Are ignitors for PSMH and HPS lamps deadly? « on: May 13, 2022, 12:52:36 PM » Author: WorldwideHIDCollectorUSA
After knowing that high pressure sodium ignitors and pulse start metal halide ignitors like semiparallel ignitors and superimposed ignitors generate high voltage pulses ranging from 2,500v to 5,000v, is their voltage high enough to be considered “lethal”?
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	Re: Are ignitors for PSMH and HPS lamps deadly? « Reply #1 on: May 13, 2022, 01:00:16 PM » Author: dor123
Yes. This is why you should never replace lamps with the power on.
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	Re: Are ignitors for PSMH and HPS lamps deadly? « Reply #2 on: May 13, 2022, 01:25:27 PM » Author: Medved
It is not that much the 2kV from the ignitor itself, but the 200+V from the ballast that will jolt you. The ignitor HV pulse may breakdown the air when you are "just not touching it" (2kV may jump across 1mm, when some sharp corner gets involved), so form a conductive path through the air for that 230V to zap you.
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	Re: Are ignitors for PSMH and HPS lamps deadly? « Reply #3 on: May 13, 2022, 02:17:05 PM » Author: Rommie
It's current more than voltage which will kill you. 1000V DC from a Megger insulation resistance tester at 1mA will give you a jolt, but it won't kill you. Touching even a 120V live wire might, though. In short, don't mess with electricity. https://www.scienceabc.com/humans/how-many-volts-amps-kill-you-human.html https://portablepowerguides.com/can-voltage-kill-you/
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	Re: Are ignitors for PSMH and HPS lamps deadly? « Reply #4 on: May 13, 2022, 06:40:04 PM » Author: RCM442
Remember, it's not the volts or the amps that kill you! It's the wall you get thrown into when you touch it!  :'-)
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	Re: Are ignitors for PSMH and HPS lamps deadly? « Reply #5 on: May 13, 2022, 08:30:53 PM » Author: 108CAM
Some safety precautions you can take include: 1. Ensure the fixture is properly grounded/earthed so that any electrical leakage is discharged safely 2. Check the wires for any damage to the insulation and if needed, replace with wire of the same rating 3. Inspect the ignitor for any signs of damage 4. Keeping a safe distance away from the fixture during testing
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