Lighting-Gallery.net
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: form109 on October 24, 2008, 11:26:26 PM
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in recent years advances in lighting have brought many new options,including lamp ballasts,but which is better magnetic or electronic ballasts.
magnetic ballasts-are the most commonly used of the two,these ballasts opperate lamps at line frequencies(50/60hz)
Advantages
magnetic ballasts are often cheaper.
magnetic ballasts are relatively reliable when designed properly.
ballast construction is usually robust.
Disadvantages
magnetic ballasts are noiser and will often hum loudly as they age.
magnetic ballasts are larger and hevier.
magnetic ballasts run at higher tempatures,and are less efficent.
Electronic Ballasts-convert incoming line frequency,into high frequency switching currents.
Advantages
electronic ballasts increase lamp efficency by keeping more vaporized in the arc stream.
electronic ballasts are smaller and lighter.
electronic ballasts are quiet.
electronic ballasts run cooler than magnetic ballasts.
Disadvantages
electronic ballasts are more expensive than an equivelent line-frequency ballast.
electronic ballasts are less robustly constructed than line-frequency ballasts,
making them prone to physical,and electrical damage.
the high frequency opperation is a potential source of radio interference.