Some competitors use a similar concept of high-voltage
pulses to ignite additive lamps. The pulse generator and step-up
coil are common to both systems, but that is where the similarity
ends. The ignitor in the American Ultraviolet system is one
small, self-contained package, with no user adjustments required.
The competitors’ units have several components, with
many confusing connections that could come loose.
The step-up coil on some competitors’ units are wound
around the outside of the additive ballast transformer. This
poses several potential problems. First, the coil uses extremely
fine wire wrapped around a heavy transformer. A sharp blow
or rough handling could render the entire system inoperable.
Also, the voltages are extremely high, so the potential for
short-circuit or arc-over (destroying the transformer) are
increased. Because it is located in the same magnetic field,
this coil (and circuit) remains charged and potentially dangerous
whenever the transformer is energized. The pulses will lose
intensity over distance, so the distance between lamp and
transformer is limited.
The separate American Ultraviolet ignitor disconnects the
high voltage automatically as soon as the lamp strikes or
after two seconds. It can be located near the irradiator,
if necessary. Should any problem occur with the ignitor, the
entire transformer does not need to be replaced. The system
will still operate mercury lamps without the ignitor.
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