Ignition device

All lamps that cannot be switched on with the mains voltage coming from the socket requires a ignition device. These include high-pressure reduction lamps such as halogen metal steam lamps or sodium steam high-pressure lamps. In order to make them shine, a certain ignition voltage is required between 1 kv and 5 kV depending on the power. A ignition device is used for this, unless it is internal lamps that do not need external detonators.

There are two different types of ignition devices: on the one hand the overlay ignition devices and on the other hand impulse ignition devices. The former contain a built -in transformer that creates short high -voltage impulses. The ignition device must be attached close to the lamp, whereby it can also be integrated directly into the lamp due to its small size.

In contrast, impulse ignition devices do not contain a transformer, but they are combined with ballasts, which must be particularly suitable for such cooperation. It is the ballast that raises the voltage to the required ignition value. High-quality combinations of ballasts and impulse ignition devices often contain a digital ignition time limiter, which prevents the cyclical on and off of the lights at the end.