Ballast and Choke Comparison
The purpose of the table below is to compare switch start chokes and high frequency ballasts.
| Feature | Choke | HF Ballast |
|---|---|---|
| Size and weight | Generally small and heavier | Generally larger and lighter |
| Robustness | More robust to extreme environmental situations. A choke can operate at higher temperatures | More vulnerable to extreme situations |
| Power factor correction (PF) | To improve the current waveform and reduce mains distortion it is necessary to add a capacitor. Without a capacitor PF can be as low as 0.4 | Power factor correction is normally built into the HF ballast. Our warm start ballasts will have a PF of >0.95 |
| Power consumption | Total circuit watts will be higher due to losses in the choke and higher lamp power levels | Total circuit watts are lower under high frequency operation. For example total circuit watts for a 28w 2D lamp is only 29 watts |
| Starter | A starter is required which has to be replaced periodically | No replaceable starter is required in a HF circuit |
| Lamp flicker operation | Operating at 50Hz lamp flicker can be perceptible | No lamp flicker is perceptible at 30kHz |
| Noise | Audible noise can occur | Silent operation |
| Light output | Light output will vary as supply voltage increases/decreases | Light output will not vary across a wide operating voltage range typically 198-264v |
| Running costs | Higher due to higher power consumption and the more frequent lamp replacement | Lower due to lower power consumption and longer lamp life |
| Lamp life | Lamp life is affected by switching cycles | Lamp life can be extended by up to 50% due in the main to soft starting technology and more precise control |
| Operation at end of lamp life | Lamp will continue to flicker until replaced and the circuit may be damaged. Failed lamps not replaced can represent a fire risk | A defective lamp will be switched off automatically and the ballast will go into standby |