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#TB107.1 September 1, 2005 Inrush Information

Electronic Ballasts and Inrush Current

Inrush current caused by electronic ballasts is an important factor in determining the long term reliability of lighting systems. When considering the operational life span of automatic wall switch sensors or power packs, one of the most commonly affected components is the relay. Inrush current can overwhelm the current capacity of a relay, fusing the contacts over time and leaving the switch permanently ON. Not only is inrush capable of damaging the relay, but also other components of a lighting system. What is inrush current? Inrush current occurs when a ballast is first switched on. It is always much higher than the normal operating current, at times 100 or more times the operating current. Electronic ballasts are the principal cause of this current, and the level of inrush current depends on the form of power factor correction. All electronic ballasts contain large capacitors to store energy that help provide the lamp with a constant supply of energy. When the switch is turned on, the capacitor pulls current from the line to charge itself, causing inrush current to occur. Electronic ballasts Electronic ballasts come in different configurations. There are two high power factor corrected ballasts: active and passive. Both of these types of ballasts require current to charge the capacitor, however, the different values of their respective circuit components yield different levels of inrush current. Active power factor ballasts tend to require levels of inrush current that can be potentially damaging to a relay and the lighting system. Passive power factor ballasts have larger inductors and do not cause high levels of inrush. Due to their large inductors, they are prone to transient voltage arcing that occurs at switch-off, which can cause damage to the insulation and potentially, the components of the ballast. Effects of inrush current Watt Stoppers zero crossing circuitry provides a solution to the problem of inrush current by making sure that switching occurs at or near zero voltage. At zero voltage, the AC current in ballasts is not at its peak (90 phase). Switching when voltage is at or near zero protects the relays in occupancy sensors and power packs, which in turn extends their operating life. Zero crossing circuitry, by enhancing reliability and reducing stress on other lighting system components, provides a comprehensive solution to the problems of inrush current. The effects of inrush extend to many elements of the lighting system. For example, the relay of a wall switch is generally not capable of handling high levels of inrush current. Often, relays are rated to handle only 10 times the normal operating current, not the extremely high levels of inrush current associated with electronic ballasts (i.e., up to 100 or more times the normal operation current). Relay contacts can

Watt Stopper/Legrand 2800 De La Cruz Blvd Santa Clara CA 95050 800.879.8585 www.wattstopper.com

Watt Stopper/Legrand Technical Bulletin Issue: #TB107.1 Date: September 1, 2005

fuse from repeated exposure to these high levels of inrush current.

Actual Ballast Measurement - 2 Lamp, 277V Inrush Current at 90 Phase Angle 35.4A at approx. 400V
30

Amps

20

10

4 msec

Watt Stoppers zero crossing circuitry provides a solution to the problem of inrush current by making sure that switching occurs at or near zero voltage. At zero voltage, the AC current in ballasts is not at its peak (90 phase). Switching when voltage is at or near zero protects the relays in occupancy sensors and power packs, which in turn extends their operating life. Zero crossing circuitry, by enhancing reliability and reducing stress on other lighting system components, provides a comprehensive solution to the problems of inrush current.

Watt Stopper/Legrand 2800 De La Cruz Blvd Santa Clara CA 95050 800.879.8585 www.wattstopper.com