FR2308270A1 - Starter circuit for fluoroescent lamps - has separate starter cut-out control and fast response carbon resistance holding bimetallic relay contacts open - Google Patents

Abstract

A temperature controlled circuit to switch off the starter current in fluorescent lamp circuits is manufactured as a separate unit that is readily exchanged. The unit is designed to avoid the possibility of too high a current being generated in the pre-heat circuit. The bimetallic replay (5) is coupled to a heating resistor (3). After ignition has occurred the bimetallic relay contacts open to break the starter circuit (19). Immediately this occurs the carbon resistance element (9) experiences a rapid rise in temperature and the bimetallic relay is maintained in the open state. This condition is maintained until either the mains power is switched off or the lamp (29) removed.