This standard specifies requirements for transistorised ballasts for use on d.c. supplies, having rated voltages not exceeding 250 V, associated with fluorescent lamps with preheated cathodes, operated without a starter switch and complying with SS 122, "Tubular fluorescent lamps for general lighting service".
This standard also covers ballasts for maintained emergency lighting. It does not cover transistorised ballasts for railways or for aircraft; independent ballasts are also excluded. Details of sampling and quantitative conditions of compliance are not included.
This standard does not cover electronic ballast which is an a.c.-operated converter using solid state devices and other stabilising elements to supply power to one or more discharge lamps.
NOTE 1. The majority of applications are for extra-low voltage supplies.
NOTE 2. It may be expected that ballasts complying with this standard, when associated with lamps which comply with SS 122, will provide satisfactory starting of the lamp at an air temperature immediately around the lamp between 10°C and 35°C at the minimum of the rated voltage range, and operation between 10°C and 50°C within the rated voltage range.
NOTE 3. The lamp electrical characteristics, on the lamp data sheets in that publication, apply to lamps operated with a reference ballast at its rated voltage, in an ambient temperature of 27°C.
SS 296-1984 history
1984SS 296-1984 SPECIFICATION FOR Transistorised Ballasts For Tubular Fluorescent Lamps