CONTENTS INTRODUCTION...5 1 Scope ...6 2 Normative references ...6 3 Terms and definitions ...6 4 General notes on tests...7 5 Marking ...7 6 Ballasts designed to operate at various supp
Lamp operating current waveform
The peak value to root-mean-square (r.m.s.) value ratio must not surpass the limits specified in Table 1 when the ballast connected to a reference lamp operates at its rated voltage.
Table 1 – Lamp operating current waveform, maximum ratio of peak value to r.m.s
Lamp type Maximum ratio of peak value to r.m.s
For ignitor circuits of low-pressure sodium lamps, the maximum ratio of peak value to r.m.s value of the lamp operating current must not exceed 2.0 for short durations (less than 0.20 ms) and 1.8 for longer durations.
Test procedure
The peak value of the lamp current must be measured using a calibrated cathode-ray oscilloscope, with resistor R1 placed on the earthed side of the circuit (refer to Figure 1).
This resistor shall have a sufficiently low value such that the voltage drop shall not exceed 0,5 % of the nominal lamp voltage
The oscilloscope is connected with its earth connection on the supply side
To ensure accurate test results, it is essential to maintain a low impedance supply across various frequencies Additionally, when assessing the results, one must consider a maximum supply voltage distortion of 3% as specified in Clause C.2 If there is any uncertainty, a distortion-free supply should be utilized.
Figure 1 – Measurement of current waveform
The ballast shall be effectively screened against the influence of adjacent ferro-magnetic materials
Compliance is checked by the following test
The ballast operates at its rated voltage with a suitable lamp, and after stabilization, a 1 mm thick steel plate, larger than the ballast, is positioned 5 mm away from each face During this process, the lamp current is monitored, ensuring it does not vary by more than 2% due to the steel plate's presence.
Ignitors shall conform to the requirements of IEC 61347-2-1
12 Electrical requirements for ballasts for high-pressure mercury vapour lamps
Ballast setting
The ballast must ensure that the power supplied to a reference lamp is at least 92.5% and the current does not exceed 115% of the values provided by a reference ballast Both the reference ballast and the test ballast should operate at the same rated frequency and voltage.
For supply voltages ranging from 92% to 106% of the rated value, the power delivered by the ballast to the reference lamp must be between 88% of the power provided by the reference ballast at 92% voltage and 109% of the power delivered at 106% voltage.
The tests are conducted using the circuit illustrated in Figure 2, with switch S2 positioned upward and switch S1 alternately activating the lamp from the reference ballast and the ballast being tested.
When measuring lamp wattage, it is important to avoid making corrections for wattmeter consumption Instruments that are not in use should be either short-circuited or turned off Additionally, a method is being explored to facilitate the quick switching of the lamp between different ballasts.
Figure 2 – Circuit for testing ballasts for high-pressure mercury vapour and low-pressure sodium vapour lamps
Short-circuit current
When the ballast is supplied at any voltage between 92 % and 106 % of its rated voltage, the short-circuit current passed shall not exceed the values given in IEC 60188
The test circuit shown in Figure 2, is used with switch S 1 in the up position and switch S 2 in the down position.
Open-circuit voltage (minimum voltage for stable operation)
When operating a ballast within 92% to 106% of its rated voltage and at the specified frequency, it must deliver a voltage that meets or exceeds the standards outlined in IEC 60188.
13 Electrical requirements for ballasts for low-pressure sodium vapour lamps
Ballast setting
The ballast must restrict the current of a reference lamp to between 95% and 107.5% for circuits with a nominally sinusoidal lamp current waveform, such as inductive circuits For circuits with a nominally non-sinusoidal lamp current waveform, like constant wattage circuits, the current should also be maintained within the specified limits Both the reference ballast and the ballast being tested must operate at the same rated frequency and voltage.
For supply voltages ranging from 92% to 106% of the rated value, the current of a reference lamp must remain between 93% and 109.5% for circuits with a nominally sinusoidal lamp current waveform In contrast, for circuits with a nominally non-sinusoidal lamp current waveform, the current should also fall within the same percentage range when supplied at 92% and 106% of the rated voltage, respectively.
The test is conducted using the circuit illustrated in Figure 2, where switch S2 is positioned upward, and switch S1 alternates between operating the reference ballast lamp and the ballast being tested.
Short-circuit current and run-up conditions
For switch-start ballasts, the preheat current must not exceed the values specified in IEC 60192 when the ballast is supplied with a voltage ranging from 92% to 106% of its rated voltage.
The test circuit shown in Figure 2, is used with switch S 1 in the up position and switch S 2 in the down position
For starterless ballasts operating at 92% of the rated voltage, the output voltage must meet or exceed the values specified in Table 2 when tested with a non-inductive resistor load at the indicated test current.
1) For circuits with a non-sinusoidal lamp current waveform, a lower minimum current limit than that for the circuit with sinusoidal lamp current waveform is under consideration
2) For the purposes of this standard, a non-sinusoidal lamp current waveform is one with rapid current reversals
A method for specifying this current reversal is under consideration
3) For circuits with a non-sinusoidal lamp current waveform a lower minimum current limit than that for the circuit with sinusoidal lamp current waveform is under consideration
4) For the purposes of this standard a non-sinusoidal lamp current waveform is one with rapid current reversals A method for specifying this current reversal is under consideration
13.2.3 Relevant requirements for run-up conditions for ignitor circuits are under consideration.
Open-circuit voltage (minimum voltage for stable operation)
This clause is applicable to starterless ballasts only
When operating a ballast, it must function within a voltage range of 92% to 106% of its rated voltage and at the rated frequency, ensuring it delivers a voltage that meets or exceeds the standards outlined in IEC 60192 Additionally, the peak to root mean square (r.m.s.) voltage ratio should be no less than 1.4.
14 Electrical requirements for ballasts for metal halide lamps
Ballast setting
Requirements and tests are under consideration.
Short-circuit current and run-up conditions
The ballast shall comply with the relevant maximum values for inrush current given in relevant IEC publications If no data is available, then the lamp manufacturer shall be consulted
To ensure compliance with IEC 61167, the maximum peak inrush current of lamps must be verified according to the specifications in the relevant data sheets; if such data is unavailable, consultation with the lamp manufacturer is necessary This verification should be conducted using the designated test circuit, as illustrated in Figure 3.
Figure 3 – Lamp inrush-current test circuit b) Components
Supply: Mains impedance shall be sufficiently low, in order not to influence the measuring results
Rectifier: Mains rectifier, with forward voltage drop ≤2 V (e.g Diode BY249.600)
R lamp: The resistance across the lamp, R lamp , depends on lamp type and shall be calculated with the formula:
R lamp = 2 (V lamp nom /I lamp nom )
R shunt: During the test the voltage drop shall be ≤1 V
NOTE In North America, a current probe (inductive coil) may be used as an alternative to the shunt resistor c) Test procedure
The ballast under test shall have a winding temperature of (25 ± 5) °C
Measure the peak of the current within 3 s after connecting the mains
NOTE 1 Ignore the first switch-on current peak
NOTE 2 If it is necessary to test a ballast which has already been tested, the winding temperature of the ballast shall comply with the above-mentioned requirements d) Limit
The peak current at nominal supply voltage must not exceed the maximum value indicated in the corresponding lamp data sheets; if such data is unavailable, it is essential to consult the lamp manufacturer.
Open-circuit voltage (minimum voltage for stable operation)
Requirements and tests are under consideration
15 Electrical requirements for ballasts for high-pressure sodium vapour lamps
Ballast setting
The ballast must regulate the power supplied to a reference lamp, ensuring it operates within 95% to 105% of the specified lamp voltage as outlined in the IEC 60662 data sheet, compared to the values achieved with a relevant reference ballast.
The lamp power value at the objective lamp voltage should be derived from a graph that plots lamp power against lamp voltage, based on the results obtained from the test procedure outlined in section 15.1.2 (refer to Annex D for additional details).
The requirements of Annex C apply
The reference lamp shall be selected according to the requirements of Annex B
Using the relevant reference ballast, the lamp shall be started and allowed to run up
During the run-up period, it is essential to continuously record the lamp voltage and power, or at intervals not exceeding 5 V, until the voltage reaches the maximum limit specified in the IEC 60662 lamp data sheet In some cases, artificial methods may be required to achieve this maximum lamp voltage.
NOTE Methods of artificially raising lamp voltage are given in Annex F of IEC 60662
The same procedure shall be repeated, using the ballast under test, after a minimum off- period of 5 min has been observed to allow the lamp to cool
The results from both the reference ballast and the test ballast will be displayed in a graph, with lamp voltage represented on the horizontal axis and lamp power on the vertical axis (refer to Annex D).
Requirements for assessment at the limits of supply voltages specified in 8.6 of IEC 60662 are under consideration.
Short-circuit current
When the ballast operates within a voltage range of 92% to 106% of its rated voltage, the short-circuit current must meet or exceed the calibration current specified in IEC 60662.
The ratio of that ballast short-circuit current to the nominal current shall not exceed the values indicated in Table 3
Table 3 – Short-circuit current ratio
Open-circuit voltage
The ballast must operate within a voltage range of 92% to 106% of its rated voltage and at the specified frequency, ensuring it delivers a voltage that meets or exceeds the test voltage required for lamp starting, as outlined in the relevant lamp data sheet according to IEC 60662.
The reference ballast shall be provided with durable and legible marking as follows:
Fixed impedance reference ballasts must include the full term "Reference ballast," along with the identification of the responsible vendor or manufacturer, the serial number, the lamp type, rated wattage or lamp designation, and calibration current Additionally, they should specify the rated supply voltage and frequency.
Adjustable impedance reference ballasts must include the full term "Reference ballast," along with the identification of the responsible vendor or manufacturer Essential details such as the serial number, rated voltage(s) and frequency(ies), and the range of voltage/current ratios at the rated frequency(ies) should be provided Additionally, calibration current(s), maximum current per coil, and a connection diagram, if applicable, are necessary for comprehensive documentation.
A reference ballast consists of one or more self-inductive coil(s), with or without an additional resistor, designed to give the operating characteristics specified in the relevant lamp standard
The measurements to check reference ballast characteristic shall not be made on the reference ballast until steady temperature conditions are reached
Reference ballasts capable of having the voltage/current ratio varied may be used providing compliance with this annex is ensured
When the calibration current flows through the reference ballast, it produces a voltage/current ratio that must align with the values outlined in the corresponding lamp data sheet, allowing for a tolerance of ±0.5% at the calibration current For currents ranging from 50% to 115% of the calibration current, a deviation of ±3% from the impedance values specified in the lamp standard is acceptable.
Figure A.1 illustrates a standard testing circuit where no adjustments are necessary for the current drawn by the voltmeter, as long as the voltmeter's resistance meets the specifications outlined in C.5.1.
If the frequency (f) is not exactly the rated value (f n ), a correction to the measured voltage shall be applied in accordance with the following equation
Voltage at rated frequency (f n) = voltage at frequency (f) f f n
Figure A.1 – Recommended circuit for the measurement of voltage/current ratio of the reference ballast
Figure A.2 gives a typical circuit for the determination of the power-factor A suitable correction shall be made for instrument losses
Figure A.2 – Recommended circuit for the determination of power-factor of the reference ballast
A.2.4 Magnetic shielding or magnetic protection
To ensure accurate calibration, the ballast must be shielded from magnetic interference, ideally using a robust steel casing This protection should maintain the voltage-to-current ratio for the calibration current within a tolerance of 0.2% when subjected to a 12.5 mm thick plate of standard mild steel.
25 mm from any face of the ballast
The steel plate must be at least 25 mm larger than the corresponding projection of the enclosure and should be positioned symmetrically relative to each tested surface.
Moreover, it shall be protected against mechanical damage
A.2.5.1 Reference ballasts for lamps up to and including 125 W
At the appropriate calibration current, and at an ambient air temperature between 20 °C and
30 °C, the steady temperature-rise of the windings as determined by the change of resistance method shall not exceed 25 °C
During the heating period, all series or parallel resistors in the ballast must remain in the circuit; however, these resistors should be excluded when measuring resistance to assess temperature rise.
A.2.5.2 Reference ballasts other than those referred to in A.2.5.1
Reference ballasts for various discharge lamps that meet thermal requirements are typically large and costly Additionally, the power-factor variations caused by temperature increases during normal operation have minimal impact on lamp performance Therefore, appropriately selected production ballasts can be utilized as long as they adhere to the other stipulations outlined in this annex.
A lamp aged for a minimum of 100 hours is deemed a reference lamp if it meets specific characteristics when operated with an appropriate reference ballast, as outlined in Clause B.2.
B.1.1 High-pressure mercury, low-pressure sodium and metal halide lamps
The lamp wattage, voltage and current shall not deviate by more than 3 % from the values specified in the relevant IEC lamp data sheets
The lamp voltage must remain within 10% of the target voltage, and the power factor should not vary by more than 6% from the calculated values based on the specified power, current, and voltage in the relevant IEC 60662 lamp data sheet.
NOTE The lamp power factor is defined as the lamp wattage divided by the product of lamp voltage and lamp current
B.2 Operation and selection of reference lamps
Reference lamps shall be operated for a stabilizing period of at least 1 h in a draught-free atmosphere, at an ambient temperature of 25 °C ± 5 °C and in the position specified below
– High-pressure mercury vapour lamps which are designed to operate in any position shall be operated vertically with the cap upwards
– Low-pressure sodium vapour lamps with a U-shaped bulb shall be mounted with the axis slightly inclined to the horizontal with the cap uppermost; linear lamps shall be mounted horizontally
– High-pressure sodium lamps shall be mounted horizontally
– Metal halide lamps shall be mounted horizontally or vertically according to the manufacturer's instruction
Figure B.1 gives a recommended circuit for selecting reference lamps
When measuring the voltage or power of the lamp, the potential circuit of the instrument not in use shall be open
When measuring lamp watts, no correction shall be made for the wattmeter consumption (see note below) (the common connection being made on the lamp side of the current coil)
The lack of correction for the wattmeter's voltage circuit consumption is due to the load typically compensating for the lamp's reduced power consumption when connected in parallel To assess measurement accuracy, one can evaluate the compensation error by repeating measurements with different parallel load values This involves adding resistances in parallel and recording the wattmeter's power readings each time The results can then be extrapolated to ascertain the true wattage without any parallel load.
Figure B.1 – Recommended circuit for the selection of reference lamps
All measurements shall be made in a draught-free room at an ambient temperature within the range of 20 °C to 30 °C
C.2 Supply voltage a) Supply voltage and frequency
The reference ballast must match the nominal frequency of the ballast being tested Unless stated otherwise, each ballast should operate at its nominal frequency and rated supply voltage.
When a ballast is designated for multiple supply voltages, the lowest voltage within that range should be selected as the rated voltage Additionally, the stability of both supply voltage and frequency is crucial for optimal performance.
The supply voltage and frequency must remain stable within ±0.5% During actual measurements, the voltage should be fine-tuned to within ±0.2% of the designated test value Additionally, the waveform of the supply voltage is crucial for accurate testing.