CARING FOR PULSE START METAL HALIDE SYSTEMS

Pulse Start MH lamps are designed without a starting electrode and thus require an external ignitor in the ballast circuit. This ignitor provides about a 4kV pulse to start the lamp by ionizing the gas between the two main electrodes within the arc tube and initiating the arc. High pressure sodium lamps which have been used for many years, employ a similar external ignitor with a lower energy pulse that is typically about 2.5 - 3kV.

Lamp cycling, failed lamps and empty lamp sockets are all conditions that cause continuous operation of an ignitor. Prolonged, continuous operation of an ignitor for weeks or months degrades ballast insulation, reduces ballast life and will eventually lead to total ballast failure. Since pulse-start MH ignitors produce more pulse energy in these abnormal conditions, pulse-start MH systems require more timely maintenance action than HPS systems. Best practice is the immediate replacement of failed lamps to prolong ballast life and to maintain luminaire performance. Hubbell Lighting recommends a routine lamp replacement process prior to lamps failing (at estimated end of life).

Caring for Pulse Start MH Systems

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