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- Overview

Overview
Electronic ballasts for HID
High-intensity discharge lamps only achieve the full potential of their impressive properties when operated on electronic ballasts – in particular the powerCONTROL PCI units from Tridonic. These units operate metal halide lamps and sodium lamps extremely gently, compensate for fluctuations in mains voltage and shut-down the lamps safely when they reach the end of their lives.
The powerCONTROL PCI range has been designed for optimum design and functionality to suit the particular application. The range includes one and twolamp versions for luminaire installation and versions with cable clamps for separate mounting. PCIS outdoor devices from Tridonic have been designed specifically to meet the greater requirements of outdoor applications.
Lighting comfort and quality
An operating frequency between 130 and 160 Hz ensures that the light is flicker-free and prevents acoustic resonance. The electronically controlled constant and precise output ensures that the colour stability and luminous flux of high-intensity discharge lamps with either quartz or ceramic burners remain at their specified levels throughout the life of the lamps. The result is extremely small deviations in colour temperatures and excellent luminous efficacy in lighting systems.
The digital control technology of powerCONTROL PCI reduces the restart time by as much as 50 %. EMC interference during ignition is therefore reduced by up to 95 % compared with conventional solutions. The basis for ideal ignition is the successful pulsepause technology from Tridonic.
Impressive economy
The powerCONTROL PCI devices offer constant power control, square-wave operation and a particularly low current ripple to ensure that lamps are operated in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications and therefore continue operating properly throughout their long lives.
Innovative xitec-technology results in small tolerances so the powerCONTROL PCI ballasts are absolutely reliable even at high ambient temperatures. The unit shuts down automatically if a lamp is faulty or missing or if the operating temperature rises above a certain threshold to ensure high levels of safety.
Constant high quality
High-quality components, intelligent circuit design and extensive testing under rated and extreme conditions give powerCONTROL PCI ballasts from Tridonic their special character. As a result, they achieve a high average life of 50,000 hours – with a probability of failure of less than 10 %; in other words, an average failure rate of 0.2 % per 1,000 hours of operation.
The consistently high reliability of the powerCONTROL PCI ballasts from Tridonic is also due to the production processes certified to ISO 9001. Fully automatic manufacture also ensures constant reproducible quality of the highest level. All the ballasts are subjected to 100 % final testing and safety testing.
Standards and approval marks
powerCONTROL PCI electronic ballasts from Tridonic are ENEC certified, carry the CE mark and meet all the relevant European as well as international standards relating to safety, operation and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
Innovations for luminaire installation
powerCONTROL PCI electronic ballasts in the C011 and B011 series are designed for luminaire installation. The PCI PRO C011 series in particular has impressive thermal behaviour. This enables them to be used reliably even in temperature-critical luminaires. In making the lifetime values for different operating temperatures fully transparent, Tridonic is acting as a pioneer and offering greater freedom for luminaire designers. Multi-watt devices are another highlight. In their successful compact design powerCONTROL PCI PRO C011 units now combine two wattages in the same device, which increases flexibility in warehouse management and saves on costs for luminaire certification. The wattage is selected via connection of the appropriate supply terminal.
Do you speak DALI?
If you do, the powerCONTROL PCI FOX B011 devices from Tridonic will speak your language. FOX stands for Fixed Output eXtended – with “extended” referring to the digital DALI/DSI interface. This enables individual addressing, powerless switching and retrieval of status information. High-intensity discharge lamps can therefore be easily integrated in lighting control systems. For example, there is no need any more to open-up the luminaire to see whether the problem is a lamp fault or an overtemperature cutout.
Specialist in surface-mounted applications
powerCONTROL PCI PRO C021 ballasts have set a new standard in ease of installation. With duplicated power terminals, through-wiring of cables with crosssections of up to 2.5 mm² is child’s play. The three separate strain relief channels hold the cables safely and reliably. A unique feature is that the entire installation process can be completed without the need for a screwdriver – plug & play in its purest form! The powerCONTROL PCI PRO C521 devices are surfacemount devices with ready-made ST or GST lamp cables to make it even easier to connect luminaires in suspended ceilings. Two-lamp surface-mount devices are available on the successful B021 platform with fitted lamp cables as B521.
Robust and durable: PCIS outdoor for outdoor applications
Lighting for streets, tunnels, buildings and squares places special demands on the luminaires. Wind, weather and long operating times make small differences very noticeable. With a life of 60,000 hours and more, PCIS outdoor B011 is one of the most durable electronic components on the market. An important factor here is the special filling compound that perfectly meets the requirements of the electronic components and provides effective protection against moisture, dust and vibrations. Enhanced protection against mains transients and automatic shutdown of lamps at their end of life increase the reliability and safety of HI and HS lighting systems. The dimmable powerCONTROL PCIS outdoor DIM B011 versions enable the level of light to be reduced at the quieter times of night, which means that enormous amounts of energy can be saved. These devices are controlled either via a mains control line (stepDIM) or via a digital DALI/DSI signal.


















