Discharge lamp switching

Figure 3. Scheme of a fast-pulsed discharge lamp for TOF-PEPECO spectroscopy. After the condenser is charged to lOkV the HV control switch opens and the thyratron fires, driving a rapid rise of negative potential at the anode which caused spontaneous breakdown. Pulse lengths less than 5 ns at repetition rates of 10 kHz are possible. 

In exceptional cases, ignition of a high-power gas discharge lamp can even destroy electronic equipment. This has happened once in the authra- s laboratory to a Solaitrrai 1286 potrmtiostat after switching on an older type 450 W Xe lamp. 

There is an increased use of electronic devices in electrical installation work for example, in dimmer switches and ignitor circuits of discharge lamps. These devices should be temporarily disconnected so that they are not damaged by the test voltage of, for example, the insulation resistance test (IET Regulation 612.3). 

Allow a few minutes for the instrument to settle down before taking a reading. A longer period will be required in the case of fluorescent tubes and discharge lamps which have just been switched on. 

In any choice between incandescent and the other types of lamp the total lighting costs must take into account not only running costs but also installation and replacement costs. Incandescent lamps are much cheaper to buy and install, they give out light immediately they are switched on and they can be dimmed easily, but tiiey are more expensive to run and have short lives, thus increasing maintenance costs. High pressure discharge... 

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