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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: AgentHalogen_87 on 09/04/2026 17:56:21

Title: UK electronic ballasts for North America
Post by: AgentHalogen_87 on 09/04/2026 17:56:21
I'm being curious here. If an electronic ballast made for the UK electrical system (Philips Dynavision / Primavision for eg) is rated for 220 / 240V, 50/60Hz; or 208 - 277V 50 / 60Hz; and works on the UK single Phase 240V system, would it stand the North American 240V 2-phase live (120v on both live and neutral) or would that kill it?
Title: Re: UK electronic ballasts for North America
Post by: Ria on 09/04/2026 18:43:57
Hmmm  :hidbal:

If it's quoted as being suitable for 50 or 60Hz then I wouldn't expect a problem as long as it gets 240V, but I'm not an expert on electronic ballasts :wndr:
Title: Re: UK electronic ballasts for North America
Post by: Max on 09/04/2026 21:02:28
You're referring to the fact that in the USA the split-phase 240 V mains doesn't have a neutral whose potential is close or equal to that of ground/earth. I don't think this is an issue with electronic ballasts as they are certainly designed to account for the possibility that users may (and will) swap phase and neutral when installing equipment.
Title: Re: UK electronic ballasts for North America
Post by: Ria on 09/04/2026 23:59:22
Rather like the output of step-down transformers used here in the UK on construction sites. These are 110V output, centre-tapped to earth, so you have a maximum of 55V to earth if you happen to touch anything.
Title: Re: UK electronic ballasts for North America
Post by: AgentHalogen_87 on 11/04/2026 11:28:01
Thanks for the input guys, interesting information :)