Catalog Pg. 80

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DC Ballasts and Lighting Controls

DC Compact Fluorescent Fixture and Ballast Warranty and Installation Notes

Following are a few tips for achieving the longest bulb and ballast life:

Low Voltage

The number one problem a DC ballast has is low voltage. A 12 volt DC ballast may require up to 10 times the operating current to start the lamp. If the wire is too small or the voltage is too low, the lamp will not be able to get the necessary current to start and then a low voltage condition will exist. The lamp will work fine for a while but will soon start showing signs of failure.

If the lamp fails to start instantly it will place a high current load on the ballast.

If this load remains too long it can over heat the ballast and cause premature ballast failure.

End of Lamp Life

When a bulb is showing signs of hard starting it needs to be replaced. If you notice black areas around the base, or a violet glow at the base of the glass for more than a few seconds while starting, its time to replace the bulb.

Fluorescent bulbs do not like to be turned on and off frequently in a short amount of time. The 10,000 hour life rating is based on a minimum of three hours on time. If the bulb is on for shorter periods of time, its life will be reduced. Areas where lights are on for only a few minutes will use up bulbs much faster than when they are used for a longer period of time. We recommend using quartz halogen or even incandescent bulbs where lights are being constantly turned on and off.

LIT Ballasts

The "Best" DC Ballast Yet

Light It Technology of Montana specialize in every type of DC lighting. Most of our DC fixtures are made by them. Now they have come out with their own line of DC ballasts. These ballasts were designed to operate with the new S/E and T/E electronic tubes. All LIT ballasts start instantly with no flicker and operate at high frequency without noise or radio interference. All LIT ballasts have a one year warranty. These ballasts should last for 45,000 hours.

Low Wattage Ballasts

These ballasts now power 5 through 13 watt tubes. They only draw the current necessary to power each wattage. In other words they are about 98% efficient across their operating range.

Dimensions: Length 2",Width 1 7/8",Height 1"

854-1213	12V, 5W-13W, S/E & D/E	$25
854-2413	24V, 5W-13W, S/E & D/E	$25

High Wattage Ballasts

The high wattage ballasts will now power 18 to 40 watt tubes and 18 and 26 watt bulbs. Efficiency for all wattages is 98%.

Dimensions: Length 3",Width 1 3/4",Height 1 1/4"

854-1240	12V, 18W-40W Tubes	$39
854-2440	24V, 18W-40W Tubes	$39

32 and 48 Volt Ballasts - 32V and 48V Ballasts are available on special order. Call for pricing and availability.

Photoswitch for 12 Volts DC

890-001 12V Photoswitch $42

This light sensitive switch turns lights (or other loads) off at dawn and back on again at dusk. It is encased in a sealed plastic box with four leads for connections: 2 for 12 volts DC and 2 for the load you are controlling. The switch can handle a maximum of 20 amps. It draws 3 mA during the day when off and 90 mA at night when on.

DC Dimmer Control

For All Filament Type Lamps

908-007 DC Dimmer 8A 12V $35

908-008 DC Dimmer 8A 24V $35

This breakthrough DC Dimmer offers the full-range brightness control of a mechanical rheostat plus the on/off function of a switch - all at the turn of a single knob. Efficiency is an incredible 98% at all settings, and adjustment range is from completely off to full brightness. This dimmer is recommended for all halogen and tungsten lighting. Because destructive starting surge is eliminated, expensive bulbs last far longer. Double filtering reduces radio interference to an absolutely unnoticeable level. Each unit comes complete and ready-to-install with wiring, fuse holder and fuse, mounting hardware and detailed instructions. An ivory switch cover plate is standard.

Note: DC lighting is continued on the next web page.

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