Rosslyn, VA, December 4, 2006 -- The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), on behalf of the American National Standard Lighting Group (ANSLG) has published ANSI_ANSLG C82.14-2006, American National Standard for Lamp Ballasts -- Low-Frequency Square Wave Electronic Ballasts -- for Metal Halide Lamps.

This standard provides specifications for and operating characteristics of low frequency square wave electronic ballasts for metal halide lamps. Electronic ballasts are devices that use semiconductors to control lamp starting and operation. The ballasts operate from multiple supply sources of 600 V maximum at a frequency of 60 Hz. The output frequency of electronic ballasts may be of some frequency other than 60 Hz. This standard only covers lamp operating current frequencies from greater than 60 Hz up to 400 Hz (some exclusionary frequency ranges may apply). An electronic square wave ballast is an electronic ballast whose operating lamp current waveform is essentially a square wave with defined rise/fall times stated in the C78.43 lamp standard.

ANSI_ANSLG C82.14-2006 may be downloaded free, or a hardcopy purchased for $50 by visiting NEMA's website, or by contacting IHS at 800- 854-7179 (within the U.S.), 303-397-7956 (international), 303-397-2740 (fax).