How long are you supposed to use a high pressure sodium light fixture?

How long are you supposed to use a high pressure sodium light fixture?

High Pressure Sodium lights maintain their luminescence fairly well with 90% still available halfway through their lifespan (around 12,000 hours). HPS bulbs typically emit 80% of their original rated output at the end of life (around 24,000 hours).

Do high pressure sodium lights need ballast?

HPS lamps require ballasts to regulate the arc current flow and deliver the proper voltage to the arc. HPS lamps do not contain starting electrodes. Instead, an electronic starting circuit within the ballast generates a high-voltage pulse to the operating electrodes.

What is the purpose of the ballast in a high pressure sodium lamp?

Ballasts are needed to run high pressure discharge Lamps with their various gas fillings (mercury vapour, sodium vapour or metal halide). They stabilise the lamp current and thus lamp power. The rating of the ballast is important to ensure proper lamp operation.

What is the efficacy of a high pressure sodium lamp?

Introduction. Since the early 1970s, the high pressure sodium lamp, has become one of the most important light sources for outdoor lighting thanks to its high luminous efficacy (about 140 lm/W), good color rendering via its golden white color appearance and long lamp life (24,000–32,000 h; Sincero et al., 2005).

Do high pressure sodium lights use a lot of electricity?

High pressure sodium fixtures are not as energy efficiency as LEDs. In fact, LED bulbs use between 40-75% less electricity than a HPS fixture.

How do you troubleshoot a high pressure sodium light fixture?

The most common problem with a high pressure sodium light is the bulb. The first course of action is to simply change the bulb. Observe the interior gas tube for any signs of discoloration. If the tube is black, the bulb is definitely burned out.

Can I use a high pressure sodium bulb in a mercury vapor fixture?

Mercury Vapor (MV) lamps are most frequently used outside for parking and security lighting. They are the least efficient of the HID lamps (slightly less than fluorescents) and should be replaced with more efficient metal halide or high-pressure sodium lamps when possible.

Can I replace a high pressure sodium bulb with LED?

While upgrading to LED provides a lot of benefits, high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps still provide some of the most efficient lighting available. LEDs, however, are better able to control their light, which is why a lower-watt LED can replace a higher-watt high pressure sodium bulb.

How can you tell if a high pressure sodium bulb is bad?

When the bulb produces no light, you know it is bad. The less sarcastic answer is to look at the small tube inside the bulb. If the tube has a dark or even a black color to it, that means it is dead and will not work.

How do you test a high pressure sodium ballast?

Here is a quick guide on how to test your high-pressure sodium ballast to make sure it is properly and efficiently igniting the bulb.

1. Step 1 – Remove the Lamp.
2. Step 2 – Visually Inspect the Lamp.
3. Step 3 – Check Accessories.
4. Step 4 – Test the Voltage.
5. Step 5 – Check the Ballast.
6. Step 6 – Check the Short-circuit Current.

What is the difference between mercury vapor and high pressure sodium?

High pressure sodium produces a more neutral white light. Mercury vapor bulbs produce light with a distinct blue tint to it. In many countries, including the USA, mercury lighting is being phased out in favor of the more efficient types of HID bulbs.