In-rush currents of electronic ballasts and compact fluorescent lamps affect lighting controls

The initial in-rush current drawn by many electronic loads during startup can be relatively large compared to nonelectronic loads. This is particularly true for electronic ballasts and compact fluorescent lamps because they are usually banked together and simultaneously switched on. The resulting in-rush of current may cause the lighting controls-such as occupancy sensors, toggle switches, energy management systems (EMS), and other relay-based equipment-to wear out and fail. This paper presents test results of in-rush currents and their effect on typical lighting controls for individual and banked electronic ballasts and compact fluorescent lamps. The paper also briefly discusses the effect of these in-rush currents on typical lighting controls and some mitigating measures.