Universal ballast

[siva]

Hi
For fluorescent light fittings we are using universal ballasts.In voltage specification it is mentioned that 120-240-280 V.My understanding is that we can use this ballast in various voltages like 120 or 230 etc.But our contractor saying that we can use this ballast for 200 V also.The issue is that the circuit is 240 V,50 hz,more than 600 feet long.voltage drop will be more than 20 V(they don't want to change the wire size..).can we use the universal ballast for this ckt with out any problem?please advice..
Thanks
Siva

 

[steve66]

Re: Universal ballast

The universal voltage ballasts I am familiar with self-adjust to the applied voltage. So you can apply anything between 120 V and 280V, and the ballast will adjust its output to what the lamp needs.

I think what you describe will work without any problems. But two things to watch for:

As the applied voltage (at the ballast) goes down, the ballast will pull more current to keep the same output power. This could overload circuits that are heavily loaded. It also places a limit on how much voltage drop you can allow (since the additional current causes an even greater voltage drop, which causes more current....).

You will still have 10% voltage lost in the wires. That means you will be paying for electricity that is just lost in the wiring. Not a big problem if its one light in a shed that is only seldom used. But if we are talking about a large office full of lights used all day every day, then the amount of power (and money) wasted will add up.

I'm never have to deal with 50hz, but I assume you are using a ballast intended for 50 hz.

Steve

[ January 19, 2005, 09:29 AM: Message edited by: steve66 ]

 

[rattus]

Re: Universal ballast

Are the universal ballasts electronic? Seems that would be the case if they automatically adjust to the line voltage.

 

[physis]

Re: Universal ballast

(since the additional current causes an even greater voltage drop, which causes more current....).

This sounds very interesting over that 600'.

I'd think a current check after loading up a circuit like this would definately be in order.

 

[physis]

Re: Universal ballast

Back in the days that I had thousands of product catologs at my finger tips I think I could have bought just about any transformer I could think up.

Can't the voltage drop be handled by a transformer chosen for the situation? What's the NEC have to say about it?

 

[sceepe]

Re: Universal ballast

Ok maybe you can get the lights to work out. But a word of caution, are there any other loads at the end of the 600 feet run? You could have problems with low voltage to many appliances, even plug in devices.

Also, If your at 50 hz, your not from around here but you might want to check your energy code. Ashrae (in my area) limits voltage drop to 2% in feeders and 3% in branch circuits. IECC is something similar. The correct solution is to upsize the wire