Reducing the uncertainty in fluorescent lamp/ballast system compatibility

The traditional method of life testing for fluorescent lamps is to determine the median operating hours until failure for a large sample of lamps, when operated on a 3 hours on and 20 minutes off cycle. This method may take 3 years to get results. Because many new fluorescent lighting products have been introduced and many new manufacturers have entered the marketplace, the compatibility of fluorescent lamp/ballast system is of concern for manufacturers, specifiers, and end-users, who cannot wait 3 years to determine compatibility. To address this issue, some researchers have tried to develop methods to predict whether or not lamp/ballast combination will be compatible. This paper reviews different methods used to predict fluorescent lamp life, and discusses the importance of developing a reliable method for predicting fluorescent lamp/ballast compatibility. A pilot study using X-ray fluorescence is summarized, to demonstrate the potential of using this technique to better characterize the nature of the lamp/ballast system.