Starting Time-lag Estimation of Electronic Compact Fluorescent Lamps

Abstract

Measurements of statistical starting time-lag T_s (s) of non-preheated electronic compact fluorescent lamps show that Ts increases with longer off-time before starting and also in a darker environment on starting. The number of initial electrons per second Q (1/s), which is inversely proportional to T_s, changes from 1.2 to 72 in the dark environment on starting. Initial electrons are mainly obtained from the oxide emitter of the electrodes, even if they are not pre-heated. A brief start requires Q bigger than 260. This is achieved by heating the electrode to only about 100°C.