Do metal halide lamps need igniters?
Pulse-start metal-halide bulbs don’t contain a starting electrode which strikes the arc, and require an ignitor to generate a high-voltage (1–5 kV on cold strike, over 30 kV on hot restrike) pulse to start the arc. Electronic ballasts include the igniter circuit in one package.
What is the function of Ignitor?
Ignitors An ignitor is a starting device that generates voltage pulses to start a discharge lamp.
Can you use a 250 watt bulb in a 400 watt ballast?
Yes, but that current is to high for the 250-watt lamp.
Do metal halide bulbs require ballast?
Metal halide (MH) ballasts are required to start the lamp, regulate the lamp starting and lamp operating currents, and provide appropriate sustaining supply voltage. MH lamp voltage typically increases over time, and the ballast must continue to provide sufficient voltage to the lamp as it ages.
How does a metal halide ignitor work?
MH lamps start when their ballast supplies a high starting voltage higher than those normally supplied to the lamp electrodes through a gas mixture in the arc tube. The gas in the MH arc tube must be ionized before current can flow and start the lamp.
What are the symptoms of a bad igniter?
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Ignition Ignitor
- Engine misfires and decrease in power, acceleration, and fuel efficiency. One of the first symptoms of an issue with the vehicle’s igniter is engine performance issues.
- Check Engine Light comes on.
- Car is not starting.
How many lumens does a 250 watt metal halide put out?
8,000 lumens
250 watt halides require about 8,000 lumens. This is typically about a 60-80 watt fixture or 80 -100 watt corn bulb.
Can you touch metal halide bulb?
You should be extremely careful never to get skin oils or anything else on a small MH lamp (the small ones are around the size of a fingertip or so). This will definitely harm the lamp and can cause premature failure.