Initially, the ballast provides a high voltage charge to ‘strike’ or ‘ionize’ the mercury. Then, once the mercury is ionized, the ballast reduces the voltage and amperage required to keep the mercury ionized and emit a stable stream of UV light. These lamps generate a specific wavelength to cure the inks or coatings.
Do you need a ballast for UV light?
The uvc light ballast ramps up the input voltage and has an output voltage high enough to spark the lamp. A ballast is needed due to the construction of the lamps , they have negative resistance between the two electrodes. Additionally, a large voltage difference between the electrodes is needed to spark the lamp.
How long do UV light ballast last?
UV lamps should be replaced once every 12 months. UV lamps have a lifespan of approximately 9,000 hours . Calculated out, this means the lamp can operate for about 375 days before requiring a replacement.
How do fluorescent light ballasts work?
In a fluorescent lighting system, the ballast regulates the current to the lamps and provides sufficient voltage to start the lamps . ... Once the arc is established, the ballast quickly reduces the voltage and regulates the electric current to produce a steady light output.
Can you use a fluorescent ballast for an ultraviolet or germicidal bulb?
In many cases, a fluorescent ballast can run a range of UVC light bulbs. In most cases, the germicidal bulbs the fluorescent ballast is compatible with will not be on the spec sheet.
Do I need to remove ballast for LED lights?
A ballast regulates the current that’s coming at a lamp. ... A ballast for Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights is not required – instead a driver is required. There are two types of ballasts we deal with for existing fluorescent lights- magnetic and electronic.
Does a UV light use a lot of electricity?
Currently, most of these lamps operate at 300 to 600 watts per inch with some newer systems using lamps that generate up to 1000 watts per inch. So a 30 inch UV bulb may be capable of an output of 30,000 watts.
How often should UV light be replaced?
Typically, a UV lamp being used primarily to disinfect the air circulating through a home or small office should be replaced every 9000 hours or approximately every 12 months .
Is UV light for AC worth it?
Ultraviolet light for air conditioners is safe and brings many other added benefits. ... Installing UV light for ac units increases efficiency and can significantly lower energy bills. Keep in mind that when your cooling system uses less energy, not only does it save you money, it helps the environment as well.
How much does UV light cost?
Coil UV lights have a light cost ranging between $60-$285 , an installation cost ranging between $100-$225, a lamp cost between $10-$60 and an energy cost between $15-$30.
How long do electronic ballasts last?
According to the Certified Ballast Manufacturers Association, the average magnetic ballast lasts about 75,000 hours, or 12 to 15 years with normal use.
How do I know if I have a T8 or T12 ballast?
If no markings are available, the size in diameter of the tube is the easiest way to determine the type you have installed. T8 tubes are 1-inch in diameter and T12 tubes are 1 1/2 -inch .
How can you tell if a fluorescent light ballast is bad?
- Buzzing. If you hear a strange sound coming from your bulbs or light fixture, like a buzzing or humming noise, that’s often a sign your ballast is going. ...
- Dimming or flickering. ...
- No lights at all. ...
- Changing colors. ...
- Swollen casing. ...
- Burn marks. ...
- Water damage. ...
- Leaking oil.
Can I put a UV light bulb in a regular lamp?
For a regular G4T5 lamp, many ballasts that run F4T5 bulbs will work. But for complicated, high-output, amalgam UV lamps, only a few manufacturers make ballasts for those and they are highly specialized.
Can you use a UV light bulb in a regular lamp?
Although few light sources produce no UV at all, most bulbs fall well within accepted safe limits . In particular, incandescent, LED and sodium vapor bulbs all emit very small amounts of UV radiation. ... The coiled bulb’s internal phosphor coating can crack, allowing small amounts of UV light to pass through.
How many amps does a UV light use?
11 X 14 8 – 1′′ diameter tubes 120 VAC – 2.2 Amps – 265 Watts 11 X 14 HO 8 – 1′′ diameter tubes 120 VAC – 3.3 Amps – 400 Watts 14 X 16 12 – 1′′ diameter tubes 120 VAC – 3.3 Amps – 400 Watts 14 X 16 HO 12 – 1′′ diameter tubes 120 VAC – 4.5 Amps – 540 Watts 18 X 20 12 – 11⁄2” diameter tubes 120 VAC – 3.3 Amps – 400 Watts 18 X ...
