The effects of the voltage recovery after the voltage sag on gas discharge lamps

Power quality has become a major focal point for many utilities. One of the most common power quality issues that consumers deal with is the voltage sag. This study leads to understanding of electrical behavior of different types of gas discharge lamps after the recovery of the voltage at the end of a sag. The analyzed discharge lamps are fluorescent lamps, low- and high-pressure sodium lamps, metal halide lamps and tungsten halide lamps. Extensive laboratory tests were carried out for detecting the effects of the voltage sag duration and magnitude on these lamps. From the analysis of the test findings, it was seen that some conditions cause a current spike (inrush current) on gas discharge lamps upon voltage recovery. It was concluded that the magnitude of the current spike on the lamps depends on not only the magnitude of the sag, but also the duration of the voltage sag.