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A tube light choke is an electrical device that limits the current flow in a tube light and helps to ignite it. It is also called a ballast. Different kinds of tube light chokes are listed below:
Electromagnetic Choke
The electromagnetic choke has a copper wire wound around an iron core. It is simple and inexpensive. This kind of choke is popular in fluorescent tube lights. The electromagnetic choke generates a high voltage needed to light up the tube. It also limits the current flow to the tube, preventing it from burning out.
Electronic Choke
The electronic choke is a better alternative to electromagnetic chokes. It uses semiconductors to control the current flow. This choke is more energy efficient and has less electromagnetic interference and heat. It is compatible with T5 fluorescent tubes and even LED lights.
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Choke
The HID choke is specifically for high-intensity discharge tubes, such as metal halide and high-pressure sodium tubes. It can generate the high voltage needed for tube ignition and regulate the current flow.
Inductive Choke
The inductive choke is an old design that uses inductance to regulate current flow. It is mostly in industrial fluorescent lighting. Inductive chokes are heavy and increase power losses. However, they are more durable than electronic chokes.
Non-Electronic Choke
This choke is incompatible with electronic ballasts. It cannot be used with modern fluorescent tubes because of its inefficiency. Non-electronic chokes are rare and mostly found in older tube light models.
Starter Choke
The starter choke is a combination of a choke and a starter. It is used in simple fluorescent tubes. The starter choke has a high resistance to limit the current flow when the tube is turned on. Once the tube lights up, it reduces its resistance to allow more current to flow.
Fluorescent tube lights are commonly used in residential and commercial areas, but they require a magnetic or electronic tube light choke to operate. A tube light choke is an electrical component that regulates the electrical current flowing through the tube light, allowing it to turn on and off quickly.
The main functions of a tube light choke are as follows:
Regulate the current flow
Tube lights require a regulated flow of electrical current to illuminate properly. A tube light choke controls the flow of current going from the ballast to the tube light, ensuring it is stable and within the recommended levels.
Start the tube light
When the tube light choke is energized, it creates a magnetic field that induces a high voltage in the tube light. This voltage overcomes the tube's ignition potential, causing the tube light to start illuminating. Once the tube light has started, the tube light choke regulates the current flow.
Prevent overheating
The flow of electrical current going through the fluorescent tube is regulated to prevent overheating. Without a tube light choke, the current could exceed the tube's limit, causing it to overheat and eventually explode.
Prevent current oscillation
A tube light choke is also used to prevent current oscillation in the tube light. When the tube light is oscillating, it can cause flickering, which is annoying in areas where people work or study.
Features of tube light chokes:
Magnetic chokes
Magnetic chokes are made with a coil of wire wrapped around a magnetic core. They are larger and heavier than electronic tube light chokes, and they produce a humming noise when they are turned on. However, they are less efficient than electronic chokes and are mostly used in older fluorescent tube lights.
Electronic chokes
These chokes use electronic components such as capacitors and transistors to regulate the current flow in the tube light. They are smaller, more efficient, and lighter than magnetic chokes, and they do not produce any noise when they are in use. Electronic tube light chokes are also compatible with modern fluorescent tubes and provide better illumination.
Different kinds of tube light chokes are used in various industries and applications. These industries are listed below:
When choosing a light tube choke for resale, business owners should consider various factors. Here are some of them:
Safety Standards and Certifications
Retailers should purchase fluorescent tube chokes that meet local safety regulations. Such regulations include international safety standards and quality certifications. Meeting safety standards shows the choke is reliable and suitable for normal functioning. Also, it reduces the risk of accidents caused by electrical failures.
Wattage Compatibility
Retailers should get chokes compatible with different tube light wattage. Such options will enable them to cater to various customer needs. Also, they should choose chokes compatible with various fluorescent tube brands and models.
Build Quality and Components
Business owners should get tube light chokes made of quality material. They should look at the internals of the choke and ensure everything is well put together. The soldering should be done correctly and the wiring intact. They can consult a technician to help them analyze the quality of the choke.
Energy Efficiency
Business owners should get fluorescent tube chokes that are energy efficient. Energy efficient chokes have lower operational costs. Also, they are environmentally friendly. When shopping for energy efficient chokes, business owners should look for electronic chokes with e- rating labels.
Price and Warranty
Business owners should compare prices of various tube light chokes. They should settle for chokes whose prices have good profit margins. Also, they should consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period shows the manufacturer has confidence in their product.
Q1: What are LED tube lights?
A1: Tube lights with LED technology are lights used for general illumination. They are energy-efficient, have long lifespans, and are versatile. Businesses and manufacturers prefer them because they use different sizes and can be installed in various settings.
Q2: What is a tube light choke?
A2: A tube light choke is a device used to regulate the current flowing through the tube light. It is commonly known as a ballast. The tube light choke helps start the fluorescent tube light and control its current flow, ensuring it operates efficiently.
Q3: What are the types of tube light chokes?
A3: There are three types of tube light chokes. Inductive or magnetic choke, electronic choke, and energy-efficient chokes. Inductive chokes use copper wire and iron cores, while electronic chokes use transistors. Energy-efficient chokes are a combination of electronic and inductive tube light chokes.
Q4: What are the advantages of tube light chokes?
A4: Tube light chokes have several advantages. First, they help start the tube light quickly. Second, they reduce flickering, making the light more comfortable. They also increase the lifespan of the tube light and make it safer. Other advantages include better color rendering and improved efficiency.
Q5: How much does a tube light choke cost?
A5: The tube light choke price varies depending on several factors. These include the type of tube light, size, brand, and manufacturer. The prices also vary depending on the retailer or wholesaler. Generally, tube light chokes are affordable and come at a price accessible to all business owners.