Electronic ballasts

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

  1. Why is there space in a more compact casing for PC Basic?
    • All electronic ballasts in the PC Basic series are designed for a total output of ≤ 25 W. For this restriction IEC 61000-3-2 allows higher THD values (Total Harmonic Distortion). It is therefore possible to do without a PFC (power factor corrector) and have a very compact casing.

  2. What are the approved lamp/ECG combinations?
  3. The lamp/ECG combination you require is not in the lamp matrix. Can this combination still be used?

      See lamp matrix

  4. Do non-dimmable ECGs have to be earthed?
    • Non-dimmable electronic ballasts from Tridonic do not have to be earthed and are suitable for protection class 2 luminaires. Earthing of electronic ballasts is recommended however to optimise the EMC behaviour of the luminaire.

  5. Insulation testing of luminaires



  6. What is the IP rating of the Tridonic devices?
    • IP ratings are given in the relevant data sheet.

  7. How many ECGs can be connected to an automatic circuit breaker?
    • You will find this information in the relevant data sheet.

  8. Which ECGs have which approval marks/certificates?
  9. What are the guarantee conditions for Tridonic products?
  10. How does the Intelligent Voltage Guard (IVG) protect the ECG?
    • Intelligent Voltage Guard is the new electronic monitor from Tridonic. If the voltage rises above or below certain thresholds it immediately indicates that there must be a fault on the ac supply side. Countermeasures to prevent any damage to the operating devices can then be taken without any delay.
      • If a mains voltage of 306 V is exceeded the lamps will start flashing on and off
      • This signal “demands” that the entire lighting circuit be switched off
      • If the mains voltage falls below 150 V the devices automatically switch off the lamp circuit to potect the operating devices against damage

  11. What are the permitted lamp cable lengths?

  12. How can I improve the EMC behaviour of my luminaire?
    • RI suppression:
      • Do not route power cables along the ECG or the lamps
      • Twist the lamp cables
      • Keep lamp cables well away from earthed metal surfaces
      • Twist the power cable in the case of through-wiring
      • Keep the power cable short within the luminaire.

  13. What is “automatic shutdown”?
    • In the event of a lamp fault the ballast switches off and goes into standby mode. An automatic restrike takes place immediately after relamping.

  14. What is the correct procedure for detaching a wire in a terminal?
    • Please see the technical documentation Disconnect wires at plug-in contacts of IDC terminal.

  15. Can a single lamp be operated on a 2-lamp ECG?
    • No.
      All dimmable and non-dimmable electronic ballasts always shut down all lamps if a lamp is not working correctly or is not connected.

  16. How harmful is it to exceed the allowed secondary cable length?
    • The cable length has no influence on the light output. An overly long cable length however leads to capacitive currents too high to earth. This can cause undefined ballast shut-down and decreased heating current, which will have negative influence on the life time of the lamp. Additionally starting problems can occur and the EMC behaviour is worse.

      Short summary: Don't exceed the maximum allowed cable length. (the length of the wires is not really the issue, the capacitance of the wires is what counts (depends on wire type). Typical value is 1 m = 100 pF (varying from  wire type to wire type). As it is almost impossible to measure the wire capacitance we recommend to calculate with 1 m.)

  17. If a lamp connected to a 2-lamp or multi-lamp device goes out does the other or others continue to work?
    • No.

  18. What is the difference between warm start and cold start technologies?
    • Warm start:

      Cold start:

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