scope:

This Standard describes the procedures to be followed and the precautions to be observed in obtaining uniform and reproducible measurements of the electrical characteristics of fluorescent lamps under Standard conditions when operated on alternating current (ac) circuits. These methods are applicable both to lamps having hot cathodes-switch-start (preheat-start), rapid-start (continuously heated cathodes), or instant-start- and to lamps of the cold-cathode variety.

The electrical characteristics usually measured are lamp current, lamp voltage, and lamp power. In the case of rapid-start lamps, the power measurements may include both the arc watts¹ and the cathode watts. Total lamp power is the sum of arc watts and cathode watts. The methods noted in this Standard apply to fluorescent lamps operated at common power-line frequencies (50 and 60 Hz) or high frequency.

Patent Disclaimer

At the time of publication, it is possible that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent rights. When this Standard was approved for publication, the Accredited Standards Committee C78 and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) did not know of any patent applications, patents pending, or existing patents. ASC C78 shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

¹Arc watts is the term used for the power consumed by the discharge only and does not refer to any power that may be supplied to the lamp cathodes from a separate voltage source.