HID harmonics

[jslatter770]

HID ballasts can cause harmonics in an electrical system. I have a couple of questions. One, when should a designer be concerned? In other words, how many ballasts in a system would start to cause problems. The second question, if there is a significant reduction in power quality, can this cause premature failure of ballasts, lamps, or transformers?

 

[charlie tuna]

yes they can--- i have never come across hamonics causing problems in hid equipment nor their supply panels!!!

 

[jslatter770]

I have encountered a situation in which the HID ballasts and lamps are failing prematurely. High temperatures do not seem to be the problem because of several feet of space above the installation and temperature readings that appear to be normal. Harmonics have been measured, that is what generated the questions.

 

[robbietan]

HID ballasts (those of I know anyway) have harmonic ratings for themselves. better check them out