Power line monitor and interrupt arrangement for averting premature lamp mortality in low voltage conditions

摘要

A system and method for mitigating the effects of low power line voltage that can otherwise cause premature lamp mortality. A monitor circuit is provided for monitoring power characteristics relating to UV and/or fluorescent lamp operation, such as the lamp supply voltage or the current traversing the lamp. A controller operates in conjunction with the monitor circuit. The controller receives a signal indicative of the state of the monitored power characteristics, and temporarily interrupts the power to the lamp when the signal indicates that the power source is currently failing to maintain a stable current flow through the lamp. Power is therefore removed from the lamp during periods of brownout or other low voltage conditions to prevent accelerated lamp mortality.