For an arc to appear, as noted, the electrodes must warm up and a pulse voltage must appear. These conditions are ensured using special ballasts. The most widely used ballasts are electromagnetic and

Prices for fluorescent lamps

Classic connection via electromagnetic ballast

Features of the scheme

In accordance with this circuit, a choke is connected to the circuit. Also, the circuit must include a starter.

Starter for fluorescent lamps - Philips Ecoclick StartersS10 220-240V 4-65W

The latter is a low-power neon light source. The device is equipped with bimetallic contacts and is powered from an electrical network with variable current values. The throttle, starter contacts and electrode threads are connected in series.

Instead of a starter, an ordinary electric bell button can be included in the circuit. In this case, voltage will be supplied by holding the bell button pressed. The button must be released after lighting the lamp.

The operating procedure of the circuit with an electromagnetic type ballast is as follows:

• after being connected to the network, the inductor begins to accumulate electromagnetic energy;
• electricity is supplied through the starter contacts;
• the current rushes through the tungsten heating filaments of the electrodes;
• the electrodes and the starter heat up;
• the starter contacts open;
• the energy accumulated by the throttle is released;
• the voltage on the electrodes changes;
• a fluorescent lamp gives light.

In order to increase the efficiency and reduce interference that occurs when the lamp is turned on, the circuit is equipped with two capacitors. One of them (the smaller one) is located inside the starter. Its main function is to dampen sparks and improve neon impulse.

Among the key advantages of a circuit with an electromagnetic type ballast are:

• time-tested reliability;
• simplicity;
• affordable price.
• As practice shows, there are more disadvantages than advantages. Among them it is necessary to highlight:
• impressive weight of the lighting fixture;
• long lamp on time (on average up to 3 seconds);
• low efficiency of the system when operating in cold conditions;
• relatively high energy consumption;
• noisy throttle operation;
• flickering, which negatively affects vision.

Connection procedure

Connecting the lamp according to the considered scheme is carried out using starters. Next, we will consider an example of installing one lamp with the inclusion of a model S10 starter in the circuit. This state-of-the-art device has a non-flammable body and high-quality construction, making it the best in its niche.

The main tasks of the starter come down to:

• ensuring the lamp is turned on;
• breakdown of the gas gap. To do this, the circuit is broken after a fairly long heating of the lamp electrodes, which leads to the release of a powerful pulse and direct breakdown.

The throttle is used to perform the following tasks:

• limiting the current value at the moment of closing the electrodes;
• generating voltage sufficient for gas breakdown;
• maintaining the discharge combustion at a constant stable level.

In the example under consideration, a 40 W lamp is connected. In this case, the throttle must have the same power. The power of the starter used is 4-65 W.

We connect in accordance with the presented diagram. To do this we do the following.

First step

In parallel, we connect the starter to the pin side contacts at the output of the fluorescent lamp. These contacts represent the leads of the filament of the sealed bulb.

Second step

We connect to the remaining free contacts.

Third step

We connect the capacitor to the supply contacts, again, in parallel. Thanks to the capacitor, reactive power will be compensated and interference in the network will be reduced.

Connection via modern electronic ballast

Features of the scheme

Modern connection option. The circuit includes an electronic ballast - this economical and improved device provides a much longer service life of fluorescent lamps compared to the option discussed above.

In circuits with electronic ballast, fluorescent lamps operate at higher voltages (up to 133 kHz). Thanks to this, the light is smooth and flicker-free.

Modern microcircuits make it possible to assemble specialized starting devices with low power consumption and compact dimensions. This makes it possible to place the ballast directly into the lamp base, which makes it possible to produce small-sized lighting fixtures that are screwed into an ordinary socket, standard for incandescent lamps.

At the same time, the microcircuits not only provide power to the lamps, but also smoothly heat the electrodes, increasing their efficiency and increasing their service life. It is precisely these fluorescent lamps that can be used in combination with devices designed to smoothly regulate the brightness of light bulbs. You cannot connect a dimmer to fluorescent lamps with electromagnetic ballasts.

By design, the electronic ballast is an electrical voltage converter. A miniature inverter transforms direct current into high-frequency and alternating current. It is this that goes to the electrode heaters. As the frequency increases, the heating intensity of the electrodes decreases.

The converter is switched on in such a way that the current frequency is initially at a high level. The fluorescent light bulb is connected to a circuit whose resonant frequency is significantly lower than the initial frequency of the converter.

Next, the frequency begins to gradually decrease, and the voltage on the lamp and the oscillating circuit increases, due to which the circuit approaches resonance. The heating intensity of the electrodes also increases. At some point, conditions are created that are sufficient to create a gas discharge, as a result of which the lamp begins to produce light. The lighting device closes the circuit, the operating mode of which changes.

When using electronic ballasts, the lamp connection diagrams are designed in such a way that the control device has the ability to adapt to the characteristics of the light bulb. For example, after a certain period of use, fluorescent lamps require a higher voltage to create the initial discharge. The ballast will be able to adapt to such changes and provide the necessary quality of lighting.

Thus, among the many advantages of modern electronic ballasts, the following points should be highlighted:

• high operating efficiency;
• gentle heating of the electrodes of the lighting device;
• smooth switching on of the light bulb;
• no flicker;
• possibility of use in low temperature conditions;
• independent adaptation to the characteristics of the lamp;
• high reliability;
• light weight and compact dimensions;
• increasing the service life of lighting devices.

There are only 2 disadvantages:

• complicated connection diagram;
• higher requirements for correct installation and quality of components used.

Prices for electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps

Electronic ballast for fluorescent lamps

Connection procedure

All necessary connectors and wires are usually included with the electronic ballast. You can see the connection diagram in the presented image. Also, suitable diagrams are given in the instructions for ballasts and lighting fixtures themselves.

In such a scheme, the lamp is switched on in 3 main stages, namely:

• the electrodes warm up, which ensures a more gentle and smooth start-up and preserves the life of the device;
• a powerful impulse is created that is required for ignition;
• the operating voltage value is stabilized, after which voltage is supplied to the lamp.

Modern lamp connection schemes eliminate the need to use a starter. Thanks to this, the risk of ballast burnout in case of starting without a lamp installed is eliminated.

The scheme for connecting two fluorescent light bulbs to one ballast deserves special attention. The devices are connected in series. To complete the work you need to prepare:

• induction throttle;
• two starters;
• directly fluorescent lamps.

Connection sequence

First step. A starter is connected to each light bulb. The connection is parallel. In the example under consideration, we connect the starter to the pin output at both ends of the lighting fixture.

Second step.

Free contacts are connected to the electrical network. In this case, the connection is made in series, through a choke.

Third step.

Capacitors are connected in parallel to the contacts of the lighting device. They will reduce the severity of interference in the electrical network and compensate for the resulting reactive power.

Important point! In ordinary household switches, this is especially typical for budget models, the contacts can stick under the influence of increased starting currents. In view of this, for use in combination with fluorescent lighting devices, it is recommended to use only high-quality ones specially designed for this purpose.

You have become familiar with the features of different connection diagrams for fluorescent lamps and now you can independently cope with the installation and replacement of such lighting devices.

Lamps based on tubular fluorescent lamps are still in demand in office and industrial premises, garages and workshops, and remain as a legacy in Soviet-era buildings. Despite the obvious disadvantages, such as large dimensions, humming during startup and operation, unstable glow and flickering depending on voltage fluctuations, some connection complexity, it will not be economically feasible to replace oblong fluorescent lamps with compact ones if the electronic filling of the lamps is in order, and only replacement of fluorescent lamps is required.

The fact is that the operating principle of gas-discharge light sources, as well as their energy consumption, does not depend on size and shape, and the cost of a tubular lamp without purchasing electronic components will be much less than installing a standard socket and purchasing a compact lamp that includes the necessary electronics.

lamp contacts

Therefore, it is worth thinking about how to check a fluorescent lamp and related devices before switching to other types of lamps.

Operating principle and connection diagrams

First you need to understand the operating principle of a fluorescent electric lighting device. A glow discharge in an atmosphere of inert gases with admixtures of mercury vapor causes a glow in the ultraviolet spectrum, which is converted into visible light using a phosphor applied to the inner wall of the flask.

types of fluorescent lamps

To start a discharge (electrical breakdown, after which the gas is ionized and becomes a conductor of electric current), a high voltage pulse is needed between the cathodes of low-pressure gas-discharge lamps, the connection and replacement of which are discussed in this article.

general diagram of a fluorescent lamp

To start and operate these luminaires, two switching schemes are widely used, using:

1. Electromagnetic ballast (electromagnetic ballast) and starter;
2. Electronic ballast (electronic ballast - electronic ballast).

Scheme with electronic ballasts

The algorithm for starting a fluorescent lamp is the same for both options, but the circuit with an electronic ballast (choke)

Diagram with throttle and starter

and the starter is more clear. When voltage is applied, the cathodes heat up, after which a high voltage surge occurs (about 1 kV) and an electrical breakdown occurs in the gas and current begins to flow in it.

The starter has a sealed glass bulb with bimetallic contacts,

starter

between which, when voltage is applied, a glow discharge begins to occur, heating the normally open contact plates.

The heated contacts close, and current flows through the filaments of the lamp cathodes, heating them.

After a few seconds, the bimetallic contacts of the starter cool and open, causing a sharp induction surge due to the inductance of the inductor - at this moment the lamp begins to glow.

LDS 20 W

Capacitors are used to compensate reactive power and smooth out electromagnetic interference.

Circuit with electronic ballasts

A high frequency current is generated in the electronic ballast, and the algorithm for starting and operating the lamp is programmed in the electronic circuit.

disassembled ballast

Thanks to electronic ballasts, it is also possible to carry out cold instantaneous start-up of fluorescent lamps, which reduces the service life of gas-discharge lamps, but can extend their service in the event of burnout or degeneration of the cathodes, as evidenced by blackening at the ends of the tube.

electronic ballast

The possibility of a cold start and the method of its implementation must be indicated in the device passport. A diagram with electronic ballasts is always available on the device body, following it exactly, you can on one's own connect a fluorescent lamp.

Connection diagram

Since electronic ballasts are more economical and create less noise and electromagnetic interference, they are gradually replacing outdated chokes.

Replacing a burnt out lamp

If the problem is only how to replace a fluorescent lamp, without connecting electronic components, then you must first disassemble the lamp and, being careful, rotate the tube along its axis. The direction of rotation can be viewed on the holders, or determined experimentally.

lamp replacement

Having turned the glass tube 90º, it is lowered down so that the contacts pass through the slots in the holders.

Lamp contact holder

The new lamp is oriented so that the contacts are in a vertical plane and fit into the slot, after which the tube is turned in the opposite direction. After turning on the power, make sure that the lamp starts up normally, and then insert the diffuser lamp into place.

The burnt-out lamp is disposed of, or they try to “reanimate” it using the cold start method.

How to check a fluorescent lamp and components

When connecting a fluorescent lamp, you need to be sure that the lamp and ballasts are working properly. To do this, you need to check the cathode filaments with a tester - their resistance should be within 10 Ohms.

If the tester shows infinite resistance,

then you should not throw away the lamp - it can be used for some time in cold start mode. The starter contacts are normally open, and its capacitor does not conduct direct current, that is, when testing, the resistance should be as high as possible - tens and hundreds of megohms.

When the ohmmeter probes touch the inductor terminals, the resistance should smoothly decrease to a constant value characteristic of the winding, within a few tens of ohms.

Unfortunately, using a conventional ohmmeter it is impossible to detect an interturn short circuit in the inductor winding, but if the multimeter has an inductance measurement and the parameters of the ballast are known, then if the values ​​do not match, this defect can be identified.

A faulty throttle is also indicated by the burnout of the newly installed new lamp. Since the electronic ballast contains a complex circuit with many elements,

electronic block diagram

then there is no way to test it with a multimeter.

Fluorescent lamps, also called fluorescent lamps, have found their wide application due to a large number of advantages over conventional incandescent light bulbs. Their main advantage is their efficiency, since, unlike standard incandescent light bulbs, they practically do not heat up. It is known that in ordinary lamps a huge amount of energy is converted into heat, which no one needs.

One of the advantages of fluorescent light bulbs is the ability to independently choose the color spectrum. The most popular are white lamps, which are called cool colors. However, many people like warm colors that are close in quality to sunlight.

Lamp connection options

The connection diagram of a fluorescent lamp is directly related to its device. The main components of a classic fluorescent light bulb are the luminous element itself, the starting element - the starter and, finally, the choke. The lamp contains a flask filled with mercury vapor. Along the edges, on both sides, there are filaments made of tungsten. The inner surface of the glass flask is coated with a special substance - phosphor.

Main functions of lamp elements

The function of the inductor is to generate a high voltage pulse at the very beginning of the ignition of the light bulb. The main purpose of the starter is to break and connect the circuit. It consists of a condenser and a flask filled with an inert gas. There are two contacts inside the flask - bimetallic and metal. The applied voltage acts on the bimetallic contact and heats it. As a result, a change in shape occurs and subsequent contact with the metal contact occurs. Ultimately, the circuit closes and the light turns on. All these processes are closely interconnected.

When the circuit is closed by the switch, voltage is supplied to the starter. After the circuit is closed, the tungsten coils are heated in the light bulb itself. After heating and the start of photoelectron emission, the starter goes into a disabled state. When the starter is turned off, the throttle comes into action, after which, as a result of the impulse, an electric arc discharge is formed inside. Thus, the lamp turns on. The phosphor, in turn, converts invisible ultraviolet into the visible part of the spectrum.

The throttle circuit for connecting a fluorescent lamp is the simplest and most common. However, many variants of circuits without the use of a choke have now been developed. Fluorescent lamp circuits are constantly being developed and improved.

Connecting two lamps through one choke

Modern society strives to save on all types of energy resources, especially electricity. This is due to the constant increase in payments for light. Therefore, fluorescent lamps are very firmly integrated into people's lives and are actively used.

What are fluorescent lamps made of?

The lamp itself consists of a glass bulb, which can be of various shapes and diameters. According to their structure and appearance they are divided:

• compact with base E 14 and E 27;
• ring;
• U-shaped;
• straight.

Regardless of the appearance, each of the fluorescent lamps has electrodes inside, a special luminescent coating, and injected inert gas with mercury vapor. Due to the fact that the electrodes are heated, the inert gas is periodically ignited, so the phosphor glows. Considering that the spirals can overheat and burn out during short-term heating, these devices use a starter for fluorescent lamps. It is worth noting the fact that the spirals in daylight illuminators are small in size; standard voltage does not suit them, so special devices are installed - chokes, the task of which is to limit the nominal value of the current.

Operating principle of a fluorescent lamp

When the illuminator is connected to the network, automatic supply of mains voltage 220 V to the diagram, then it goes to the starter. Since the contacts are still open, the full voltage does not flow through the device, but goes to the inductor, where it fluctuates around zero. This voltage is enough to ignite the discharge in the light bulb. As soon as the bimetallic electrode of the starter warms up, it bends and the electrical circuit is closed, the filaments in the fluorescent lamp light up. This causes the lamp itself to start working.

Installed as electrodes in fluorescent lamps tungsten filaments. They must be coated with a special protective paste. After some time, this paste burns out, which causes the filament to burn out. If at least one of the filaments burns out, the illuminator fails and will not light up.

How to properly connect a lighting fixture

There are diagrams for connecting fluorescent lamps. They are very simple and do not cause difficulties even for an inexperienced person. For one light source, it is enough to apply voltage to the assembled circuit through the terminals. It will follow to the throttle, then to the first spiral. Then, the starter turns on, it reacts to the incoming current and passes it further to the second spiral connected to the terminal.

If you need to install several daylight fixtures, the connection diagrams will change slightly. All lamps will be connected in series. Several starters will be used, for each source separately. If you want to install two lamps on one choke, then you need to read the rated power, which is indicated on the housing. If the power of the choke is 40 W, then only two devices with a power of 20 W are connected to it.

Lamp connection diagrams have been developed without using a starter. They are being replaced by electronic ballast devices. In this version, the daytime running light turns on instantly, there is no blinking, as when the starter is turned on.

Connecting electronic ballasts is easy. To do this, just read the instructions located on the device body. Such instructions indicate the connection diagram, which contacts of the lamp should be connected to the corresponding terminals. It is worth noting that many experts believe that this method has great advantages:

• you do not need additional elements to control and connect the starter;
• The operation of the lamp without a starter is longer, since the installation of connecting wires of the device and the starter, which often and quickly fail, is eliminated.

It is worth noting that connecting fluorescent incandescent lamps is not particularly difficult, since all the necessary elements of the device and their assembly diagrams are included with the device. You don’t need to buy anything extra and invent, or look for assembly diagrams for the device.

Fluorescent lamp failures, repair and replacement

As soon as you have discovered problems in the operation of the device, you need to find out the causes of the malfunction and decide whether a complete replacement of the lamp is necessary, or whether it is enough to install a new element. The most common problems are Problems with the starter or throttle. When the lamp lights up on only one side when turned on, it is necessary to turn it over so that the entrance of the non-luminous part is in the opposite place. If the lamp continues to shine the same way, you can throw it away - it is faulty.

Problems often occur when two ends of the lamp light up, but the whole lamp does not light up. This may indicate a faulty starter, wiring or cartridge. Start checking with the starter. If it is working properly, then start working on the wiring; there may be short circuits in it.

If the lamp lights up dimly when turned on, and after a few minutes begins to pulsate and goes out altogether, then this indicates about air getting into the flask. In this case, the device needs to be replaced.

How the throttle works, the main signs of failure

Some lamps light up sharply and instantly, but after several hours of operation, the edges of the light source darken. This kind of work is worth paying immediate attention to. This indicates rapid failure of the device. The cause of the breakdown will be a problem in the operation of the inductor: the starting and operating currents are higher than normal. To accurately diagnose the problem, it is enough use a voltmeter, and check the magnitude of the starting and operating current. Most often, specialists find faults in several cathodes.

Some users observe that a snake periodically curls in a fluorescent lamp. This also indicates problems with the throttle. Electrical voltage is supplied to the source, but the discharge inside is uneven. Here it is also enough to check the value of the starting and operating voltage, and if an excess is detected, replace the inductor with a new one.

The main problems in the starter

When the owner of a fluorescent lamp observes a picture of the device constantly or periodically going out, this indicates problems in the operation of the starter and lamp. To accurately diagnose problems, it is necessary check incoming voltage in the device. If its parameters are much higher, then it is enough to replace only the lamp. Be sure to measure the voltage in the starter as well. If it is below normal, then the starter needs to be replaced.

If the fluorescent lamp begins to function dimly, then this is a sign of a sharp decrease in the current inside to a critical level. This indicates a throttle problem. When you measured the voltage in it and made sure that there are no reasons for incorrect operation, then perhaps your light source has served its life, the amount of mercury inside has decreased to a minimum. The bulb itself needs to be replaced.

If the filament burns out in the lamps, this indicates a breakdown or damage to the throttle. Most often these are problems or wear and tear of the insulation. As soon as a daylight source stops working normally, you must immediately disconnect it from the electricity and find the cause of the breakdown. You should not try to turn on the device multiple times, since failure of one element will lead to operational problems or failure of other parts of the device.

It is important to understand the main thing - when installing a fluorescent lamp, the connection diagrams must be handled correctly. Only in this case there will be no problems and the device will function efficiently.

In the context of constant growth of tariffs for the use of electricity, the population's demand for more economical fluorescent lamps (fluorescent lamps) has increased significantly.

There are quite a lot of options for their appearance, however, they are all built the same inside.

Inside the glass flask, whatever its shape, there are:

1. Inert gas with mercury vapor.
2. Spiral electrodes. Luminescent coating (luminophor) applied to the walls of the flask.

The operating principle is as follows: Under the influence of electric current, the spirals (electrodes) heat up and ignite the gas, under the influence of which the phosphor begins to glow.

Due to the limited size of the electrodes, the household power supply voltage is not enough to ignite them. Therefore, to ignite the electrodes, a special element is used - a choke. In addition, in order to avoid overheating of the spiral, another element is used - which, after igniting the gas, turns off the heating of the electrodes.

Structurally, the inductor (EMPRA) is an inductor with a special ferromagnetic core. As a rule, the coil with the core is placed in a metal case.

Operating principle

Operating principle of a fluorescent lamp

At the moment of switching on, the starter starts working first. It heats up the bimetallic electrodes, causing them to short circuit. After this, the current in the circuit, limited only by the internal resistance of the inductor, increases sharply (more than 3 times). The electrodes of the lamp instantly heat up, and the bimetallic contacts of the starter, when cooled, open the starting circuit.

At the moment the electrical circuit in the electronic ballast breaks, due to the self-induction effect, a high-voltage pulse (800-1000 V) occurs, which provides an electrical discharge in an inert gas environment.

Under the influence of this discharge, an invisible ultraviolet glow of mercury vapor begins, which, acting on the phosphor, makes it glow in the visible spectrum.

During further operation, the electric current is evenly distributed between the inductor and the lamp, thus ensuring stable operation. At the same time, the ballast does not consume energy, but only accumulates it and converts it.

After igniting the gas, the voltage in the flask does not exceed half the mains voltage, which is not enough for the subsequent closure of the starter contacts. Thus, with a stable glow, the starter does not participate in the working process and its contacts remain open.

Gas ignition does not always happen the first time. Sometimes the starter needs 5-6 attempts to repeat the above process, which causes a “blinking” effect that is unpleasant for the human eye.

This effect can be avoided by using the so-called electronic choke (ECG), the operating principle of which is as follows:

1. Low frequency voltage household power supply is converted to DC.
2. Resulting DC voltage inverted into high-frequency (up to 133 kHz) alternating voltage.
3. When connecting electronic ballasts there is a sharp increase in current and voltage to values ​​sufficient to warm up the electrodes and cause a gas discharge.
4. After the phosphor begins to glow, the voltage on the electrodes decreases to the value of the glow voltage, and the pulse frequency changes to the level at which the current of the nominal value is established.

The use of electronic ballast allows you to ignite the electrodes instantly and at the same time get rid of the unpleasant “blinking”.

Kinds

There are several ways to classify ballasts used in fluorescent lamp connection diagrams.

At the same time, they are distinguished by:

1. Operating principle:
   • EmPRA(electromagnetic chokes);
   • electronic ballasts(electronic ballasts);
2. According to the level of power loss (the level of inductor energy loss can be from 15 to 100% of the lamp power):
   • D(ordinary);
   • WITH(reduced);
   • IN(especially low);
3. By sound noise level:
   • N(normal);
   • P(reduced);
   • WITH(very low);
   • A(especially low);

Connecting a fluorescent lamp

In general, the electronic ballast is connected to a fluorescent lamp using a series electrical circuit. In this case, the starter is connected in parallel with the lamp, and a compensation capacitor is connected in parallel with the electrical network, which serves to correct the power factor.

The electrical circuit for connecting an electronic ballast (EPG) to a fluorescent lamp is even simpler. There are no additional radio elements in it at all.

There are also a large number of electrical circuits for connecting fluorescent lamps without a starter or any types of ballasts at all. Among them, the chokeless electrical circuit is especially popular, the use of which does not at all change the technical characteristics of the fluorescent lamp, but significantly extends its service life.

Malfunctions and repairs of electromagnetic ballasts

Most often, the source of malfunctions associated with the use of fluorescent lamps is the electrical circuit for switching on the ballast and starter.

It is quite difficult to instantly determine the cause of a malfunction, however, there are characteristic visual effects that make it possible to identify a faulty throttle among the reasons that caused the defect.

These visual effects include:

1. “Fire snake” curling around the flask. Its appearance indicates that the current in the lamp exceeds the permissible value, as a result of which the electrical discharge has become unstable. If, when checking the current-voltage characteristics of the lamp, inconsistencies with the specified parameters are revealed, then the inductor needs to be changed.
2. Darkening of the bulb in the area of ​​the output contacts. If the bulb in the base area has darkened, the lamp will soon fail. The main reason for this phenomenon is the discrepancy between the starting and operating current values ​​and the current-voltage characteristic. This is most often due to a faulty ballast.
3. Burnt out coils. Most often, the spirals in a fluorescent lamp burn out due to severe wear of the insulation of the EPG winding.
4. A burning smell or the appearance of extraneous sounds. There may be an interturn short circuit in the inductor.
5. The lamp does not turn on. The cause may also be a faulty ballast in which a wire in the winding has broken. True, this type of malfunction is rare.

It is best to check the throttle using a test light that is known to be working. To do this, you need to connect two wires coming from it to the base of the test lamp and connect this structure to the electrical network. If the fluorescent lamp lights up at full strength, then the throttle is working properly.

Repair

It is recommended that independent repairs of ballasts be carried out only by specialists who have some experience in plumbing and electrical installation work. In addition, it is necessary to have measuring instruments and knowledge of basic safety regulations.

When starting to replace or repair the choke, you must disconnect the lamp from the power supply. Simply turning it off using a switch will not eliminate the presence of voltage on the lamp.

Only after this can you begin to dismantle the ballast and install a new one in its place. In this case, you must carefully ensure that they are connected in the same order in which they were connected earlier.

IMPORTANT: Connection diagrams for specific models are printed on their cases. The operating voltage and electrical resistance of the inductance winding are also indicated there.

Using a Multimeter

At a certain stage of repair work,...

With its help you can determine:

1. Coil winding integrity inductance and its electrical resistance.
2. Presence of interturn short circuit.
3. Presence of a cliff in the winding of the inductor.

However, repairing the winding of an inductor is not an easy task and also requires certain skills. Therefore, if necessary, it is better to entrust such work to specialists.

Choosing a new ballast:

1. It is necessary to pay special attention to the manufacturer's brand. As a rule, purchasing a cheap product from an unknown manufacturer guarantees low quality workmanship. A reliable ballast must ensure reliable operation for at least 3 years.
2. You may accidentally purchase a defective product on the market. Therefore, if your budget allows, it is better to purchase several pieces and negotiate with the seller about the subsequent return of the remaining ones.
3. It is better to consult with people who have some experience with fluorescent lighting fixtures.

Currently, electronic ballasts, despite the relatively high price, are becoming increasingly popular.

After all, their use allows:

1. Increase the service life of fluorescent lamps due to the use of gentle start-up modes and further operation. In addition, the connection diagram does not include a starter that often breaks down.
2. Completely eliminate noise and blinking during operation.
3. Get up to 20% energy savings.