Neon light transformer identification

[badcKulture]

Hi,

I have this transformer and i would like to know what is the maximum neon light power (in watts) i can use with (cause there is no "watt information" written on) ? I have a 22 watts neon light, will it explode ?

I hope my question is in the right section of the forum.
And sorry for my little english !

Thanks for any help !

[budm]

Re: Neon light transformer identification

Where did you get this from?
It looks like magnetic ballast...
Tw 120 = Max working temperature of the winding within the ballast, 120c
Delta T of 55 = Temeprature rise of 55c.
https://www.giangrandi.ch/electronic...enttubes.shtml
https://www.electrical-installation....orescent_lamps

What kind of NEON LIGHTS are you working with? They need high Voltage.

[stj]

Re: Neon light transformer identification

that's just a 20w flourescent lamp balast - not a HV stepup.
you can even see the diagram of the tube and starter on it!

[badcKulture]

Re: Neon light transformer identification

Thanks for your answers guys !

It comes from a neon sign from the 80's or 90's and yes i think this is a ferromagnetic ballast (i said transformer because i didn't know if ballast was a term used in english too).

So it is a 20W maximum ballast ? So my 22W fluorescent lamp will be destroy if i connect it to this ballast ? ( https://www.amazon.fr/Osram-Lumilux-...s%2C165&sr=8-1 )

[budm]

Re: Neon light transformer identification

It can handle up to 20W, not putting out 20W, so if you overload it then it will over heat ballast.

[goontron]

Re: Neon light transformer identification

It can handle up to 20W, not putting out 20W, so if you overload it then it will over heat ballast.

N...no. Its a choke, is all magnetic ballasts are. You can connect them directly across the line and they will sit there and pull 20w happily.

Once a tube is struck, its akin to a short circuit. They actually display negative resistance, in which, an increase in current through the device causes a drop in voltage across it.

Magnetic ballasts LIMIT the current through what is essentially a short circuit.

Now, with that said, under running a tube will result in a HIGHER resistance through the tube and less current to sustain the arc, leaving the tube prone to "ringing" where you will see the arc swirling in the tube, hard starting, lower light output, and the arc "dying" shortly after being established when cold.

[budm]

Re: Neon light transformer identification

I know that it is just an inductor and it is used to limit the AC current through the FL.
The ballast is basically connected in series with the FL and it is rated to match the required lamps. Isn't that why there is Voltage, current, ballast factor rating on the ballast and since once the lamp starts conducting, it is not really shorted circuit is it? Am I missing something as to why the ballast will burn out if I do not properly match the lamp and the ballast rating if the ballast can truly be connected directly across the line? May be the core will saturated if it is connected across the line.

https://unvlt.com/literature/trouble...erheating.html

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/general...ballasts-guide

http://www.lutron.com/en-US/Service-...Selection.aspx

[stj]

Re: Neon light transformer identification

the point is, it wont run a "neon" tube.
that takes a stepup transformer - usually 3-5Kv

[badcKulture]

Re: Neon light transformer identification

Here a photo of the full installation (where you can see the starter).

Yes Stj, my mistake, it is not a "neon" tube but a fluorescent tube (i will change my title).

So first, will this new generation fluorescent tube ( https://www.amazon.fr/Osram-Lumilux-...80&sr=8-1&th=1 ) will work on an old ferromagnetic ballast ? Or it requieres a electronic ballast ?

If yes, will my 20W ferromagnetic ballast be compatible with this 22W fluorescent tube without risk of damage ?
Sorry if i ask quite the same question but Budm said there is a risk of ballast overheat and then Goontron said this "the arc "dying" shortly after being established when cold" which i don't really understand and if it means a risk of damage of the tube ?

In any case, thanks because i have learn several things but i guess i still need a "Yes or No" of the noob i am :p

[badcKulture]

Re: Neon light transformer identification

Seems like i can't edit the title sadly :/

[sam_sam_sam]

Re: Neon light transformer identification

The last picture that you posted is a old stile ballast I find that this type last for a very long time if change the tubes when first start going bad or if start has trouble lighting the tube

This type of ballast last a very long time

[budm]

Re: Neon light transformer identification

OK, so you are using Fl not NEON, the 22W FL should be find (the current rating on the ballast is high enough to handle 22W).
As suggested by Sam, they last a long time as long as you change the tube when it start going bad, I.E. it starts showing blackened ends.

[stj]

Re: Neon light transformer identification

that will work - dont forget the starter needs to be o.k. for the wattage.
(and should be replaced when you change the tube)

[badcKulture]

Re: Neon light transformer identification

It worked !
The new tube works like a charm without flickering, so sould i despite everything replace it ?

Thanks all for your help ! One more victory of the second hand !

[sam_sam_sam]

Re: Neon light transformer identification

Just a recommendation

If you replace the tube then you should also replace the starter
Or you might encounter a bad tube again shortly