277V Ballasts?

things

New Member

• Apr 9, 2012

• #1

Hey, I have a 55W LPS lamp that I'm trying to power up. I've seen a fair few people recommend the Workhorse 5 instant start fluorescent ballast.

The issue is, this ballast is only available in 120 and 277V versions. I gather 277V is some form of US 3phase, but I'm wondering, would it work OK from 240V here in Australia? It is rated for 50/60Hz.

Regards,
Dan

 

tcmtech

Banned

Most Helpful Member

• Apr 10, 2012

• #2

The simplest thing to do is to use a common 24 VAC transformer with its secondary in series with its primary to boost the 240 VAC line to 264 VAC which is close enough to 277 for the ballast to run normally.

In the USA 277 is one leg of a Wye connected 480 volt system.

 

things

New Member

• Apr 10, 2012

• #3

Hmm, so basically create an autotransformer. I've read around that the ballast should be fine on 240V, just it may be a bit sluggish to start the lamp and run it slightly under power. I'll keep the 24VAC trafo idea in mind if it doesn't work reliably though

Thanks

 

things

New Member

• Apr 10, 2012

• #4

Hmm, just another question:

If I get a 70W ballast, and run it on 240V instead of 277V, will it's output be lower also?

70W is probably a bit too much to be overdriving the lamp, but I'm wondering whether powering it from 240V would drop it's output to a safer level?

Thanks

 

Brevor

Member

• Apr 12, 2012

• #5

Yes it will have lower output.

 

K

KeepItSimpleStupid

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Apr 12, 2012

• #6

hey things:

**broken link removed**

Looks like 240 ish to me, how about you?