ANSI C82.11 Consolidated-2002

ANSI C82.11 Consolidated-2002
Supercedes C82.11-1993
Copyright © 2002 by American National Standard Lighting Group-NEMA          
1300 North 17th
 Street, Suite, Rosslyn, VA 22209
 
 
 
 
American National Standard
 
 
Approved: March 11,1999                Secretariat: ANSLG--National Electrical Manufacturers Association
                  August 5,1999
                 January 17, 2002
 
 
 
 
 
For Lamp Ballasts
 
High Frequency Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts
 
-Supplements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
An American National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope and provisions. It is intended
as a guide to aid the manufacturer, the consumer, and the general public. The  existence of  an American National Standard does
not in any respect preclude anyone, whether he has approved the standard or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or
using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the standards.  Users are cautioned to obtain the latest editions. 
The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and will in no circumstances give an interpretation of any
American National Standard.  Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority to issue an interpretation of an American
National Standard in the name of the American National Standards Institute.
CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any time.  The procedures of the American
National Standards Institute require that action be taken periodically to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard.  Purchasers of
American National Standards may receive current information on all standards by calling or writing the American National
Standards Institute. ANSI C82.11 Consolidated-2002
Supercedes ANSI C82.11-1993
Copyright © 2002 by American National Standard Lighting Group-NEMA 
1300 North 17th
 Street, Suite, Rosslyn, VA 22209
II
American
National
Standard
Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by
ANSI that the requirements for due process, consensus, and other
criteria for approval have been met by the standards developer. 
An American National Standard implies a consensus of those
substantially concerned with its scope and provisions. Consensus
is established when, in the judgment of the ANSI Board of
Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by
directly and materially affected interests.  Substantial agreement
means much more than a simple majority, but not necessarily
unanimity.  Consensus requires that all views and objections be
considered, and that a concerted effort be made toward their
resolution.  The  existence of an American National Standard does
not in any respect preclude anyone, whether s/he has approved
the standard or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or
using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the
standards.  It is intended as a guide to aid the manufacturer, the
consumer, and the general public.
The American National Standards Institute does not develop
standards and will in no circumstances give an interpretation of
any American National Standard.  Moreover, no person shall have
the right or authority to issue an interpretation of an American
National Standard in the name of the American National Standards
Institute.  Requests for interpretations should be addressed to the
Committee Secretariat referred to on the title page.
CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be
revised or withdrawn at any time.  The procedures of the American
National Standards Institute require that action be taken
periodically to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard. 
Purchasers of American National Standards may receive current
information on all standards by calling or writing the American
National Standards Institute. 
 
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Copyright Ó2002 by American National Standard Lighting Group
In Affiliation with National Electrical Manufacturers Association
All rights reserved.
 
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, 
in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without
prior written permission of the publisher.
Printed in the United States of America ANSI C82.11 Consolidated-2002
Supercedes ANSI C82.11-1993
Copyright © 2002 by American National Standard Lighting Group-NEMA      III        
1300 North 17th
 Street, Suite, Rosslyn, VA 22209
 
Foreword    (This Foreword is not part of ANSI C82.11-1993.)
Suggestions for improvement of this standard should be submitted to the Secretariat C82, American
National Standard Lighting Group of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, 1300 North 17th
Street, Suite 1847,  Rosslyn, VA  22209. 
 
This standard contains a collection of amendments which supersede the 1993 standard. Consisting of
three supplements, noted below,  which were approved by the ANSI ASC (Accredited Standards
Committee) method of standard development. The 1993 standard remains unchanged except for some
editorial changes and the inclusion of new supplemented information listed below: 
 
 
Amendment/Change   Ballot   Report 
New table of contents  N/a  N/a
ANSI C82.11a 
Removed table specifing starting aid distances (p 5.2.2)
m640  m641
ANSI C82.11b 
Program start systems (p 3.2.6)
Line transient requirements (p5.10.1)  
 
CDV/m653
LB/m636
 
RV/m654
R/m637
ANSI C82.11c-2000
Specifications for low voltage control interface, and marking
nomenclature for controllable ballasts, (Annexes A and B)
 
LB/m646
 
R/m647
 
 
This standard was processed and approved by Accredited Standards Committee on Electric Lamps,
C82, and its Sub-Committee, C82-1.  Committee approval of the standard does not necessarily imply
that all committee members voted for that approval.  At the time it approved this standard, the C82
Committee had the following members:
 
Norm Grimshaw, Chair C82, Technical Coordinator
Howard Wolfman, Technical Coordinator
John Marshall, Technical Coordinator
Ken Denton, Consulting Editor
Randolph N. Roy, Secretariat
 
 
Organization Represented:  Name of Representative:
Advance Transformer Company  Norman Grimshaw
ENTERGY Services, Inc.  William “Al” Maguire  
GE Lighting  Rolf Bergman
Intertek Testing Services  Craig Davenport
MagneTek Lighting Products  Michael A. Stein
OSRAM SYLVANIA  Peter Bleasby
  David Mullen (Alt.)  
Philips Lighting Company  Al Rousseau
 ANSI C82.11 Consolidated-2002
Supercedes ANSI C82.11-1993
Copyright © 2002 by American National Standard Lighting Group-NEMA 
1300 North 17th
 Street, Suite 1847, Rosslyn, VA 22209
IV
At the time it approved this standard, the C82-1 Sub-Committee had the following members:
 
Ken Denton, Chair, C82-1
Randolph N. Roy, Secretariat
 
Organization Represented:  Name of Representative:
Advance Transformer Company  Norman Grimshaw
  Beth Jug
  Arnold Stout 
General Electric Lighting  Edward E. Hammer
MagneTek  Kenneth J. Denton  
  Robert Burke
  William Dunham
  Bill Brosius
Motorola Lighting, Inc.  Howard Wolfman
OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.   Tom Gavenonis
Philips Lighting Company  Frank M. Latassa
  Thomas O. Leyh
Thomas & Betts (American Electric)  Greg Steinman
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.  John Marshall
 ANSI C82.11 Consolidated-2002
Supercedes ANSI C82.11-1993
Copyright © 2002 by American National Standard Lighting Group-NEMA      V        
1300 North 17th
 Street, Suite, Rosslyn, VA 22209
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword.................................................................................................................................... III
1  Scope ..................................................................................................................................1
2  Normative references .............................................................................................................1
3  Definitions.............................................................................................................................2
3.1  Lamp types ....................................................................................................................2
3.1.1  Reference lamps. .....................................................................................................2
3.1.2  Hot-cathode lamp.....................................................................................................2
3.2  Ballasting systems..........................................................................................................2
3.2.1  Reference ballasts....................................................................................................2
3.2.2  Instant-start system..................................................................................................2
3.2.3  Rapid-start type systems...........................................................................................2
3.2.4  Modified rapid-start type system.................................................................................3
3.2.5  Switch-start (preheat) systems...................................................................................3
3.2.6  Programmed start systems........................................................................................3
3.3  Characteristics................................................................................................................4
3.3.1  Input power factor.....................................................................................................4
3.3.2  High-frequency ballast ..............................................................................................4
3.3.3  High frequency current crest factor.............................................................................4
4  Ballast marking......................................................................................................................4
4.1  Marking .........................................................................................................................4
4.1.1  Power factor ............................................................................................................4
4.1.2  High-frequency ........................................................................................................4
4.2  Color coding of ballast leads ............................................................................................5
4.2.1  Supply leads............................................................................................................5
4.2.2  Lamp lead wires .......................................................................................................5
4.2.3  Other ballast types....................................................................................................5
5  Ballast performance...............................................................................................................5
5.1  General .........................................................................................................................5
5.2  Starting conditions ..........................................................................................................6
5.2.1  Starting ...................................................................................................................6
5.2.2  Fixture and circuit grounding......................................................................................6
5.2.3  Lamp starting time vs. starting current requirement ......................................................6
5.3  Ballast output .................................................................................................................7
5.3.1  Lamp light output......................................................................................................7
5.3.2  Lamp current ...........................................................................................................7
5.4  Cathode preheating current..............................................................................................7
5.5  Regulation .....................................................................................................................8
5.5.1  Rapid-start ballasts...................................................................................................8
5.5.2  Instant-start ballasts..................................................................................................8
5.6  Operating-current waveshape ..........................................................................................8
5.6.1  Normal operating conditions ......................................................................................8
5.6.2  Special operating condition........................................................................................8
5.7  Supplementary cathode heating .......................................................................................8
5.7.1  Switch-start ballasts..................................................................................................8
5.7.2  Rapid-start ballasts...................................................................................................9
5.8  Electro-magnetic interference suppression ........................................................................9 ANSI C82.11 Consolidated-2002
Supercedes ANSI C82.11-1993
Copyright © 2002 by American National Standard Lighting Group-NEMA 
1300 North 17th
 Street, Suite 1847, Rosslyn, VA 22209
VI
Table of contents (continued)
 
5.9  Ballast safety..................................................................................................................9
5.10  Input current, harmonic distortion......................................................................................9
5.11  Line transient requirements..............................................................................................9
5.12  Inrush currents................................................................................................................9
6  Design center voltages .........................................................................................................10
7  Application requirements ......................................................................................................10
7.1  Wiring and contact resistance requirements.....................................................................10
7.2  Operating temperature limits ..........................................................................................10
7.3  Supply voltage limits......................................................................................................11
7.3.1  Average voltage for satisfactory ballast operation.......................................................11
7.3.2  Voltage excursions .................................................................................................11
7.4  Equipment grounding ....................................................................................................11
7.5  Audible sound Level ......................................................................................................11
ANNEXES.................................................................................................................................... 
ANNEX A.............................................................................................................................. A1
1  Scope .......................................................................................................................... A3
2  Definitions..................................................................................................................... A3
3  Control methods ............................................................................................................ A3
3.1  Control by d.c. voltage (ANSI Type 1) ................................................................... A3
3.2  Voltage specifications ......................................................................................... A3
3.3  Control input current limits ................................................................................... A4
3.4  Switch-on.......................................................................................................... A4
3.5  Lead Wire Colors ............................................................................................... A4
3.6  Control by future types of controls (ANSI Type xx) ................................................. A4
 
ANNEX B.............................................................................................................................. B1
1  Scope .......................................................................................................................... B3
2  Purpose........................................................................................................................ B3
3  Technical Parameters .................................................................................................... B3
3.1  Power source..................................................................................................... B3
3.2  Circuit type ........................................................................................................ B3
3.2.1  High voltage................................................................................................... B3
3.2.2  High voltage, carrier current ............................................................................. B3
3.2.3  Low voltage.................................................................................................... B3
3.2.4  Low voltage.................................................................................................... B3
3.2.5  Low voltage.................................................................................................... B3
3.3  Current type....................................................................................................... B4
3.4  Modulation type.................................................................................................. B4
3.5  Range of varying voltage..................................................................................... B4
4  Nomenclature of Designation .......................................................................................... B4
5  Examples ..................................................................................................................... B4
6  Administration of this document....................................................................................... B4
7  Revision ....................................................................................................................... B4
 ANSI C82.11 Consolidated-2002
Supercedes ANSI C82.11-1993
Copyright © 2002 by American National Standard Lighting Group-NEMA      VII        
1300 North 17th
 Street, Suite, Rosslyn, VA 22209
 
Table of Contents (continued)
 
Tables
Table 1 - Color coding for lamp leads............................................................................................ 13
Table 2 – Ballast Factor .............................................................................................................. 15
Table 3 – Current Harmonic Limits............................................................................................... 17
 
Figures
Figure 1 a.................................................................................................................................. 19
Figure 1 b.................................................................................................................................. 21
 
Figure A-1 .................................................................................................................................A5
Figure A-2 .................................................................................................................................A5
Figure A-3 .................................................................................................................................A7
 
Figure B-1 .................................................................................................................................B5
 ANSI C82.11 Consolidated-2002
Supercedes ANSI C82.11-1993
Copyright © 2002 by American National Standard Lighting Group-NEMA 
1300 North 17th
 Street, Suite 1847, Rosslyn, VA 22209
VIII
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THIS PAGE
INTENTIONALLY
LEFT BLANK
 
 
 
 
 AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD    ANSI C82.11-1993
Copyright © 2002 by American National Standard Lighting Group-NEMA   1 
1300 North 17th
 Street, Suite, Rosslyn, VA 22209
 
American National Standard for Lamp Ballasts-
High-Frequency Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts
 
 
1  Scope
This standard is intended to cover high frequency ballasts which have rated open-circuit voltages of
2000 volts or less and are intended to operate at a supply frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz. This comprises
ballasts for hot-cathode fluorescent lamps, either switch-start (preheat-start), rapid-start (continuously
heated cathodes), modified rapid start,  programmed start, or instant start used primarily for lighting
purposes. The ballast  and lamp combinations covered by this specification are normally intended for
use in room ambient temperatures of 10OC to 41OC.  At ambient temperatures outside this range,
certain special operating characteristics may be required. 
 
2  Normative references
The following standards contain provisions, which through reference in this text constitute provisions of
this American National Standard. At the time of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All
standards are subject to revision, and parties to agreements based on this American National Standard
are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent edition of the standards
indicated below.
ANSI/NFPA No. 70-1993, National Electrical Code
ANSI /IEEE C62.41-1980 (R1995),  Guide for  Surge Voltages in Low-Voltage AC Power
Circuits
ANSI C78.1-1991 (R1996), C78.2-1991(R1996), C78.3-1991(R1996), C78.4-1992(R1997),  American
National Standards for Dimensional and Electrical Characteristics of Fluorescent Lamps
ANSI C82.2-1984 (R1992),  American National Standard Methods of Measurement of Fluorescent
Lamp Ballasts
ANSI C82.3-1983 (R1998), American National Standard Specification for Fluorescent Lamp Reference
Ballasts 
CAN/CSA C22.2 No.0.16 M92,  Measurements of Harmonic Currents, General Requirements, A
National Standard of Canada
IES LM40-1988, Life Performance Testing of Fluorescent Lamps
US Code of Federal Regulations #47, Chapter 18.   (Federal Communications Commission
Requirements for RFI)
Public Law 100-357, National Appliance Energy Conservation Amendments of 1988. 
ANSI/UL 935-1992, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., Standard for Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts ANSI C82.11 Consolidated-2002
Supercedes ANSI C82.11-1993
 Copyright © 2002 by American National Standard Lighting Group-NEMA
1300 North 17th
 Street, Suite 1847, Rosslyn, VA 22209
2
3  Definitions
3.1  Lamp types
 
3.1.1  Reference lamps.  
Seasoned lamps which, under stable operating conditions and in conjunction with the specified
reference ballast, operate at values of lamp voltage, lamp wattage (for rapid-start lamps arc wattage is
to be used and not total wattage), and lamp current, each within 2 -1/2% of the values given in the
appropriate lamp standard (see American National Standard Dimensional and Electrical Characteristics
of Fluorescent Lamps, ANSI C78.1, C78.2, C78.3).  Reference lamps of the rapid-start type are
operated in circuits in which their cathodes are continuously heated by appropriate low-voltage power
sources.
 
3.1.2  Hot-cathode lamp
An electric discharge lamp in which the electrodes operate at incandescent temperatures and the
cathode fall voltage is relatively low (less than 20 volts).  The current density at the cathodes is
relatively high, and lamps may be designed  to carry any desired current up to several amperes.  The
energy to maintain the cathodes at a sufficient thermal emission may come either from the arc (arc
heating), from circuit elements (voltage heating), or from both.
3.2  Ballasting systems
 
3.2.1  Reference ballasts
Series impedance-type ballasts, which are designed, manufactured, and maintained for the purpose of
providing comparison standards for use in testing ballasts or lamps.  They are also used in selecting
the reference lamps that are needed in the work of testing ballasts.  Reference ballasts are
characterized by constant impedance over a wide range of operating current and also by constant
characteristics that are relatively uninfluenced by time, temperature, magnetic surroundings, etc.  The
general specifications for reference ballasts are in ANSI C82.3.  The values of reference current,
impedance, line voltage and cathode conditioning for the reference ballasts to be used with each size
and rating of lamp are given in the normative referenced ANSI C78 Standards, American National
Standards for Dimensional and Electrical Characteristics of Fluorescent Lamps, as specified in
paragraph 2 above.
 
3.2.2  Instant-start system
Those systems in which an electric discharge lamp is started by the application to the lamps of a
voltage sufficiently high to eject electrons from the electrodes by field emission, initiate electron flow
through the lamp, ionize the gases, and start a discharge through the lamp without previous heating of
the electrodes. 
 
3.2.3  Rapid-start type systems 
Those systems in which hot-cathode electric discharge lamps are operated under the following
conditions: (1) the lamps are started with the cathodes heated to a temperature sufficient for adequate
electron emission and without establishing local ionization across the cathodes; (2) such heating is
accomplished either by means of low-voltage heater windings in the ballast itself or by separate low-ANSI C82.11 Consolidated-2002
Supercedes ANSI C82.11-1993
Copyright © 2002 by American National Standard Lighting Group-NEMA   3 
1300 North 17th
 Street, Suite, Rosslyn, VA 22209
voltage transformers or by other means of heating the cathodes; (3) sufficient voltage is applied across
the lamp and between the lamp and the starting aid (usually the fixture itself) to initiate the discharge
when the cathodes reach a temperature high enough for adequate emission; and (4) cathode heating
voltage is maintained even after the lamp is in full operation.
 
NOTE:    Two types of rapid-start systems have evolved: (1) those for lamps with nominal 3.6 volt
cathodes (low resistance) and (2) those for lamps with nominal 8.0 volt cathodes (high resistance).  In
some cases the same lamp can be suitable for operation in either rapid-start or switch start (preheat-
start) system.  Other starting scenarios to follow. 
 
 
3.2.4  Modified rapid-start type system 
Those systems in which hot-cathode electric discharge lamps are operated under the following
conditions:  (1) the lamps are started with the cathodes heated to a temperature sufficient for adequate
electron emission and without establishing local ionization across the cathodes; (2) such heating is
accomplished either by means of low-voltage heater windings in the ballasts itself, by separate low-
voltage transformers, or by other means of heating the cathodes;  (3) sufficient voltage is applied
across the lamp and between the lamp and the starting aid (usually the fixture itself) to initiate the
discharge when the cathodes reach a temperature high enough for adequate emission; and (4)
cathode heating is reduced or removed after the lamp is in full operation.
 
 
 
3.2.5  Switch-start (preheat) systems 
Systems in which hot-cathode electric discharge lamps are started with the cathodes preheated
through the use of a starting switch, either manual or automatic in its operation.  The starting switch,
when closed, connects the two cathodes, in series, in the ballast circuit so that current flows to heat the
cathodes to emission temperature.  When the switch is opened, a voltage surge is produced which
initiates the discharge.  Only the arc current flows through the cathodes after the lamp is in operation. 
 
 
 
3.2.6  Programmed start systems 
Those systems in which the sequence for starting hot-cathode electric discharge lamps is as follows:
(1) the lamp cathodes are initially preheated to a temperature sufficient for adequate electron emission
and without establishing local ionization across the cathodes; (2) this cathode heating is accomplished
by supplying the required energy from a voltage or current source in the ballast itself, while during the
preheating period the voltage across the lamp is kept below a level to initiate a glow discharge; (3) after
the preheating period the voltage across the lamp is increased to a sufficient level to initiate the arc
breakdown discharge; and (4) cathode heating may be reduced or removed after the lamp is in full
conduction.  ANSI C82.11 Consolidated-2002
Supercedes ANSI C82.11-1993
 Copyright © 2002 by American National Standard Lighting Group-NEMA
1300 North 17th
 Street, Suite 1847, Rosslyn, VA 22209
4
 
3.3  Characteristics
 
3.3.1  Input power factor
Power Factor is dependent upon the current's wave shape as well as the phase relationship between
the current and voltage.  The power factor is to be calculated by determining the ratio of the active
power to the apparent power.  The active power is to be measured with a wattmeter capable of
indicating the true rms power in watts.  The apparent power is to be the product of the true rms values
of the input voltage and current.
 
    Power Factor =  Active Power (watts)         
        Apparent Power (volt amperes) 
 
 
3.3.2  High-frequency ballast
A device, which operates at a supply frequency of 50 or 60 Hz: and operates the lamp at frequencies
between 10 kHz and 500 kHz.
 
 
3.3.3  High frequency current crest factor
The high frequency current crest factor is equal to the peak current  of the modulated or unmodulated
envelope divided by the effective rms current.
 
4  Ballast marking
4.1  Marking
Ballasts shall be marked to indicate the input supply voltage, frequency, and current, the manufacturer
or supplier; ballast type designation; and the number, type and wattage or current of fluorescent lamps
the ballast is to operate. 
 
4.1.1  Power factor
Only ballasts operating with an average power factor of 90% or above shall be labeled as high-power
factor type.  Ballasts of the uncorrected type and operating at a power factor of less than 90% need not
be marked with a power factor.
 
 
4.1.2  High-frequency
High frequency ballasts may be marked H.F. or electronic.
 ANSI C82.11 Consolidated-2002
Supercedes ANSI C82.11-1993
Copyright © 2002 by American National Standard Lighting Group-NEMA   5 
1300 North 17th
 Street, Suite, Rosslyn, VA 22209
4.2  Color coding of ballast leads
 
4.2.1  Supply leads
The following color codings are for the supply lead wires of ballasts:
·  On ballasts with two supply lead wires, when one lead wire connects to a neutral wire, that lead
wire shall be white or neutral gray and the other shall be black.
·  On ballasts with two supply lead wires that connect to ungrounded lines, both leads shall be black.
 
4.2.2  Lamp lead wires
The following color codings are for the lamp leads of electronic ballasts:
On a single-lamp ballast of the continuously heated cathode type (rapid start), the leads to that lamp
cathode operated at the highest voltage with reference to either of the supply leads shall be RED.  The
lead wires connected to the other cathode shall be BLUE.
On a multi-lamp ballast of the series connected continuously heated cathode type (rapid start), or
series connected instant start type,  the leads to that lamp cathode operated at the maximum voltage
with reference to either of the supply leads shall be RED.  The leads connected to the cathode at the
other extreme of voltage relative to the RED cathode shall be BLUE.  For two-lamp rapid start ballasts,
the leads to the pair of common cathodes shall be either YELLOW-BLUE TRACER OR YELLOW.
When more than two lamps are operated in a rapid start mode, the leads to each cathode or pair of
cathodes, beginning at the highest voltage (RED) end shall have colors used in the order shown in
Table  1.  If a circuit-interrupting feature is required for instant start ballasts, the lamps leads for the
circuit-interrupting leads shall be YELLOW.
On a (1), (2) or (3) lamp  instant start ballast where the lamps are operated independently and have a
common connection, the common lamp lead shall be RED, and the independent lamps lead wires shall
be BLUE.  On a (4) lamp instant start ballast where the lamps are operated independently and have a
common connection, the common lead wires shall be YELLOW or YELLOW/WHITE and the
independent lamp leads shall consist of two BLUE and two RED leads.
If a circuit-interrupting feature is required, the lamp lead wires for the circuit-interrupting lead wires shall
be YELLOW and the independent lamp lead wires shall be BLUE.
2368