Benefits of using ECGs for high-intensity discharge lamps
Benefits at a glance
Compact dimensions
| CCG | PTi for installation in luminaires | |
  Massively built with ballast, capacitor and igniter |
 Much more compact |
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CCGs consist of the classic three components: ballast, igniter and capacitor - a design that remained unchanged for decades.
With ECGs, things are different. Thanks to the miniaturized components and a high-density integrated micro controller, POWERTRONIC PTi ECGs come in the smallest possible dimensions - they have thus become a decisive factor in the development of new, filigreed and small luminaires.
Easier installation
| HCI 35-150 W on CCG | HCI 35-150 W on PTi ECG | |
Additional casing necessary |
 Case with cable clamp |
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Using ECGs means simple and swift installation. While CCGs necessitate the time-consuming installation of three individual components in a process, which poses a considerable potential for mistakes, ECG installation is simple through the hassle-free connection of supply and lamp wires to one device.
Another advantage is the ECGs' integrated cable clamp, which allows for simple retrofitting as well as for standalone installation.
Flicker-free light
| HCI 70 W on CCG | HCI 70 W on PTi ECG | |
50 Hz operation |
160-180 Hz operation |
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When run on CCGs, metal halide lamps may flicker perceptibly. This may lead to headaches, sore eyes and other forms of indisposition.
POWERTRONIC ECGs work with an operating frequency of 160-180 Hz, affording a pleasant light that our eyes perceive as flicker-free.
Higher color stability
| HCI 35-150 W on CCG | HCI 35-150 W on PTi ECG | |
Varying color temperature |
Constant color temperature |
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The intelligent lamp control and the constant output power of the POWERTRONIC ECGs, which are independent of voltage fluctuations, allow for improved color stability through the entire lamp life as compared to lamp operation on CCGs.
Improved efficiency
| HCI 70 W on CCG | HCI 70 W on PTi ECG | |
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| CCG operation 92 W system wattage |
ECG operation 80 W system wattage |
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Due to their enhanced design, POWERTRONIC ECG have an extremely low power loss. The substantially lower system wattage means considerable energy savings as compared to CCG operation with ballast, igniter and capacitor.
Moreover, the reduced heat input will relieve the air conditioning system - double savings for you!
Intelligent and reversible heat protection
| CCG | HCI 35-150 W on PTi ECG | |
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Switches off when too hot |
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Compact luminaires may, under certain conditions, develop very high temperatures inside the luminaire. In order to prevent an ECG overload in such critical situations, POWERTRONIC ECGs have been fitted with an intelligent load adjustment and a reversible switch-off mechanism.
Longer lamp life
| HCI 35-150 W on CCG |
HCI 35-150 W on PTi ECG |
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On average up to 30 % longer lamp life |
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The combination of the optimized, gentle lamp ignition of the POWERTRONIC ECG, its constant output power and the avoidance of re-ignition peaks affect a noticeable lengthening of the lamp life.
Low noise operation
| HCI 35-150 W on CCG | HCI 35-150 W on PTi ECG | |
Tendency to vibrate/hum |
No disturbing noise |
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Silent lamp operation is very important, in particular in sales and presentation areas. By design, CCGs tend to vibrate, a characteristic, which in some cases may amount to considerable noise.
ECG operation, by contrast, is always noiseless.
Minimum decline of luminous flux
| HCI 70 W on CCG | HCI 70 W on PTi ECG | |
Decline of luminous flux due to lamp backenings |
Better luminous flux |
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When lamps are operated on ECGs, they will exhibit a much lower decline in the luminous flux over their life span than they would when operated on CCG.
The main reasons for this behavior are a gentler lamp ignition process and the constant power output of the ECGs.
No distracting re-ignition attempts
| HCI 70 W on CCG | HCI 70 W on PTi ECG | |
Repeated ignition attempts of old lamps |
Old lamps will be switched off |
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When run on CCGs, metal halide lamps tend to periodically switch on/off towards the end of their life. This can be particularly irritating and distractive in presentation or sales areas. This effect cannot occur with POWERTRONIC ECGs, as the ECGs will switch off the lamp at the end of its life after a maximum of three re-ignition attempts per ignition cycle.
Safety shut-down
| HCI 70 W on CCG | HCI 70 W on PTi ECG | |
Continuous operation |
Monitoring of important lamp parameters |
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Under CCG operation, there occurs no feedback between lamp and control gear. This can lead to abnormal operating conditions, overheating and/or destruction of the CCGs.
POWERTRONIC ECGs by contrast, constantly monitor important lamp parameters such as lamp current and lamp voltage, which allows them to switch-off the lamp under critical conditions swiftly and safely.