The following data shows the extremely high start up currents and running watts on standard new magnetic Core and coil ballasts within Australia. Brands A and B are some of the most widely used ballasts in the country! Older used ballasts have an even higher start up current and wattage use, making them even more inefficient!
|
Amps |
Watts |
| |
Startup |
Min |
Max |
Min |
Max |
| Lumatek 600 watt |
1.95 |
2.47 |
2.58 |
611.7 |
614.7 |
| Brand 'A' 600 watt |
4.85 |
3.25 |
3.30 |
707.7 |
749.7 |
| Brand 'B' 600 watt |
3.82 |
2.90 |
3.01 |
639.1 |
707.8 |
| Supercharge 600 watt |
3.30 |
2.75 |
2.92 |
613.0 |
665.8 |
This data shows why so many customers blow their Timer contacts and mains fuses when only igniting 2 x 600w lights at the same time. While the digitals can be ignited at up to 4 lights at a time off a single 10amp fuse or timer!
Also when connecting large numbers of ballasts you can you can turn on (or stagger) many more lights at a time more frequently because they reach full output within aproximately 2 minutes (not 20 minutes like magnetics).
Another thing that happens with larger setups is when connecting multiple ballasts your power voltage drops as you use more lights, which means you lose light output .
When using low power lumatek Digitals your voltage output will not be effected ensuring full lamp brightness.
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