linear fluorescent dimming ballast guide
TRANSCRIPT
Linear Fluorescent Dimming Ballast GuideA Pocket Guide for Installation and Troubleshooting
Welcome
This pocket guide was created as a “quick reference” to help you address some common issues with dimming ballasts, both during the installation process and troubleshooting problems in the field. For more information regarding additional concerns with dimming ballasts please contact our technical services department at 1-800-372-3331, follow option 2.
Installation In this section we will discuss three areas to be aware of prior to installing your dimming ballast. They include: fixture construction, wiring issues and usage of proper sockets.
General Fixture Construction - SaggingIt is imperative that the minimum lamp spacing to the fixture be maintained for the duration of the fixture life. For linear lamps, the minimum spacing is 0.25”. T8 lamps must be within 0.75” from the ground plane and T5 lamps within 0.25”. Issues resulting from fixtures sagging must be corrected. Symptoms to look for: •Ballastchannelcovertouchingthelamp •Lampsbowedorbending •Lampsextinguishindimmode •Lampsareturningblackinthemiddle
(where the metal touches the glass) •Inconsistentstarting •Variablelightlevelsfromlamp-to-lamp
in the fixture
When these symptoms are visible, contact the fixture manufacturer, if you are unable to correct the issues in the field.
2 Linear Fluorescent Dimming Ballasts Guide
Wiring IssuesWiring in the ballast chamber is critical to the quality of light and dimming consistency between lamps. To minimize inconsistent dimming light levels and to eliminate unpredictable lamp starting and lamp dropout, the following guidelines must be followed:
•Whenballastsareinstalled,allleadwiresshouldbe kept as short as possible
•Outputleads(wiresfromtheballasttothe lamp sockets) should not be bunched, twisted, wrapped, or cable tied together.
•Inputwires(powerwiresandcontrolwires)should not be bunched, twisted, wrapped, or wire tied together with the output wires.
•Inputandoutputwiresshouldberoutedonopposite sides of the wire way channel as best as possible.
Sockets
Always make sure that dimming ballasts are connected to rapids start sockets only. NEVER connect dimming ballasts to an instant start or shunted sockets as this will void the ballast warranty and most likely shorten lamp life!
Dimming ballasts and lamps must be replaced if they have been operated on instant start or shunted sockets, since they have been permanently damaged.
Installation 3
Rapid Start Socket Instant Start Sockets
Shunted
vs.
TroubleshootingWiring issuesOneofthemostcommonproblemswithdimmingballasts is improper wiring to sockets, which usually results in short lamp life. Additional symptoms to look for:
•Severeendblackening •Lampsextinguishatlowestdimminglevel •Inconsistent/failuretostart •Lampflickering/flashing/strobing •Lampstriations(fullwattagelamps) •ShortballastLife
OutputWiring–ParallelFilamentsA common example of improper wiring when connecting parallel lamp filaments is depicted below:
IncorrectParallelYellows
There are two ways to correct this situation
CorrectParallelYellows(1of2)
4 Linear Fluorescent Dimming Ballasts Guide
CorrectParallelYellows(2of2)
OutputWiring–SeriesFilamentsA common example of improper wiring when connecting series lamp filaments is depicted below:
IncorrectSeriesYellow
Here is the correct wiring for this fixture
CorrectSeriesYellow
Troubleshooting 5
OutputWiring–RedandBlue LampLeads
Incorrect–ShortedLeads
Incorrect–ShuntedSockets
Correct Socket Connections
6 Linear Fluorescent Dimming Ballasts Guide
Common Issues Here are some common issues and measures to takeregardingPhilipsAdvancedimmingballasts and other controls that might be part of the installed lighting system.
IncorrectControl–Mustbe Mark10® Powerline CompatibleFlickering or drop out will occur if the input voltage islowerthan56VACfor120VACapplicationsor129VACfor277VACapplication(asmeasuredat the ballast)
Flickering Due to a Shared NeutralSeparate neutrals are a requirement of some control manufacturers. This is not a function of the ballast. The installer must be aware of the requirements of the controls they install.
OverloadedControlsThe control must be sized to handle the load. Overloadedcontrolscouldfailorresultin performance issues.
ProperBallastWiring(1-lampexample)
LAMP
Common Issues 7
Mark 10® Powerline
PinchedorShortedControlWiresThe system will be stuck in full dim mode and will not respond to control signals. The issue must be corrected for the system to work, but this will not result in permanent ballast damage.
ACVoltageAppliedtotheControlWires (violet and grey)This will not damage the ballast. The control leads onaMark70-10V ballast are designed to withstand electrical shorts, pinched wires, and the misapplication of AC voltage. However, potential damage to the controls will need to be reviewed with the controls manufacturer.
Reversed Control Wires System or individual fixtures will dim out of sequence. Single fixture occurrences could reduce the top end light level of the entire circuit.
OverloadedControlsThe control must be sized to handle the load. Overloadedcontrolscouldfailorresultin performance issues.
ProperBallastWiring
BALLAST
LAMP
Diag. 55A
RED
BLUE
BLACKWHITE
LINE
CLASS 1 OR 2CIRCUIT
10V, 0.5 mA
VIOLET (+){ GREY (-)
8 Linear Fluorescent Dimming Ballasts Guide
Mark 7® 0-10V
PinchedorShortedControlWires:Will not respond to control signals.
Reversed Control Wires There are no polarity restrictions with ROVR(DALI).
Noise on the control lineWire routing is critical. Noise may result in sporadic dimming control when control wires and power wires are run in the same conduit.
ProperBallastWiring(1-lampexample)
For more information:Check www.philips.com/advance and click ontheLiteraturesectionforcompleteproduct bulletins containing wiring diagrams and a complete list of specifications. There you can also find a complete compatibility guide for all controls thatarecompatiblewithPhilipsAdvanceballasts.
BALLAST
LAMP
Diag. 55B
RED
BLUEBLACKWHITE
LINE
VIOLETVIOLET{
DALIClass 1 or
Class 2 Circuit
Common Issues 9
ROVR™ Digital Addressable Ballasts
MostsystemsemployingROVRballastsrequire commissioning.
ConvertingCompetitor3-WireDimmingBallast toMark10 PowerlineBallast
•Changeballast •Changetocompatiblecontrol •Capoffdimmedhotwireatbothends
Converting from a fixed output ballast to dimming withMark10Powerline Ballast
•Replacetheballast—simplywirethePhilipsAdvanceMark10Powerline ballasts into the existing fixtures following the wiring diagrams (rapid start sockets are required, replace existing if necessary).
•Replacetheswitch — the dimming control connectstoyourexistingwiringandmustbeMark10 Powerline compatible.
•Dimthelights!
If you need additional support or warranty information go to www.philips.com/advance and click on the Support Tab on the left.
Orange
OrangeOrange
DIMMED HOT
3-wire Line Voltage
Mark 10 Ballast
10 Linear Fluorescent Dimming Ballasts Guide
FAQ:
Q: Will dimming reduce the life of a lamp?
A: Dimming has no effect on the life of a lamp. Properlydesigneddimmingballastswillprovidesufficient filament heating and will maintain the full rated life of the lamp.
Q: Will dimming extend the life of a lamp?
A: Dimming has no effect on the life of a lamp. Properlydesigneddimmingballastswillprovidesufficient filament heating and will maintain the full rated life of the lamp.
Q: Can I remote mount the ballast?
A: Remote mounting is limited with dimming ballasts. The wiring allowances are listed in the PhilipsAdvanceAtlas,Section1.
Q: Can I use T8 ballasts with energy-saving lamps?
A: The use of T8 ballasts with energy-saving lamps will not harm the lamps or ballasts, but it is possible that striations will occur. Striations may be unnoticeable in indirect applications. Striations do not effect lamp life or lumen output. User testing and acceptance is recommended.
Q: Is lamp burn-in required with dimming?
A:Burn-inrequirementsaredependentonlampmanufacturer.PhilipsT5andT8lampsdonotrequire burn-in.
Q: What controls are compatible with the dimming ballast?
A:ThePhilipsAdvanceballastsarecompatible with controls from over 30 manufacturers. The Controls Compatibility Guide can be found atwww.philips.com/advance.Asummarizedversion is available in the dimming section of the PhilipsAdvanceAtlas.
Common Issues 11
©2008 Philips Lighting Electronics N.A.All rights reserved.
Form No. EL-2153-R08 10/08
Philips Lighting Electronics N.A.10275 W. Higgins RoadRosemont IL 60018Tel: 800-322-2086 Fax: 888-423-1882Customer Support/Technical Service: 800-372-3331OEM Support: 866-915-5886www.philips.com/advance
©2008 Philips Lighting Electronics N.A.All rights reserved.
Form No. EL-2153-R08 10/08
Philips Lighting Electronics N.A.10275 W. Higgins RoadRosemont IL 60018Tel: 800-322-2086 Fax: 888-423-1882Customer Support/Technical Service: 800-372-3331OEM Support: 866-915-5886www.philips.com/advance
©2009PhilipsLightingElectronicsAllrightsreserved
FormNo.EL-2490-R0109/09