Q What is the induction lamp system and how does induction lighting work?
A The induction lamp system uses a technology of light generation that combines the basic principles of induction and gas discharge. Void of electrodes this technology delivers 100,000 hours of high quality white light.

Q What are the components of the system?

A The system is comprised of three components; the driver (ballast), the power coupler and lamp.

Q Why Induction Lighting?

A Induction lighting systems offer five to ten times the life of HID systems for only two to three times the cost of the HID lamp and driver. It offers crisp white light with 80+ CRI which makes colors look brighter, more vibrant and more attractive. In almost all cases the payback in maintenance savings will more than offset the additional cost of the initial system.

Q When testing for lumen output what is the required pre warm up time?

A Typically 4 hour of pre warm up time is needed.

The lumen output for induction lighting depends on the mercury vapor pressure in the lamp which in turn is determined by the ambient temperature. These lamps use an amalgam system which results in low mercury vapor pressure before starting. However, an auxiliary amalgam is located in the discharge to ensure fast lumen run-up. When turned on, this auxiliary amalgam heats up, releasing mercury into the discharge. Light output quickly peaks and then dips slightly as mercury vapor pressure increases above optimum. After a few minutes, the mercury begins to go back to the main amalgam. The time required for thermal equilibrium depends on ambient temperature, fixture design.

Q What is the typical lumen maintenance?

A The lumen output of the induction lamp is expected to have depreciated after 60,000 hours to no less than 70% of the initial rated lumens.

When a fluorescent lamp is new, its light output is at the maximum.  As the lamp operates, various processes (plasma, chemical, and thermal) within the lamp causes a gradual reduction of its lumen output.  The degree to which the actual light output decreases with operating time is referred to as lumen maintenance.

Q How long will induction last?

A Induction lighting  systems are designed to have an average rated life of 100,000 hours at a maximum driver case temperature of 149°F/ 65°C.  After 100,000 hours 50% of the drivers will be surviving. (At 60,000 hours, 10% failures are expected.)

Q What type of gas is used inside of the lamp?

A Argon

Q Can running a lamp interfere with computers or any other electronic device?

A No. It runs at 250KHz which complies with FCC rules with no interference under normal circumstances.

Q Which way should the lamp be orientated?

A An induction lamp can be operated in any position. In most cases though, the lamp should be mounted with the amalgam tip in the downward position.  Because operating position has a slight effect on the amalgam tip temperature this should be considered when mounting the fixture.

Q Is the induction lamp system vibration-resistant?

A Yes. The fact that induction lamps have no electrodes make them more reliable in high-vibration and gusty applications. The induction lamp system has proven its durability in bridges, tunnels, and signage applications.

Q How far can the HF generator be remotely mounted from the power coupler/discharge vessel assembly?

A 6 feet

Q How to handle system disposal?
A Lamp: Although a very small amount of mercury is used, it is recommended to treat the lamp as small chemical waste. The lamp can be recycled together with other low-pressure mercury discharge lamps. Follow local regulations for disposal of this type of light source.

Driver: This component is a RoHS compliant electronic device, which can be disposed of with normal care. It is recommended to dispose of the driver as normal electronic waste, according to local regulations.

Q Is the light output of an induction lamp affected by temperature?

A The lamp's amalgam fill technology allows for output over a wide range of ambient temperatures, maintaining at least 85% of nominal lumens from -30° F to 130° F.

Q  What are the system Max temperature limits?

A Driver: temperature should never exceed 149°F (65°C).  Thus to maximize system life, ambient temperature of the driver should be kept as low as possible.

Lamp: temperature of the lamp mounting base of the induction core should never exceed 212°F (100°C).

A Amalgam tip: temperature must be within the range of 131°F to 257°F (55°C to 125°C) for optimal light output.

Q What is the minimum starting temperature?

A Higher wattages can start as low as 40°F (-40°C). While the lower wattages need to a minimum starting temperature of -13°F/-25°C.

Q How is induction effected by humidity?

A Induction can handle air humidity of up to 95%. 

Q Does voltage supply fluctuations effect the performance of the induction system?

A The built-in pre-conditioner (+/- 20V ) in the generator provides for a stable internal supply voltage. Light output, consumed power and system efficacy vary by less than 2% as a result of voltage fluctuations.