Benefits of 480V to 277V Step-Down Transformers
Premier Lighting recently completed a turn-key lighting retrofit for Dynamic Air Inc that resulted in an energy-savings of about $20,000/year and a payback of around 1 year!
Although that sounds great, this is representative of typical savings and payback for high-bay lighting retrofit projects, but this one was unique in that the current lighting system ran on 480 volts. A 480 volt system presents more challenge to retrofit because the standard electronic ballasts are made for voltages between 120-277 so until a few years ago the only option was to go with a 480 volt specific electronic ballast which is very expensive and has had a history of high failure rates. The reason for this is that 480 volt line current is often considered "dirty" voltage due to other high voltage devices that are typically on a 480V circuit such as machine motors, conveyor motors, arc welders, etc.. These loads generate transients when started or switched which can damage electronic ballasts.
Due to the issues of the 480 volt electronic ballast GE developed a 480 volt to 277 volt step-down autotransformer that helps to absorb transients before reaching electronic ballasts as well as stepping down the voltage to 277V where most electronic ballasts operate. This means that a standard 120-277 volt ballast can be used which results in longer lasting lighting product and less on-going maintenance costs. Here are more details on the step-down transformer:
Performance Features
- Non-Isolated Autotransformer
- Input Voltage 480 Vrms, 60 Hz
- Full Load Output Voltage 277 Vrms, 60 Hz
- Maximum Power 250W (VA) or 375 W (VA)
- Max Case Temp 105 C
- Thermally Protected
- Sound Rated A
- UL Listed -Does not require continuous updates to fixture UL files as opposed to UL Recognized transformers.
- Easy solution for retrofitting 480V applications with any electronic ballast up to 375 watts.
- T8 style ballast housing -same mounting as standard electronic T8 ballasts.
- Low-profile housing fits within standard fixtures
- Five-year limited warranty
Stocking Simplicity: Two transformers can be used with any T5, T8, CFL or HID electronic 277V ballast less than 375 watts
Flexibility: Available for use with any 277V instant or program start ballast & fits standard fixture channels
Reliability: High reliability with inherent transient voltage surge suppression on both Wye and properly grounded Delta systems 5 year system limited warranty
Cost: Lower field cost on replacements / lower cost in multi-ballast applications
Fixture Simplicity: 480V solution that does not require a fixture OEM to test/submit for UL certification. The GE 480V step-down autotransformers are UL Listed and provide a field retrofit solution as well
Energy Savings: Allows retrofits of standard metal halide 480V systems to high performance fluorescent or eHIDsystems providing over 50% energy savings. High efficiency/low loss transformer design -93%
Knowing the benefit of the step-down transformer vs. going with a 480 volt ballast, Premier Lighting retrofitted over 300, 400 watt metal halide fixtures to 6 Lamp T8 fixtures at Dynamic Air with the step-down transformer and 120-277 volt ballasts. The light levels increased dramatically (over 40%) and as mentioned previously the energy savings was almost $20,000/year all with a payback of 1 year.
Premier Lighting offers turn-key lighting retrofit projects that lower your energy costs while improving your lighting quality leading to your facility's optimal lighting solution. Plus with significant rebates available from your local utility company and tax incentives now is a better time than ever to have Premier Lighting evaluate your current lighting system. Contact us to schedule your free lighting analysis today.
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