How to test THD, CF and PF in Electronic Fluorescent Ballast 230V 50 Hz?

Use fluke 31 or fluke 41B Harmonics analyser to measure all the above in single shot. THD10% is better than THD 20%. No THD is the best. Further THD measurements taken for both Voltage and Current and written as ITHD & VTHD. Power electronics generate Harmonics that are definitely not good as they "Pollute" power lines. Finally these harmonics spoil other electrical equipment.

Thank for this useful information.

Fluke 43B Power Quality Analyzer is a very expensive measuring equipment which replaced Fluke 41B. Can I find a measuring instrument at a cheaper price to do this test and experiment?

Is High THD affecting Power Consumption (kWh)? A ballast with THD 20% consumes more electrical energy(kWh) than a ballast of THD 10%. If yes, why?

Is an Electronic Ballast consumed less Power(W) than a magnetic ballast?

Can we consider that an Electronic Ballast is in the category of ENERGY SAVER?

Thanking you before hand for the reply.

Yes, these are very expensive testers. I am using Fluke 434 that is much more expensive.

T/L 36W or 40W chokes consume 4 to 6 watts apart from the mentioned wattage. Electronic ballasts on the other hand consumes a fraction of extra watts, but it is difficult to get and costly to buy a good electronic ballast. Phillips makes conventional ballast that is much more efficient than traditional chokes. I recommend this.

Harmonics are nothing but multiple frequencies of fundamental. These harmonic current enters other power equipments like motors of fans, blowers,etc. Since these motor are designed to work efficiently at the rated frequencies, the harmonic currents pass through windings and dissipate as heat thus causing losses. In one of the big industry these harmonic currents turned a 100HP motor to rotate in reverse direction causing great loss. Florescent lamp's electronic ballasts generate harmonics at very higher frequencies. Hence these harmonic currents due to higher frequencies convert in heat loss ultimately. Harmonic currents makes your power distribution transformer over loaded. Also your power factor correcting capacitors will damage frequently as these higher frequency currents get short-circuited through these capacitors.

Thank for the technical theory, recommendation and advice.

You are right to select and recommend Philips Magnetic Ballast with high Power Factor (0,85).

What will you select between these TWO Ballasts:

(a) Philips (CHINA) Magnetic Ballast 36/40W:

Voltage : 230~240V

PF = 0,85

Frequency = 50Hz

Input Current = 0.43A

OR

(b) DK Lighting (CHINA) Electronic Ballast 36/40W:

Voltage = 220~240V

Frequency = 50/60Hz

BPF = 0.95

PF = 0.98

CF = 1.68

THD = 18.7%

EEI = A2

Input Current: 0.165A

PLEASE TAKE INTO ACCOUNT EFFICIENCY AND ENERGY SAVING IN TERM OF kWh.

Thank for your priceless advice.

Bye.

The first option, Phillips China Magnetic ballast. You can easily correct powerfactor but not Harmonics.