Harmonic and electrical characteristics of fluorescent ballasts

This paper highlights the results of laboratory experiments revealing how the power factor, active power, current, THD of the current and voltage waveforms and lamp intensity vary significantly under full load tests operating at different voltage levels (e.g. start-up voltage, normal, overvoltage and undervoltage) and clearly show the significant changes in a ballast's harmonic current levels and its total harmonic distortion when different lighting lamps are used in the "lighting" circuits. The peak, RMS and crest factor of the current on each circuit in the Cameron Library was measured to determine the characteristics of the lighting circuits. Some of these results are presented and discussed. The results of the study can be used by industrial and commercial facilities in making decisions regarding magnetic and electronic ballast-lamp combinations which meet their operating and economical specifications.