Quartz-Restrike lamp for HID fixtures

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faresos

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Hello every one,

If we have specified the HID fixtures with quartz- restrike lamp, do we have to bring a separate 120V circuit to it or it comes with it's own step down transformer? lets say the fixture is rated at 480V/1-phase or 277, does it come with step down transformer from 480V pri (or 277V)-120V sec to power the quartz lamp or we have to bring an external 120V circuit to power this lamp? This is for generator application that is backing up an emergency light. Also, out of curiosity, does any one makes a battery pack for HID fixtures in case there was no generator nor inverter system?

Thanks in advance.
 
The fixture doesn't need two feeds. Everything will work from one power source, whatever voltage it is.

As far as I know, there is no such thing as a battery backup for a HID fixture. I specified them once assuming there was, and the electrician on that job told me he had never heard of such a thing. I doubt they have created them since then since most are leaning toward fluorescent anymore.

For that matter, why aren't you using fluorescent? More energy efficient, don't have to wait 10 minutes for it to come on, CAN get battery backup, better quality light (in my opinion),...
 
drbond24 said:
The fixture doesn't need two feeds. Everything will work from one power source, whatever voltage it is.

As far as I know, there is no such thing as a battery backup for a HID fixture. I specified them once assuming there was, and the electrician on that job told me he had never heard of such a thing. I doubt they have created them since then since most are leaning toward fluorescent anymore.

For that matter, why aren't you using fluorescent? More energy efficient, don't have to wait 10 minutes for it to come on, CAN get battery backup, better quality light (in my opinion),...
Click to expand...

Thanks for the quick response!

The reason I'm specifying this because the application is using 400MH to light up the lobby (the light shoots up), and thats what the architect wants to see. I always specify the fluorescent light in lieu of MH for this reason. So, are you saying I just need one hit to the fixture, is that means it comes with step down transformer already built-in to fixture?

Thanks,
 
faresos said:
Thanks for the quick response!

The reason I'm specifying this because the application is using 400MH to light up the lobby (the light shoots up), and thats what the architect wants to see. I always specify the fluorescent light in lieu of MH for this reason. So, are you saying I just need one hit to the fixture, is that means it comes with step down transformer already built-in to fixture?

Thanks,
Click to expand...

I've never had the pleasure of taking a HID apart to see what was inside, so I don't know about the step down transformer you are asking about. What I do know is that I've seen a gazillion (OK, maybe not quite that many) HID lights with quartz restrike and they just had a single power connection. I would think they would either run at the same voltage as the rest of the light or have a separate tap off of the ballast transformer if a different voltage is needed.

Really what you need to do is check the specification sheet for the particular fixture you will be using. Most lighting manufacturers have good websites where you can get this type of information.
 
drbond24 said:
As far as I know, there is no such thing as a battery backup for a HID fixture. I specified them once assuming there was, and the electrician on that job told me he had never heard of such a thing.
Click to expand...


Have you heard of Bodine's Arc Keeper Ballast? It's not a true battery back-up, as it only lasts 2 minutes, but it will keep the arc lit in an HID fixture during a power blip or until the generator gets up and running.
 
I think the 30 seconds number might be just for that particular model. Some of the others are 2 mins. And yes...they do indeed work. I spec them frequently, and I've never had any complaints. <crosses fingers>
 
The restrike is powered off of the 120 volt tap of the ballast, regardless of the input voltage. There is a module that monitors the hid lamp current or voltage ( don't really know which) which turns it off once the lamp is ignited. Not all "restrikes" are like this though, some are just halogen lamps added to the fixture which require an external source, such as a generator to power the quartz lamps alone.
 
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