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Like all discharge lamps, fluorescent lamps cannot be operated directly on mains voltage because of their negative internal resistance characteristics. Suitable control gear between the mains supply and the lamp limits and controls the lamp current and ensures reliable starting under specific conditions. [1] The advantage of high frequency (HF) controls is that the HF electronic control gear uses less than half the energy required by conventional wire-wound types and it allows the lamp to run at a lower wattage for similar light output as the efficacy of a fluorescent tube increases at high frequency.
Installing lighting equipment with high frequency controls can result in the reduction of 20% to 30% in the electricity required to run the lamps when compared with luminaires using ‘normal’ magnetic ballasts. [2] Hence, controls incorporating high frequency ballasts improve the energy efficiency of fluorescent lamps slightly but are perhaps more important as an increased source of comfort since they reduce flicker.
High frequency ballasts furthermore offer the following advantages:
In the following section a lamp containing high frequency ballast is introduced as suitable equipment for construction villages.
HF Fitting Single With Diffuser 2 40V 240V, High power factor, fitting for commercial and industrial use. [4] Price: £ 67.87
It should be noted that Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs) apply to the installation of high frequency ballasts. ECAs allow the cost of selected energy efficient equipment and its installation to be written of against Corporation Tax in the year of purchase. This can result in significant reduction in the cost of installing energy efficient lighting.
(1) (1) www.osram.com/lightatwork/light_room/optimaleslicht/steuerung.html (2) Energy Saving Trust, Energy Efficiency Best Practice in Housing – Energy efficient lighting; March 2004 (3) Commission of the European Communities, Energy Efficient Lighting in Buildings, Directorate-General for Energy (DGXVII) (4) http://homewares.abcaz.co.uk/4_887/fluorescent-lights.html
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