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BIRNS Corona-- Frequently Asked Questions
What current is drawn by the BIRNS Corona ballast? What is the maximum distance between the BIRNS Corona and the Model 3802 Wet/Dry Ballast? Are ballasts available that provide for greater distance from the BIRNS Corona fixture? Can I operate the BIRNS Corona without the ballast? What function does the ballast serve? Why does the light output color change while the BIRNS Corona is warming up? Can the ballast operate in-air indefinitely? What are the weights of each item in the BIRNS Corona system? What are the packed dimensions of the BIRNS Corona components? The available input voltages for the BIRNS Wet/Dry Ballast (Model 3802) are 120 ("default"), 208, 240, and 277 VAC, 60 Hz. Note: If the input voltage is not otherwise specified at the time of ordering, the Ballast (Model 3802) will be wired for 120 VAC, 60 Hz. The ballast "pulls" different amounts of current depending on the input voltage, but the maximum pull is 3.8 amps, operating on 120 VAC. The standard Model 3802 BIRNS Wet/Dry Ballast may be situated a maximum distance of ten feet (3m) away from the lamp. Yes, a long-range ("remote") ballast assembly is available, which can be situated up to seventy-five feet (23m) away from the lamp. Model numbers are: No, it is not possible to operate the BIRNS Corona without a ballast. The ballast incorporates an electronic starter circuit working in conjunction with a magnetic component; together, they serve a starting function for the HPSV lamp. The starter supplies a high-voltage, high-frequency pulse on each cycle or half cycle of the supply voltage to ionize the starting gas and initiate the starting sequence of the lamp. Yes, it is entirely normal for the light output color to change during ionization of the starting gas and the starting sequence of the lamp. Once started, the lamp warms up to full light output, during which time the color output changes. Initially, there is a very dim, bluish-white glow produced by ionized xenon which is quickly replaced by a typical blue, brighter mercury light. With an increase in brightness, there is an abrupt change to monochromatic yellow which is characteristic of sodium at low pressure. Then, as the pressure in the arc tube increases, the lamp comes to full brightness with a golden white light. The warm-up time is usually 3-4 minutes, while the restrike time (after momentary interruption of power) is usually less than one minute. The Model 3802 Wet/Dry Ballast was designed for use by operating commercial nuclear power generating facilities, for continuous use underwater or for short-term use in air. The Ballast generates elevated internal temperatures which, if sustained over time, will reduce the life of its internal capacitor and ignitor. The capacitor is rated for 60,000 hours of continuous duty at average operating temperatures of 90oC, but each 6.5oC rise over 90oC reduces capacitor life by 50%. Depending on the ambient conditions, the ballast's internal temperature can rise to as high as 116oC. Therefore, although the Model 3802 Wet/Dry Ballast can indeed operate in air for indefinite periods, doing so will limit its service life to approximately six months. The in-air weights of the main components in the BIRNS Corona system are: We pack these items within polystyrene packing inside cardboard cartons. Model 5220 and Model 3802 are packed inside solid polystyrene packing; cables are packed in loose-fill polystyrene packing. Carton dimensions are: |