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Fluorescent lamp and electronic ballast systems are widely used today because of the energy they save. The programmed start ballast incorporates a starting method which is gentler on the lamp than either the rapid or instant start ballasts.
Program start ballasts incorporate a precise starting scenario which breaks the process into unique and well defined steps that eliminate the pitfalls of the other starting methods. The first step in the series is the application of cathode heat (lamp glows at end). While this heat is being applied (preheat interval), voltage across the lamp is reduced to a level that reduces damaging glow current. Glow current is actual lamp current that flows during this preheat interval and causes end blackening and degradation in lamp life. It is important during this step that sufficient voltage is applied to the cathodes for a long enough duration (1-3 sec) so the cathode’s temperature is at least 700°C.
The duration of this step is pre-programmed into the ballast circuitry. Since the lamp voltage is kept very low, the lamps cannot ignite until the cathodes are heated to optimal temperature and the ballast program moves to the second step.
The second step of the starting process is the application of lamp voltage. After the programmed time of step one has been reached, a voltage is applied across the lamps, igniting them (after step one and two) with minimal loss of the emissive material. Minimal loss of the emissive material equates to gentle treatment of and prolonged life for the lamp.
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