Instruction manual

2.8 Power Factor λ For all electric loads, the power factor λ is the ratio of effective power (P

eff

voltage x effective current) to apparent power (P

app

= voltage x apparent

current). This value is affected both by the phase displacement cos ϕ

between current and voltage by the current wave form distortion ε (non-

sinusoidal wave form)

λ = P

eff

/ P

app

= ε cos ϕ

In contrast to conventional control gear (CCG, inductive, 50 Hz), there is

hardly any phase displacement with Electronic Control Gear (high

frequency), which means that capacitor correction is not required. However

slight distortions in the current sine-wave curve occur during operation of

electronic control gear. In general these distortions are characterized by

integer multiples of the mains frequency (harmonics).

The harmonic content of the mains current is controlled by national and

international regulations (IEC 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-2). OSRAM ECG

have built-in active electronic harmonic filters for this purpose which

guarantee a value for ε of more than 0.95 and hence a power factor λ

greater than 0.95.

Exemptions are ECG which apply to the international standard for system

power consumption less than 25 W. This standard requires a power factor

λ of more than 0.6. These ECG are part of the product segment ECO and

are known as QUICKTRONIC

ECONOMIC or QT-ECO. They are mainly

used to replace conventional control gear, but because of their

MULTIWATT-design they can partly operate FH

…HE- and FQ

…HO

fluorescent lamps with lower wattages:

14W HE

21W HE

24W HO

For detailed information about this combination please see

www.OSRAM.de/products/ecg

With regards to their harmonics content all QUICKTRONIC

have been

tested by VDE according to EN 61000-3-2 and carry the VDE-EMC

approval mark.

The confirmation of the ECG’s CE-mark by an independent testing facility

reduce the costs and the t.ime necessary for approval of luminaires

significantly.