Why should UV lamps be equipped with electronic ballasts?

With the continuous expansion of the application field of ultraviolet sterilization lamps, in order to maximize the development of using ultraviolet lamps, current ultraviolet lamps are equipped with dedicated electronic ballasts, greatly improving the intensity output of ultraviolet lamps. Do you know the role of electronic ballasts in ultraviolet sterilization lamps? What are the precautions for selecting a ballast?

1. What is a UV sterilization lamp ballast?

Ballast, simply put, is a metal conductive coil. It can operate at low or high frequencies. Because the heat loss of the coil is small, it is more effective than the resistance. Capable of limiting current and generating instantaneous high voltage.

It first appeared with a relatively simple structure. Inductive ballasts use the inductance and self induced electromotive force of the inductance to light up gas discharge lamps. The self induced electromotive force "breaks through" the gas starting lamp of the lamp tube, and the inductance limits the current of the lamp tube to prevent it from burning out. Due to the advantages of energy conservation and consumption reduction, rapid low-voltage startup, high power factor, and greatly extended service life of ultraviolet sterilization lamps, electronic ballasts are widely used. Traditional inductive ballasts are gradually being replaced with specialized electronic ballasts, although the cost has increased, in the long run, their potential economic benefits are very considerable.

2. The Function of UV Sterilization Lamp Ballast

(1) High pressure is generated, causing the glow tube to break through the rare gas inside the lamp.

(2) After the sterilization lamp tube starts to glow, it acts as a ballast (current limiting) to ensure the normal and stable operation of the lamp tube.

Gas discharge lamps all have high starting voltage and low discharge maintenance voltage. When the lamp is started through high voltage, the voltage drops and the current increases. If not limited, the lamp current will continue to increase until the lamp is burned out. Therefore, it is necessary to connect a ballast in series in the lighting circuit of the discharge lamp that matches the type and specifications of the lamp to provide high starting voltage for the lamp to start, and limit the lamp current to stabilize within the specified range.

3. Precautions for using UV sterilization lamp ballasts

(1) Instantaneous start V.S. delayed start

When matching low-power lamps, the impact is not very obvious, but when matching high-power ultraviolet sterilization lamps (such as 120W, 150W, and 320W), instantaneous startup has a significant impact on the service life of the ultraviolet lamp. This is because the UV sterilization lamp requires a very high starting current during startup, which can easily break through the lamp tube and delay startup. By storing energy to reduce instantaneous pressure, it provides better protection for the lamp tube.

(2) Select Adaptation

Be sure to choose the compatible model. Since the core function of the ballast is to protect the ultraviolet sterilization lamp tube and extend its service life. If the selected ballast does not match the parameters of the lamp, both parties are victims.