Ansi Anslg C82.9-2010

ANSI_ANSLG C82.
9-2010
Revision, Consolidation, and Redesignation of
ANSI C82.9-1996 and ANSI C82.9b-1998
American National Standard
for Lamp Ballasts—

High-Intensity Discharge and
Low-Pressure Sodium Lamps—
Definitions
ANSI_ANSLG C82.9 – 2010
Revision, Consolidation, and Redesignation of ANSI C82.9-1996 and ANSI C82.9b-1998
American National Standard

Approved: March 30, 2010 Secretariat: American National Standard Lighting Group
for lamp ballasts:
High-Intensity Discharge and Low-Pressure Sodium Lamps

— Definitions
Copyright © 2010 by American National Standard Lighting Group

Page 1 of 22
Approval of an American National Standard requires

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requires that all views and objections be considered, and
that a concerted effort be made toward their resolution. The
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a guide to aid the manufacturer, the consumer, and the
general public.
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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
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page of this standard.
CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may

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Copyright ©2010 by American National Standard Lighting Group

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Printed in the United States of America

Page 2 of 22
Foreword (This foreword is not part of American National Standard C82.9-2010.)

Suggestions for improvement of this standard should be submitted to the Secretariat
C82 American National Standard Lighting Group, 1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1752,
Rosslyn, VA 22209.
This standard was processed and approved by the Accredited Standards Committee on
Electric Lamps, C82, and its Work Group C82WG02. Committee approval of the
standard does not necessarily imply that all committee members voted for that approval.
Amendment / Change CDV RV

Revision and Consolidation CDV_82_m727 RV_82_m728
This standard provides definitions relative to specific terms contained in

High-Intensity Discharge (HID) and Low-Pressure Sodium (LPS) lamps and ballast
standards.
Included in this revision/consolidation are the additions of the following definitions.

These items are redlined throughout the standard for the reader’s convenience:
● Aggregate Pulse ● Aggregate Width

● Commutation Time ● Electrical Number
● Electronic Square-Wave Ballast ● Electronic High Frequency Ballast
● Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) ● EMI electromagnetic interference
● High Frequency Ripple Current ● Inrush Current
● Lamp Code Designation (LCD) ● Lamp End of Life
● Lamp Type Classification Letter ● Line Transient (Surges)
● Luminaire Characteristic Letter ● Peak Current Ratio (PCR)
● Pulse Burst ● Rectifying Lamp Current
● Resonant Burst Ignition ● Rise and Fall Times
● Spectral Power Density ● Spectral Power Ratio
● Stiff line ● Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
Robert Erhardt, Chair, ASC82

Mike Minarczyk, Technical Coordinator
Randolph N. Roy, ANSLG Committee Secretariat
Matt Clark, Senior Editor

Page 3 of 22
Table of Contents
Foreword ......................................................................................................................... 3
1. Scope ......................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Important Patent Disclaimer ..................................................................................... 5
2. Normative references ................................................................................................. 5
3. Definitions .................................................................................................................. 6

Page 4 of 22
1 Scope
This standard provides definitions related to specific terms contained in HID and LPS lamps
and ballast standards.
1.1 Important Patent Disclaimer
It is possible that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent rights.
When this document was approved for publication, ANSLG did not know of any patent
applications, patents pending, or existing patents. ANSLG shall not be held responsible for
identifying any or all such patent rights.
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 editions of the standards indicated below.
ANSI C78.40-1998 (R2008), Specifications for Mercury Lamps
ANSI C78.41-2006, Guidelines for Low Pressure Sodium Lamps
ANSI C78.42-2009, High Pressure Sodium Lamps
ANSI C78.43-2007, Single-Ended Metal Halide Lamps
ANSI C78.44-2008, Double-Ended Metal Halide Lamps
ANSI C78.380-2007, High-Intensity Discharge Lamps, Method of Designation
ANSI C82.4-2002 (R2007), Ballasts for High-Intensity Discharge and Low-Pressure

Sodium Lamps (Multiple-Supply Type)
ANSI C82.5-1990 (R2007), Reference Ballasts for High-Intensity Discharge Lamps
ANSI C82.6-2005 and C82.6a-1988, Reference Ballasts for High-Intensity Discharge

Lamps - Methods of Measurement
ANSI C82.7-1983 (R2007), Mercury Lamp Transformers - Constant-current (Series)

Supply Type

Page 5 of 22
ANSI C82.14-2006, Low-Frequency Square Wave Electronic Ballast for Metal Halide
Lamps
ANSI C92.1-1982, Power Systems - Insulation Coordination
ANSI/IEEE 4-1978, Techniques for High Voltage Testing
ANSI/IEEE 100-1992, Dictionary of Electrical and Electronics Terms
ANSI/IESNA RP-27.3-2007, Recommended Practice for Photobiological Safety for

Lamps – General Requirements
ANSI/IESNA RP-27.3-96, Recommended Practice for Photobiological Safety for Lamps

– Risk Group Classification and Labeling
3 Definitions
3.1 aggregate pulse - A group of ignitor starting pulses which individually are
narrower in width than is typically specified by ANSI for starting lamps on magnetic
ballasts. They are usually associated with electronic ballasts where the individual pulses
are close together in time and act from a starting standpoint much the same as a single
wider pulse.
3.2 aggregate width - The accumulated time, normalized over a one second
interval, at which the ignitor voltage is above a defined threshold voltage.
3.3 autoregulating ballast or autostabilized ballast - See constant-wattage

autotransformer (CWA) ballast.
3.4 ballast - A device that, by means of resistance, inductance, capacitance, or

electronic elements, singly or in combination, controls the lamp current, voltage, and
their waveforms to the required values for proper lamp starting and operation.
Capacitors for power factor correction and capacitor discharge resistors may be part of
the ballast.
3.5 ballast/starter capacitive load rating - The maximum value of capacitance with
which the ballast/starter may be loaded and still meet all minimum pulse requirements.
3.6 basic lightning impulse insulation level (BIL) - A specific insulation level
expressed in terms of the crest value of a standard lightning impulse.
3.7 built-in ballast, integral ballast component, or transformer - A ballast

element specifically designed to be contained within a luminaire.
3.8 cap - IEC term for a lampbase

Page 6 of 22
3.9 characteristic curve, ballast - The curve of lamp wattage versus lamp voltage,
over a range of normal lamp voltages, when a discharge lamp ballast operates at a
given supply voltage.
3.10 characteristic curve, lamp - The curve, typically shown as a straight line,
representing the relationship between the lamp voltage and wattage as the lamp
wattage is varied by changing the supply voltage or the ballast impedance. A linear
reactor must be used to develop a characteristic curve.
3.11 characteristic voltage, lamp - The voltage at the point where the lamp
characteristic curve crosses the nominal wattage line.
3.12 commutation time - The time of the transition from one polarity to the other for a
square wave or other types of electronic ballasts.
3.13 constant-current transformer - A transformer that automatically maintains an

approximately constant current in its secondary circuit under varying conditions of load
impedance when supplied from an approximately constant potential source.
3.14 constant voltage regulated ballast - See magnetic regulated ballast.
3.15 constant wattage autotransformer (CWA) ballast - A ballast that has many
features of the constant-wattage (CW) ballast, including a capacitor in series with a
lamp, but uses an autotransformer circuit.
3.16 constant wattage (CW) ballast - A ballast circuit incorporating fully isolated
secondary windings in series with a capacitor and lamp. The constant-wattage (CW)
ballast, compared to other ballast types, regulates over the widest primary voltage
range and holds lamp wattage to the narrowest regulation range by controlling lamp
current.
3.17 constant-wattage isolated, (CWI) ballast - See constant wattage (CW) ballast.
3.18 control gear - IEC term for ballast and, if included, a starter.
3.19 crest factor, ballast open circuit - The ratio of the peak value to the root-mean-
square (rms) value of the ballast open circuit voltage, at the nominal supply voltage,
unless otherwise stated.
VCF= Vpeak/Vrms
3.20 current crest factor - The ratio of the peak value of lamp current to the root-
mean-square (rms) value of lamp current.
CCF = Ipeak/Irms

Page 7 of 22
3.21 current off-time (OT), ballast - The period of time near the end of the current
half cycle during which the current is zero or nearly zero, measured on a ballast
terminated with a non-inductive resistor as a simulated lamp load. This period is defined
arbitrarily as the interval between a point of intersection of the tangent of the
descending current trace and the tangent of the low current trace, and the end of the
half cycle.
Ballast Current
Waveform
Tangents
OT
Current Off Time (OT)
3.22 current off-time, lamp - The period of time near the end of the lamp current half
cycle during which the current is zero or nearly zero. This period is defined arbitrarily as
the interval between a point of intersection of the tangent of the descending current
trace, and the end of the half cycle.
TypicalLamp Current Waveform
Tangent
Lamp Current off-time
Current Off Time,Lamp

Page 8 of 22
3.23 current overshoot (OS), ballast - The minimum current during the off time
period, measured on a ballast terminated with a non inductive resistor as a simulated
lamp load. The value is negative when the current does not cross the zero axis during
the half cycle - Overshoot is reported as an average between the measured OS1, of the
positive current half cycle and the measured OS2 of the negative current half cycle.
y
BallastCurrentWaveform
OS1
OS 2 OS OS2
OS 1 1
Positive Overshoot Negative Overshoot
CurrentOvershoot(OS),Ballast
3.24 current overshoot, lamp - The minimum average lamp current during the off
time period. The value is negative when the current does not cross the zero axis during
the half cycle. Overshoot is reported as an average of the measured overshoot of the
positive and the negative current half cycle.
y
TypicalLamp CurrentWaveform
OS1
Positive Overshoot Negative Overshoot
CurrentOvershoot,Lamp
3.25 current ratio of a series transformer - The ratio of the rms primary current to
the rms secondary current under specified conditions of load.

Page 9 of 22
3.26 current slope (di/dt) through zero, ballast - The time rate of change of the
ballast current as the waveform passes through zero at the end of the half cycle. The
value is measured within a 100µsec window centered at zero crossing on a ballast
terminated with a non-inductive resistor as a simulated lamp load.
Ballast Current Waveform
Tangent 100 ╡Sec.window centered at

dt zero crossing
di
Current Slope (di/dt) Through Zero,Ballast
3.27 current slope through zero, lamp - The time rate of change of lamp current as
the lamp current waveform passes through zero at the end of the half cycle.
TypicalLamp Current Waveform
Tangent
dt
di
Current Slope Through Zero - Lamp
3.28 drop-out voltage - The value of lamp voltage at which a ballast ceases to
sustain the lamp operation at a given supply voltage.

Page 10 of 22
3.29 effective actinic UV output - The effective power of the UV radiation obtained
by weighting the spectral power distribution of the lamp with the UV hazard weighting
function S(λ). Additional information on S(λ) can be found in ANSI/IES RP27.1&3. The
effective actinic UV output relative to the lumen output of the lamp (mW/klm) is a
determinant in the assignment of a luminaire characteristic letter in the lamp ANSI
designation.
3.30 electrical number - The number in the ANSI lamp designation that describes
unique set of electrical HID lamp and ballast characteristics. This and other key
characteristics are found in C78.380.
3.31 electronic square-wave ballast - A ballast whose operating lamp current

waveform is essentially a square wave with a defined maximum rise/fall time
3.32 electronic high frequency ballast - A ballast whose operating frequency is

greater than 20kHz and is a near sinewave in waveshape.
3.33 EMC electromagnetic compatibility - The ability of a electronic ballast, to meet

the regulated or specified self-conducted and radiated electromagnetic emission levels
and the ability to reject electromagnetic emissions from other sources.
3.34 EMI electromagnetic interference - A condition in which electromagnetic

emissions from an electronic device such as a ballast, results in the adverse operation
of other electronic equipment.
3.35 extinction voltage (of a high-intensity-discharge or low-pressure sodium

lamp/ballast combination) - The rms value of supply voltage at which a reference
lamp extinguishes when the supply voltage is uniformly reduced from rated value at 2
percent to 3 percent of rated voltage per second.
3.36 high frequency ripple current - A high frequency current superimposed on the
low frequency square wave lamp current. High frequency ripple current can cause lamp
arc instability.
3.37 high-intensity discharge (HID) lamp - An electric discharge lamp in which the
light producing arc is stabilized by the wall temperature, and has a bulb wall loading in
excess of three watts per square centimeter. High-intensity-discharge lamps include
groups of lamps known as mercury, metal halide, and high-pressure sodium.
3.38 high power factor ballast - A multiple-supply type of power factor-corrected

ballast so designed that the input power factor is not less than 90 percent when the
ballast is operated with center-rated voltage applied to its input terminals and a
connected load, that consists of the appropriate reference lamp or lamps, operated in
the position for which the lamp is designed.

Page 11 of 22
3.39 high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamp - A high-intensity-discharge lamp in which

the major portion of the light is produced by radiation from sodium vapor operating at a
partial pressure of about 6.67 X 103 pascals (50 torr) or greater.
3.40 high-reactance autotransformer (lag) ballast - An autotransformer that uses a

magnetic shunt path between primary and secondary coils to control reactance. This
circuit has operating characteristics similar to those of a reactor, but by means of auto
transformation it steps voltage up or down to that voltage necessary to operate the high-
intensity-discharge lamp.
3.41 hot restrike current, ballast - The line current to a ballast/lamp system, at the
nominal supply voltage, measured 5 to 15 seconds after the restrike of a momentarily
extinguished warmed up lamp.
3.42 ignitor - See starter.
3.43 inrush current - The surge in input current to a ballast at the moment the ballast
is energized. Typically the inrush currents are the result of charging capacitors in the
ballast power supply circuits.
3.44 instantaneous open circuit recovery voltage - The minimum value of the dip
in the ballast open circuit voltage immediately following a starting pulse, exclusive of the
pulse oscillation.
Vpeak
Vir Open Circuit Voltage
Vir= Instantaneous Open

Circuit Recovery Voltage Mom entof
Ignition Pulse
Instantaneous Open Circuit Recovery Voltage
3.45 lag ballast - A ballast exhibiting primarily inductive electrical characteristics,

including a lagging lamp current with respect to line voltage and lagging or corrected
line power factor. This includes reactors and high reactance transformers.
3.46 Lamp Code Designation (LCD) - An industry standardized designation for an

HID lamp. The code consists of a lamp type classification letter, an electrical

Page 12 of 22
characteristic number, and a luminaire characteristic letter. See C78.380 for further
detail.
3.47 lamp end of life - The point in time when a lamp fails to meet the specified
performance criteria.
3.48 lamp reignition voltage spike - A narrow (<50usec) voltage spike that occurs
immediately after the lamp current crosses zero. The spike rises, peaks and then
recedes in less than 2 minutes after a metal halide lamp ignites. The spike occurs as a
result of chemical reactions occurring within the arc tube.
Lam p Re- ignition

Voltage Spike
Lam p Voltage W aveform

during w arm - up
Lam p Re- ignition Voltage Spike
3.49 lamp re-ignition voltage(Vr) - The maximum steady state lamp voltage peak
immediately following the transition from one half cycle to the following half cycle.
Re-ignition Voltage (Vr)

(Lamp fully warmed-up)
Lamp Operating
Voltage Waveform

Page 13 of 22
3.50 lamp type classification letter - This is a unique set of letters to describe the
classification of HID lamps, e.g. “S” for High Pressure Sodium. The list of letters is
found in ANSI C78.380.
3.51 lead ballast - A ballast having a leading lamp current with respect to the line
voltage as result of a capacitor which is connected in series with the lamp.
3.52 leakage currents (to ground) - All currents, including resistive and capacitive
currents, that may flow from accessible parts of a ballast (including capacitor and
luminaire) to ground.
3.53 lightning impulse, standard - A full impulse having a rise time of 1.2
microseconds and a time to half value of 50 microseconds. It is described as a 1.2/50
impulse. (See ANSI/IEEE 4-1978.) 1
3.54 line transient (surges) – A fast voltage or current pulse impressed on the input
terminals of a device, ballast.
3.55 linear reactor - An electromagnetic device that introduces inductive reactance

into a lamp circuit such that the steady state sine-wave voltage across the reactance
device is linearly proportional to the current throughout the intended range of use in
both current and frequency.
3.56 low- (normal-) power-factor ballast - See normal-(low-) power-factor-ballast.
3.57 low-pressure sodium (LPS) Lamp - A discharge lamp in which light is produced
by radiation from sodium vapor operating at a partial pressure of 0.13 to 1.3 pascals
-3 -2
(10 to 10 torr).
NOTE: This lamp is not strictly a high-intensity-discharge lamp, but is included

since many of the definitions in this document are applicable to low-
pressure sodium lamps.
1It is recognized that it may be necessary for some apparatus standards (for example, transformers) to
use a modified wave shape where practical test considerations or particular dielectric strength
characteristics make some modification imperative.
Page 14 of 22
3.58 luminaire characteristic letter - A letter used to describe a lamp and luminaire
attributes, e.g. the letter “O” represents a lamp that may be used in an open fixture. The
list of letters is found in ANSI C78.380.
3.59 magnetic regulated ballast - A ballast incorporating a constant-voltage

regulator in conjunction with a lag reactor for operating high-intensity-discharge lamps.
3.60 maximum lamp wattage, absolute - The lamp wattage, as determined by the
lamp manufacturer based on the lamp performance, and the thermal limits of the lamp
materials that shall not be exceeded.
3.61 maximum lamp wattage - The lamp wattage, if exceeded, that may result in
poor lamp performance and/or reduced lamp life.
3.62 mercury lamp - A high-intensity discharge lamp in which the major portion of the
light is produced by radiation from mercury operating at a partial pressure in excess of
5
1.013 X 10 pascals (760 torr).
3.63 metal halide lamp - A high-intensity-discharge lamp in which the major portion
of the light is produced by radiation of metal halides and their products of dissociation in
combination with metallic vapors such as mercury.
3.64 multiple-supply type ballast - A ballast designed specifically to receive its

power from a supply circuit of approximately constant voltage that may be operated in
multiple (parallel) with other loads supplied from the same source.
3.65 normal- (low-) power-factor ballast - A ballast of the multiple-supply type that
does not have a means for correcting the input power factor.
3.66 off-time, current - See current off time.
3.67 open circuit voltage, ballast (OCV) - The voltage across the output terminals
of a ballast when no load is connected (rms, unless otherwise stated). If the circuit
contains an ignitor, it should be disabled.
3.68 open circuit current, line - The rms current measured through the input
terminals of a ballast with all lamps removed.
3.69 operating voltage, lamp - The rms voltage, (Volts), measured across the
lampholder terminals. Typically this value is measured after the lamp has fully warmed
up and stabilized.
3.70 operating current, lamp - The rms current, (Amperes), measured in series with
the ballast output and the lampholder terminals.
3.71 operating power, lamp - The average power, (Watts), supplied to the lamp from
the ballast. Typically this value is measured after the lamp has fully warmed up and
stabilized.
Page 15 of 22
3.72 overshoot, current - See current overshoot.
3.73 PCR - peak current ratio - The ratio of the peak and rms lamp current measured
in a 100µsec window over the entire current waveform.
3.74 peak lead ballast - A ballast that produces a highly peaked open circuit voltage
wave shape and has a capacitor in series with the lamp.
3.75 peak voltage - The greatest absolute instantaneous value of a voltage measured
from a lamp or ballast waveform.
3.76 power factor ballast, high - See high power factor ballast
3.77 power factor, ballast - The quotient of the BALLAST INPUT POWER (W)
divided by the product of the rms BALLAST SUPPLY VOLTAGE (Vrms) and BALLAST
SUPPLY CURRENT (Arms).
Ballast Power (W )
Pf (ballast ) =
Ballast Supply Voltage (Vrms ) × Ballast Supply Current ( Arms )
3.78 power factor corrected ballast - A ballast that has a power-factor-correcting

device, such as a capacitor, so that the input power factor is greater than that of an
otherwise comparable normal (low) power-factor ballast design. Usually, such ballasts
have a power factor of 80 to 90 percent.
3.79 power factor, lamp - The quotient of the LAMP OPERATING POWER (W)
divided by the product of the LAMP OPERATING VOLTAGE (Vrms) and LAMP
OPERATING CURRENT (Arms).
Lamp Operating Power (W )

Pf (lamp) =
Lamp Operating Voltage (Vrms ) × Lamp Operating Current ( Arms )
3.80 power factor, line - The quotient of the LINE INPUT POWER (W) divided by the
product of the LINE SUPPLY VOLTAGE (Vrms) and LINE SUPPLY CURRENT (Arms)
Line Input Power (W )
Pf (line) =
Line Supply Voltage (Vrms ) × Line Input Current ( Arms )
3.81 pulse burst - A time-limited series of narrow pulses for lamp ignition

Page 16 of 22
3.82 pulse direction (HID lamp starting) - The direction of a pulse necessary to start
an HID lamp is defined to be either positive, (in-phase), or negative, (out-of-phase), with
respect to the ballast open circuit voltage half cycle. The pulse is defined positive when
the peak value of the pulse is additive to the half cycle of the ballast peak open circuit
voltage it resides on. The pulse is defined as negative when the peak value of the pulse
subtracts from the half cycle of the ballast peak open circuit voltage it resides on.
V(ocv)
Pulse Direction
Positive (in- phase)
V(ocv) Pulse Direction
Negative (out- of- phase)
Pulse Direction (HID Lam p Starting)
3.83 pulse duration (T2)(HID lamp starting) - The time interval between beginning
when the instantaneous pulse voltage value reaches 50% of the pulse height on the
leading edge and 50% on the trailing edge of a HID starting pulse.
yZero Pulse Position (deg.)

Crossover
0 Volts
Peak OCV
50%
Open Circuit
Voltage (OCV)
Pulse Height
T2
Pulse Duration (μS)
50%
Pulse Width
T1 Pulse Rise Tim e (nS)
Pulse definitions - HID Lam p Starting

Page 17 of 22
3.84 pulse height (HID lamp starting) - The peak voltage amplitude of a HID lamp
starting pulse measured with a capacitive load of 20pf referenced to the zero voltage
level of the ballast open circuit voltage.
3.85 pulse position (HID lamp starting) - The location of the pulse peak in electrical
degrees, measured after the zero crossover of the open circuit voltage AC half cycle.
3.86 pulse rise time (T1) (HID lamp starting) - The time interval, expressed in
nanoseconds, between the initiation of a pulse and the peak voltage of the extrapolated
leading edge of the pulse peak.
3.87 pulse width (HID lamp starting) - The duration of a pulse measured at a
specified voltage level.
3.88 rated supply voltage - The voltage for which a ballast or transformer is
designed, and operation and performance characteristics are referred.
3.89 reactor ballast - An inductive component connected in series with a high-

intensity-discharge or low-pressure sodium lamp to limit the current.
3.90 rectifying lamp current - A current with an abnormal DC component due to an

imbalanced load that may result in ballast and/or lamp damage or failure.
3.91 reference magnetic ballast - A special inductive linear ballast having certain
prescribed characteristics. The ballast is used as a comparison standard for the testing
of ballasts or lamps and is also used in selecting the reference lamps necessary for
testing ballasts. A reference ballast may be a fixed or a adjustable impedance type.
3.92 reference current - The value of current specified for each particular reference
ballast in the applicable American National Standard for high-intensity-discharge and
low-pressure sodium lamps. The reference current for a particular lamp is normally the
same as the rated lamp current.
3.93 reference lamp - A lamp seasoned 100 hours operated under stable conditions,
in the specified operating position, and on the reference ballast specified for that lamp -
The electrical characteristics of the lamp (volts, amperes, and watts) are within +/-2
percent of the rated values.
3.94 regulated ballast - For mercury and metal halide lamp ballasts, see
constant-wattage (CW) ballast; for high-pressure sodium lamp ballasts, see magnetic
regulated ballast.
3.95 regulation - The percent change in lamp watts as the line voltage is changed
over the designated voltage range of the ballast.

Page 18 of 22
3.96 remote ballast, ballast component, or transformer - A ballast element that is

mounted separately, outside a luminaire.
3.97 resonant burst ignition - A sinusoidal, high frequency ignition voltage of

frequency greater than 20kHz, utilizing a programmed sweep burst or a constant
amplitude burst to ignite the lamp.
3.98 rise & fall times - The time from 90% of the rms value for lamp voltage or
current waveforms of one half cycle to 90% of the rms value of the opposite half cycle
for electronic square wave ballasts.
3.99 self-ballasted lamp - An arc lamp containing an internal ballast.
3.100 short-circuit current, ballast - The current at the output terminals of a ballast
when the output is shorted (rms, unless otherwise stated).
3.101 spectral power density - The lamp power at a specific frequency per unit
frequency.
3.102 spectral power ratio - The ratio of the average spectral power density divided
by its zero (fundamental) frequency component.
3.103 stabilized ballast - See regulated ballast.
3.104 standard lightning impulse - See lightning impulse, standard.
3.105 starter - An apparatus which provides by itself, or in combination with other

components in the circuit, the appropriate electrical conditions needed to start a
discharge lamp.
3.106 starter current - The peak current supplied by an auxiliary starting device.
3.107 starter re-initiation voltage - The minimum rms voltage of the lamp sufficient to
re-initiate the operation of an auxiliary starter.
3.108 starting probability - The probability, based on commonly accepted statistical

procedures, that a lamp will start under specified conditions.
3.109 starting current, ballast - The rms current measured through the input terminals
of the ballast 5 to 15 seconds after the lamp has started and has begun to warm-up.
3.110 starting current, lamp - The current, rms, unless otherwise stated, that a ballast
delivers to a lamp 5 to 15 seconds after the lamp has started and begun to warm-up.
3.111 starting pulse - A high-voltage, low-energy pulse superposed on the open circuit
voltage of some high intensity-discharge or low-pressure sodium ballasts to aid in
starting a lamp.

Page 19 of 22
3.112 stiff line - A sine wave source that exhibits voltage regulation of no more than
0.5 percent (change of rms voltage from no load to full load divided by rms voltage at
full load).
3.113 superimposed ignition - A lamp ignition method where a high voltage, low
energy pulse is combined at the same instant in time with the open circuit voltage of
magnetic or electronic ballast to aid in starting a HID lamp.
3.114 supply voltage - (see rated supply voltage)
3.115 sustaining voltage - The instantaneous voltage available to the lamp from the
ballast at the time the lamp current passes through zero.
yyy OCV
-Vc
V ss
io
0 0
Sustaining Voltage (Vss)

Page 20 of 22
3.116 sustaining voltage (measurement peak lead ballast - Vss) - The instantaneous
voltage difference between the open circuit voltage (OCV) and the series capacitor
voltage (Vc), measured on a ballast terminated with a non-inductive 5 ohm resistor as a
simulated lamp load, when the output current (io) passes through zero. Vss is a measure
of the ballast's capability to sustain a lamp.
+
Cap acito r vo lta ge -V c )
i rentia l A m plifie r
Diffe
-
Ball ast
Ca pacitor
S1
Line 5 O hm O pen Circui t Vo lta ge (OCV )
P ower or
Resistor
Curren t (io ) with
Resisto r Co nnected
(Switch S1 closed )
NO TE: S co pe Gro und

Th e insta ntane ous ca pacitor voltage at curren t zero can also
m e asure d b y using a re gula r scop e and a 10 0X prob e. Thi s is
b ecause there is no voltag e drop acro ss the 5 ohm resistor
the curr ent cro sse s the ze ro line
S u st ain in g V o lt a g e (M e a s ur e m e n t P e a k L e ad B a lla st - V ss )
3.117 temperature determination, change of resistance method - The

determination of the temperature of a ballast winding by comparing the resistance at the
temperature to be determined with the resistance at a known temperature.

Page 21 of 22
3.118 total harmonic distortion - The ratio of rms value of all the harmonics to the
rms value of the fundamental
Note - Some instrumentation permits the user to define THD as the ratio of the harmonics to
either the rms of the fundamental or the rms of the total. It is recommended that the term
‘THD(fund)’ or ‘THD(rms)’ be used in the lighting standards and the product labeling to identify
the definition. Possible end-user confusion is avoided. The following relationships are useful
for the conversion purposes.
2 2 2
+ + +K THD ( fund .)
THD ( rms ) = I 2 I 3 I 4 =
I rms 1 + THD ( fund .) 2
OR
2 2 2
+ + +K THD (rms )
THD ( fund .) = I 2 I 3 I 4 =
I1 1 − THD (rms ) 2
3.119 transformer, insulating - See transformer, isolation.
3.120 transformer, isolation - A transformer in which there is no direct electrical

connection between primary and secondary windings.
NOTE: Electrical isolation is used to reduce or minimize the hazard of shock and to
isolate system grounds. If extreme isolation is desired then it is necessary to reduce the
electrostatic coupling and the conductive leakage by using appropriate shielding to
reduce the capacitive and resistive currents between the windings.
3.121 transformer, series lighting - A transformer used in a series current-regulating

lighting circuit that transforms energy to another winding at the same or a different
current from that of the primary.
3.122 trapezoid, high-pressure sodium lamp - A diagram showing the wattage limits
of a particular high-pressure sodium lamp over a range of its lamp voltage. The
horizontal lines define the lamp wattage limits and diagonal lines define the range of
lamp voltage. (See ANSI C78.42, High-Pressure Sodium Lamps.)
3.123 voltage rise, lamp - The increase in the lamp operating voltage due to causes
such as electrode degradation, arc tube blackening, and the re-combination or loss of
chemical additives.
3.124 voltage rise, lamp (luminaire effect) - The increase in lamp voltage between a
stabilized reference lamp operating on a reference ballast in open air, or luminaire
simulator for double ended lamps, and the stabilized operation of the lamp in a
luminaire with the same orientation and ballast.
3.125 warm-up time, lamp - The time required for a HID lamp to reach stabilization
under a prescribed operating condition.

Page 22 of 22

Ansi Anslg C82.9-2010

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ANSI_ANSLG C82.

American National Standard

for Lamp Ballasts—

American National Standard

for lamp ballasts:

High-Intensity Discharge and Low-Pressure Sodium Lamps

Copyright © 2010 by American National Standard Lighting Group

Approval of an American National Standard requires

The American National Standards Institute does not

CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may

Copyright ©2010 by American National Standard Lighting Group

Printed in the United States of America

Copyright © 2010 by American National Standard Lighting Group

Foreword (This foreword is not part of American National Standard C82.9-2010.)

Amendment / Change CDV RV

This standard provides definitions relative to specific terms contained in

Included in this revision/consolidation are the additions of the following definitions.

● Aggregate Pulse ● Aggregate Width

Robert Erhardt, Chair, ASC82

Copyright © 2010 by American National Standard Lighting Group

1.1 Important Patent Disclaimer ..................................................................................... 5

2. Normative references ................................................................................................. 5

Copyright © 2010 by American National Standard Lighting Group

1.1 Important Patent Disclaimer

ANSI C78.40-1998 (R2008), Specifications for Mercury Lamps

ANSI C78.41-2006, Guidelines for Low Pressure Sodium Lamps

ANSI C78.42-2009, High Pressure Sodium Lamps

ANSI C78.43-2007, Single-Ended Metal Halide Lamps

ANSI C78.44-2008, Double-Ended Metal Halide Lamps

ANSI C78.380-2007, High-Intensity Discharge Lamps, Method of Designation

ANSI C82.4-2002 (R2007), Ballasts for High-Intensity Discharge and Low-Pressure

ANSI C82.5-1990 (R2007), Reference Ballasts for High-Intensity Discharge Lamps

ANSI C82.6-2005 and C82.6a-1988, Reference Ballasts for High-Intensity Discharge

ANSI C82.7-1983 (R2007), Mercury Lamp Transformers - Constant-current (Series)

Copyright © 2010 by American National Standard Lighting Group

ANSI C92.1-1982, Power Systems - Insulation Coordination

ANSI/IEEE 4-1978, Techniques for High Voltage Testing

ANSI/IEEE 100-1992, Dictionary of Electrical and Electronics Terms

ANSI/IESNA RP-27.3-2007, Recommended Practice for Photobiological Safety for

ANSI/IESNA RP-27.3-96, Recommended Practice for Photobiological Safety for Lamps

3.3 autoregulating ballast or autostabilized ballast - See constant-wattage

3.4 ballast - A device that, by means of resistance, inductance, capacitance, or

3.7 built-in ballast, integral ballast component, or transformer - A ballast

3.8 cap - IEC term for a lampbase

Copyright © 2010 by American National Standard Lighting Group

3.13 constant-current transformer - A transformer that automatically maintains an

3.14 constant voltage regulated ballast - See magnetic regulated ballast.

Copyright © 2010 by American National Standard Lighting Group

Current Off Time (OT)

TypicalLamp Current Waveform

Lamp Current off-time

Current Off Time,Lamp

Copyright © 2010 by American National Standard Lighting Group

Positive Overshoot Negative Overshoot

Positive Overshoot Negative Overshoot

Copyright © 2010 by American National Standard Lighting Group

Ballast Current Waveform

Tangent 100 ╡Sec.window centered at

Current Slope (di/dt) Through Zero,Ballast

TypicalLamp Current Waveform

Current Slope Through Zero - Lamp

Copyright © 2010 by American National Standard Lighting Group