FLUORESCENT LIGHTING BALLASTS FOR DC SYSTEMS...
	IOTA has been involved with the production of low voltage high frequency (Electronic) ballasts for fluorescent lamps since 1968. The original IOTA DC inverter ballast paved the way for the design and development of special high intensity fluorescent lights installed aboard the SKYLAB spacecraft. IOTA continues to develop numerous ballasts for military, aerospace, industrial, and commercial applications. IOTA DC Ballasts are one of the most efficient and dependable ballasts available anywhere, and have been designed to operate a wide range of fluorescent lamps for a number of different input voltages. Rapid and Instant Start Models Input Voltages Installation Guidelines Warranty
	Rapid and Instant Start Models Standard IOTA inverter ballasts operate preheat compact, rapid start, and instant start lamps. The rapid start and instant start are operated in the instant start mode. Instant start is inherently more efficient since the ballast output voltage is sufficient to start the lamp, and the lamp cathodes are not continuously supplied with power to keep them heated. Rapid start ballasts are offered on some models as an option for better starting of the lamps when ambient temperatures are less than 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) or when the lamps are cycled on and off continuously. The ballast topology utilizes an efficient two-transistor, push-pull inverter to change the low voltage DC source into high voltage, sinusoidal AC power (20-30kHz) to start and operate the fluorescent lamp.
	Input Voltages All ballasts are designed to operate within a range of voltages chosen to reflect real operating conditions. For instance, a nominally rated 12 volt ballast will operate over a range of 10.5 to 14 volts since this is typical of a 12 volt storage battery during charge and discharge cycles. Operation of the ballasts on higher than rated voltages will result in ballast overheating and shortened lamp life. Under-voltage operation will cause poor lamp starting and excessive blackening at the ends of the lamp. All ballasts contain reverse polarity protection in the event the ballast is connected to the DC source backwards. All of these units may be used in positive and negative ground distribution systems, since the ballast is electrically neutral.
	Installation Guidelines All ballasts require heat sinking to some degree, depending on the anticipated ambient temperature, the size of the fixture, and the ventilation it affords. Generally, a fixture of metal construction will provide adequate heat dissipation in most applications. Plastic fixtures can present a problem with overheating and additional metal may need to be added to the fixture for mounting the ballast. Maximum allowable ballast case temperature is 150 degrees F (65 degrees C).
	One-Year Warranty While all IOTA products receive 100% quality inspection before shipment, Iota still offers as comprehensive a warranty as any available in the lighting industry. IOTA will replace any defective product, provided that the defect occurred and was reported to IOTA within one year from the date of manufacture; and that the failure was due to defects in the workmanship or materials. Repair or replacement will be made at no charge, if our inspection and testing show that operating conditions had been within specified limits. IOTA will not be responsible for any customer incurred labor charges.

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