THE PULSE START ADVANTAGE PULSE START MH VS. PROBE START MH SUNMASTER® Full Nova and Finishing Blue lamps are digital pulse start lamps that are specifically designed for electronic or pulse start magnetic ballasts. These lamps will not work on standard probe start magnetic ballasts. Each lamp must match their coordinating ANSI code ballast, as designed by the American National Standards Institute. The key to HID lighting is the synergy of its lamp and ballast system, which offers a much higher efficacy (or total system efficiency). THE DIFFERENCE IN THE LAMPS Pulse start and Probe start lamps are the most commonly used of several Metal Halide Lighting Systems. Each lamp type is designated by its method of ignition. Standard probe start lamps use three electrodes- two that maintain the arc and a third, internal stating electrode (or probe), which ignites the arc in the arc tube. A high open circuit voltage, from the ballast, initiates an arc between the starting electrode and the opposite electrode. Once the lamp reaches full output, a bi-metallic switch closes to short out the probe, thereby discontinuing the starting arc. PROBE START LAMP PULSE START LAMP Resistor Bimetal Switch Starter Electrode Electrode Electrode Arc Tube Arc Tube Electrode Electrode Pulse-start MH lamps do not have a starting electrode. An ignitor is required with the ballast to deliver a high voltage pulse directly across the lamp’s electrodes to start the lamp, eliminating the bi-metallic switch and resistor needed in probe start lamps. The value in these lamps can be attributed to their enhanced color uniformity, improved lumen maintenance, faster warmup time, and longer overall lifespan. THE DIFFERENCE IN THE BALLASTS When compared to standard probe start ballasts, pulse start ballasts used 50% less energy and had a significantly reduced ballast noise level. Pulse start ballasts also have lower current crest factors in their electrical output. This improves lamp lumen maintenance, or the delivery of more consistence amount of light throughout the course of the lamp’s life. PROBE START BALLAST PULSE START BALLAST An additional benefit of pulse start ballasts are their improved lamp power control. The wellregulated output of power improves light output. Also, due to non-saturation of the core, pulse start ballasts run at least 25% quieter than comparable probe start ballasts. DIGITAL OR ELECTRONIC BALLASTS Compared to magnetic pulse start, electronic ballasts significantly improve lamp performance. SUNMASTER’s Aurora 1000 line of electronic ballasts are high frequency ballasts with an optimized current wave form. Look for the “Digital Pulse Start” designation on SUNMASTER lamps that require a matching ballast to ensure optimum performance. Capacitor Capacitor Ballast (also known as “Core and Coil”) Ignitor DIGITAL/ELECTRONIC BALLAST Standard Probe Start MH Magnetic Pulse Start MH Digital or Electronic Probe Start MH Works Works Works Pulse Start MH Will NOT Work Works Works High Pressure Sodium Will NOT Work Works Works Lamp Type 855-562-1008 FAX: SUN-0167TB1_v5-0114 MATCHING LAMP TO BALLAST FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER! 855-562-1009 SunmasterGrowLamps.com