What Is a Fluorescent Lamp Electronic Ballast?
A fluorescent lamp electronic ballast is a type of transformer that supplies stable current and voltage to a fluorescent lamp, controlling it to emit a consistent light.
Fluorescent lamps, utilizing a discharge phenomenon, require a momentary high voltage during ignition and stable current for operation after ignition. Typically, coils are employed in fluorescent lamp electronic ballasts, inducing a high electromotive force in the coil to facilitate the discharge phenomenon and promote ignition.
Furthermore, fluorescent lamps exhibit an increase in current when directly connected to the power source due to their discharge characteristics. To prevent this, the ballast, after ignition, interrupts currents exceeding a certain level, acting like a choke coil. While in operation, components of the fluorescent lamp electronic ballast may undergo wear and tear due to factors such as temperature rise. Their lifespan is approximately 10 years, and malfunctioning can lead to issues such as leakage current.