METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTING THE RECTIFICATION EFFECT OCCURRING IN A GAS DISCHARGE LAMP

摘要

The invention relates to a method for detecting the rectification effect in at least one gas discharge lamp (10) and to an electronic ballast operating at least one gas discharge lamp (10) detecting the occurrence of said effect therein. The current (i1) flowing through a primary winding (7A) of a heat transformer (7A-C) which is parallel connected to the gas discharge lamp (10) or a variable (i2, u3) dependent upon said current (i1) is monitored in order to provide high-sensitivity detection of the rectification effect occurring in the gas discharge lamp (10). Cut-off results when a predetermined limit is exceeded upon occurrence of the rectification effect in said gas discharge lamp (10).