Description

This Standard specifies performance requirements for ballasts of the reactive type (hereinafter referred to as 'ballasts') designed for use on a.c. supplies up to 1000V at 50 Hz associated with tubular fluorescent lamps, operated with or without a starter switch, and having rated wattages, dimensions and characteristics as specified in AS 1201.

It applies to complete ballasts and to their component parts, such as reactors, transformers and capacitors having a capacitance of not more than 0.1 mF, which are incorporated in the ballasts or supplied as separate elements essential to the functioning of ballasts in fluorescent lamp circuits.

Scope

NOTE: The committee which prepared this Standard has considered the preparation of a Standard for the performance requirements of electronic ballasts. However, the currently available information from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) requires further investigation and is only in a very early stage of development. An Australian Standard will not be prepared until the IEC draft is further progressed. In the interim period, and in the absence of a Standard for electronic ballasts, the appropriate clauses of this Standard may be applied to electronic ballasts.

This Standard does not apply to the following:

• (a) Ballasts designed for use with cold cathode fluorescent lamps, requirements for which are specified in AS 3143.
• (b) Capacitors which are incorporated in starters.
• (c) Ballasts of the resistance type.

This Standard prescribes requirements for the characteristics of ballasts which are essential to proper lamp operation and also for the satisfactory operation of the ballasts themselves in fluorescent lamp circuits. Safety requirements for ballasts are specified by reference to AS 3168 and AS 3100 (see Clause 4).

Note: Comprehensive requirements for capacitors having a capacitance greater than 0.1 mF, for use in discharge lamp circuits, are provided in AS 2644.