Voltage optimisers and lighting

[Brightspark2]

We had the same problem with discharge lighting in a warehouse (We didnt install the optimizer). High lamp failures and similiar voltage readings to you. Some manufacturers wouldn't even strike at all, some would.

In the end we turned it into bypass at the client request. It wasnt saving them any money anyway. About 5 years since and no more problems.

 

[Sintra]

I think I will suggest that to the client to either bypass the thing or turn it up a few notches.

 

[Richard Burns]

If you check the manufacturer /label of the ballasts then you should be able to find out the minimum voltage that is permitted at the lamp , if you then measure the actual voltage at the lamp connection points, if this is less than the given value you have your answer.

 

[Marvo]

Can you get info like make and model of the optimisers. I'd start by putting a scope or a tester with a wave analyzer on the output and check the wave shape and RMS value etc. It could be the reduced voltage but it could also be something waveform related.

 

[Sintra]

If you check the manufacturer /label of the ballasts then you should be able to find out the minimum voltage that is permitted at the lamp , if you then measure the actual voltage at the lamp connection points, if this is less than the given value you have your answer.

That's what I was thinking. Will post back tomorrow.

Can you get info like make and model of the optimisers. I'd start by putting a scope or a tester with a wave analyzer on the output and check the wave shape and RMS value etc. It could be the reduced voltage but it could also be something waveform related.

Can get make and model ok. As for a tester I would need to hire one in lol.

 

[Sintra]

I have a few pictures that I will attach later but basically the output of the optimiser is at 383V L-L and the fitting ballast states 240V +/- 6% lol.

 

[Marvo]

Hmmm, maybe it is a voltage issue then. Where I am the standard voltage is 380/220, it's not uncommon to see only 210v at the load but most European items run fine even though it's at the lower end of their voltage tolerance.

With problems like this I'd be tempted to bounce it back to the customer and tell them to sort it out with the designers of the optimisation installation.

 

[Sintra]

Well here are the pics of this stupid box and ballast rating. Looking at the data plate it seems to be set to 5% 380V so turning it up a bit is not an option.

 

[Silly Sausage]

Immediate observation, 240 - 6% > 383 / sqrt 3.

 

[Paul.M]

Anything with a CE mark on it made from 1990 can be run on 220V. If the voltage is below this, it is automatically is going against manufacturers instructions!

Basically the Optimisers are a big dimmer switch, and they always work without any problems lol.

As said above, get the lighting circuits off the Optimisers. End of re-lamping every week. Good luck Sintra.