How to change the fluorescent lamp?

Lighting devices based on tubular fluorescent lamps are still in demand in office, warehouse and industrial premises. Undoubtedly, such light sources are large, buzz during operation and shine not as stable as their counterparts, but is there any point in replacing it if the lamp can last for a very long time? You can simply replace the fluorescent lamp, and everything will return to their places.

The bottom line is that the whole principle of operation of ionized light sources does not depend on the size and shape, and the price of such a lamp is quite low. How to change the fluorescent lamp? First you need to get acquainted with the basic principles and methods of connection.

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How does the lamp work?

Let's see how exactly this type of device works. Inside the “lamp” a discharge smolders in an atmosphere of inert gases, including mercury impurities. All “chemistry” provides a rather bright glow in the UV (ultraviolet) spectrum, which is converted into the usual visible light with the help of a phosphor that is deposited on the inner wall of a glass bulb.

Important! To start an electrical breakdown, during which the gas is ionized and converted into an electric current conductor, a high voltage pulse is required between the cathodes of this low-pressure lamp.

To start such a lamp, use the two most common connection schemes, implying use:

• EMPA and starter. EmPRA is an electromagnetic ballast.
• Electronic ballasts - electronic ballasts.

How to change the fluorescent lamp in the lamp for EMPR? Instructions are presented below.

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Electromagnetic apparatus

Honestly, the launch principle is the same for both cases, but in this diagram you can more clearly consider all the nuances. We apply voltage, thereby warming up the cathodes of the device, then a sharp jump in voltage occurs, which activates an electrical breakdown in the gas medium, along which the electrons begin to move.

The starter just ensures the heating of the electrodes of the device. It is connected in series to the filaments of each of the cathodes. Also, the circuit is equipped with an EMPR inductor.

A closed glass bulb with bimetallic contacts is built into the starter. Between these contacts there is a glow discharge, which is formed due to the supply of voltage. This discharge warms the plates, and the contacts close. After this, the current begins to move directly along the filament of the lamp, also heating them.

After a short period of time, the contacts on the starter cool and open, resulting in a sharp pulse of voltage, which ensures the inductance of the inductor. After all the processes, the lamp starts to glow.

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Circuit with electronic ballast

Electronic ballasts provide an electric current with high frequencies. The entire startup algorithm is “programmed” by this circuit.

Important! It is this technology that allows cold instant start-up of a fluorescent lamp. This activation technique can shorten the life of the tube, but is perfect for extending the life if the lamp burns out or cathodes are damaged, which can be seen in blackening at the ends of the pipe.

Cold start and the entire method of its implementation according to the rules should be described in the device passport. The circuit with the electronic device must be drawn on the device. If you follow this scheme, then you can connect the lamp yourself. But it is no secret that this technology has long been supplanted by the use of electromagnetic components.

We figured out the principles of work, but how to change the fluorescent lamp in the office? Now we will answer this question.

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Change a blown lamp

If the whole problem is only to replace the lamp, without any inclusion of electronic parts, then you just need to follow these replacement recommendations:

1. Disassemble the lamp. With extreme caution, rotate the tube along its axis.
2. When you rotate the glass tube 90 degrees, it can be lowered down so that the pads pass through the holes in the holders.
3. The new lamp must be positioned so that the contact joints are in a vertical plane and calmly enter the slots. After that, the tube is screwed in the opposite direction.
4. Turn on the power and make sure that the lighting device is working, replace the diffusing lamp.

Important! The defective lamp must be disposed of in an appropriate container for such waste.

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Can I check the health of components?

If you are going to connect the lamp, then you must be sure of its serviceability. To do this, you need to acquire a tester and measure the resistance of the filament on the cathodes. Resistance should be no more than 10 ohms.

Does your tester show infinite resistance? Do not rush to get rid of the light bulb, because it can be used a little more, thanks to the cold start mode.

Typically, the contacts on the starter in a quiet state are open, and the capacitor plates do not conduct direct current. This means that when measuring resistance, the device should give up to hundreds of megohms. When you touch the tester probes to the throttle terminals, the resistance values ​​should gradually decrease to a constant within a few tens of Ohms.

Important! Unfortunately, a conventional ohmmeter does not allow to detect a malfunction in the inductor winding, but if your multimeter is equipped with an inductance meter and you know all the parameters of the electronic control gear, then it will be possible to identify the defect.

Also, the malfunction of the throttle is indicated by the instantaneous burnout of the newly mounted lamp. Unfortunately, here with the help of a multimeter, well, nothing can do.

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Stock footage

How to change the fluorescent lamp? The answer to this question no longer seems mysterious, because today we have demonstrated that the whole procedure is very simple. Follow safety precautions and experiment.