摘要 |
A multiple lamp instant start ballast system has multiple fluorescent lamps and a ballast. The lamps have substantially similar current characteristics. The ballast has a ballast circuit operable to supply instant start starting voltages and operating currents, with the voltages and currents being approximately equal in magnitude and differing in phase by 360°/n, where n is the number of lamps. By connecting the ballast output leads to the first end of each lamp, the second ends of the lamps may be connected together creating a balanced n-phase system. Thus, wiring between the ballast and the second ends of the lamps is unnecessary. An improved light fixture adds a chassis and lamp sockets to the multiple lamp instant start ballast system described. The standard wire-way and wire-way cover are obviated since no wiring need be run to the second ends of the lamps. Wiring may be reduced by locating the ballast adjacent to the lamp first ends. Additional benefits are achieved by orienting the lamps in parallel to one another such that their first ends are adjacent to one another.
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