Choice of Fluorescent Control Gear/Circuits
Most fluorescent luminaires manufactured by Cooper Lighting and Safety Ltd are available with a choice of control gear. There are three main electrical circuits to choose from, each with its own particular advantages.
Switch Start High Frequency
This is the simplest circuit and therefore most economical to purchase where the capital cost of the installation has to be kept to a minimum. The circuit consists of a magnetic copper/iron ballast, a capacitor and a glow starter canister. It is very important to replace defective starters to prevent gear overheating and damage. It is recommended that the starter is replaced whenever a new lamp is installed. This circuit type is available for many of the luminaires manufactured by Cooper Lighting and Safety Ltd. This circuit uses the latest electronic technology to give substantial benefits to the user. It provides all the benefits of electronic start - flicker free soft starting, extended lamp life, improved lumen maintenance and automatic shutdown of failed lamps. In addition the lamp is driven at high frequency, offering an instant energy saving of approximately 20% over the other circuits, using exactly the same lamps. High frequency circuits run at near unity power factor, reducing VA load and therefore cutting the electricity costs of users on maximum demand tariffs. Additionally, the light is perfectly flicker free. Flicker free lighting greatly reduces the incidence of headaches and eye strain, eliminates distractions and thus improves workplace quality and productivity. For production areas, high frequency lighting prevents the dangerous stroboscopic effects often experienced with switch start and electronic start circuits, when using rotating machinery. High frequency lighting is also completely silent in operation.
Digital High Frequency Regulating  
This circuit has all the advantages of high frequency, but with the added benefit of being able to dim and brighten (regulate) the lamps. This circuit is therefore used for lighting and energy management systems. As lamps are dimmed, either manually or automatically, such as in response to an increase in daylight detected by a photocell, the ballast energy consumption is reduced. Therefore, further energy saving cost benefits can be realised. Digital regulating ballasts also provide precision control of light output, superior to that experienced with conventional analogue regulating ballast types. All luminaires with Intellect intelligent controls, plus Cooper luminaires for use with the remote lighting controls are supplied fitted with digital high frequency control gear. Please contact our Technical Support and Application department for further information.  
Note - Switch start control gear should not be mixed on the same circuit as high frequency gear, as damage can result to the high frequency ballasts.