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
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855-562-1009
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