An automatic fluorescent lamp detection method without igniting the lamps

With the development of lighting industry, electronic ballasts bring convenience as well as electronic wastes. Besides, huge amount of power ratings and types increase the burden on designing ballasts and the possibility of mismatching. In this paper, a simple fluorescent lamp detection method for universal ballast is proposed based on measuring the filament resistances during preheating process. Moreover, varied preheating frequencies are used to make sure that the differences between the nearest lamps are obvious enough. The test results with a range of T8 and T5-HE lamps present the differences are evident to detect. In order to prevent ignition in detection process and ensure normal operation, the control strategy is carried out. As opposed to the conventional techniques, it doesn't need igniting the lamps. Thus, operating in improper power ratings could be avoided. Finally, the experimental results have validated the effect of the proposed method.