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WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF CHOKE AND STARTOR IN A TUBE LIGHT? |
The choke has two main functions. It (in conjunction with the starter if
it has one) causes the tube to ignite by using the back emf to create a
plasma in the tube and it controls the current through the tube when it
is ignited. Starters are used to enable the tube to start . They need a ballast as well and are wired in series with the tube.The starter (which is simply a timed switch) allows current to flow through the filaments at the ends of the tube. This heats the mercury, vaporizing it.The current causes the starter's contacts to heat up and open, thus interrupting the flow of current. interrupting the current generates a high voltage (the ballast is an inductor, as well as an auto transformer to step up the 120V) allowing the tube ionize. The tube lights. |