A fluorescent light source that will start from a high voltage with no preheating of the electrodes. Instant-start lamps cannot be interchanged with rapid-start lamps.
(Quick Start) An obsolete fluorescent lamp circuit that ignites some hot cathode lamp types within 1 second. In USA, cold cathode lamps with single-pin bases starting instantly with a high starting voltage from the ballast.
A type of ballast designed to start fluorescent lamps as soon as the power is applied. Most T8 fluorescent lamps are being operated on electronic instant-start ballast. Slimline fluorescent lamps operate only on instant start circuits.
Refers to fluorescent lamps that start instantly - without pre-heating of cathodes, and without the need of starters. "Instant Start" lamps have coiled hot cathodes in contrast to "Cold Cathode" lamps. Both, however, start cold and instantly. A higher voltage ballast is required for instant start lamps than for pre-heat. Instant starts differ from rapid start lamps and cannot be used in rapid start fixtures.
A lamp starting method in which lamps are started by high voltage input with no preheating of lamp filaments. Some rapid start lamps are designed so that they may be instant started.
Instant start (high voltage is applied across the lamp with no preheating of the cathode) is the most energy efficient starting method for fluorescent lamp ballasting. IS ballasts use 1.5 to 2 watts less per lamp than rapid start ballast (low voltage is applied to the cathodes prior to lamp ignition and is maintained throughout operation). Other IS ballast benefits typically include parallel lamp circuitry, longer remote wiring distance, easier installation due to less complicated wiring, and capability to start lamps at 0 degrees (versus 50 degrees F for rapid start).
A fluorescent circuit that ignites the lamp instantly with a very high starting voltage from the ballast. Instant start lamps have single-pin bases.
A light source using the principle of incandescence. When an electric current passes through a filament wire (usually tungsten), the heated wire glows. Filaments of standard incandescent lamps are enclosed in a vacuum or gas-filled bulb. They provide low initial cost, good color rendition and excellent optical control.
A circuit used to start specially designed fluorescent lamps without the aid of a starter. To strike the arc instantly, the circuit utilizes higher open-circuit voltage than is required for the same length preheat lamp.
A type of fluorescent lamp-ballast circuit designed to start fluorescent lamps as soon as the power is applied. Originally, instant-start circuits were developed to eliminate separate mechanical starter devices. Slimline fluorescent lamps operate only on instant start circuits.
A circuit used to start specially designed fluorescent lamps without the aid of a starter. The circuit utilizes higher open circuit voltage than is required for the same length preheat lamps, to strike the arc instantly. This circuit is used today in slimline and cold cathode lamps. Instant start 40-watt bipin lamps are made with a short-circuiting device built into the base.
A fluorescent light which can power up immediately without the need to pre-heat the cathodes or use starters. (See Cathodes, Fluorescent and Starters).
