Multiple Source Conducted & Radiated EMI from Electronic Fluorescent Lighting Systems

A major concern about the operation of electronic lighting systems is the emanation of conducted and radiated EMI. Lighting products have traditionally been marketed in massive quantities, and it was conceivable that EMI emissions from a large number of sources could produce noise levels many orders of magnitude greater than levels generated by a single source. An experimental study was performed at the Fluorescent and High Intensity Systems Department of the General Electric Company to investigate the effects of multiple sources of EMI on the resultant interference generated. Two test sites illuminated via electronic fluorescent lighting systems were chosen for evaluation of multiple source conducted interference--an actual installation site and a laboratory environment. Radiated electric field experiments were performed at the actual installation site. Test results indicate an asymptotic increase in conducted emanations in the multiple source systems under examination. The multiple source effects in the radiated E-field experiments are shown to be minimal in terms of a potential interference receptor.