Device and connection diagram of the DRV 250 lamp

Emission spectrum [edit | edit code]

Mercury vapor emits the following spectral lines used in gas-discharge lamps [1] [2] [3]:

The most intense lines are 184.9499, 253.6517, 435.8328 nm. The intensity of the remaining lines depends on the discharge mode (parameters).

Advantages and disadvantages

Mercury gas-discharge lamps are an electric light source, one of the types of gas-discharge models. Their work is based on the passage of an electrical discharge through a gaseous medium.

DRL and DRV lamps are gas discharge lamps

Important! To designate light sources of this type, the term “discharge lamp” or RL is used.

Mercury lamps are divided into:

1. DRV (interpretation - arc mercury-tungsten);
2. DRL (or arc mercury phosphor).

The advantages of direct switching lamps DRV include:

• Ease of connection, use and replacement: they can operate on 220 V AC power and do not require ballasts;
• When warmed up, the resistance increases and stabilizes the network voltage - even at low voltage the light will be stable;
• They can operate from different power sources;

Lamps provide high-quality light

• The light sources are both tungsten filament and fluorescent radiation, that is, cold and warm white colors are mixed. This allows you to get more even light;
• Low price.

The disadvantages are:

• Low luminous efficiency. For example, the efficiency of Philips lamps does not exceed 30 lm/W, although other types of light bulbs from the same company have an output of up to 50 lm/W;
• A small selection of models: in stores there are only 5 models of different power;
• Short service life - no more than 3-4000 hours, and more often less. Replacement is quite expensive, this increases the final cost of the lamps.

Device types

Lamps operating according to the principle described above are of the following types:

FRL – fluorescent mercury arc lamp;

Model HPL-N (Philips)

DRL lamps differ from DRL lamps in that they use a tungsten filament, which performs two functions: a light source and an electric current voltage limiter. To operate a device of this type, no special ballasts are required (throttleless electric lamp);

High pressure DRV devices (HQL), manufacturers Osram and Philips

DRLF – light sources that promote the process of photosynthesis in plants;

DRLF type device

DRUF and DRUFZ - emit in the long-wave ultraviolet spectrum;

Lighting source DRT

HPS - tubular lamps, in which, unlike DRL, in addition to mercury, sodium vapor is also used. The main feature is a specific shade of radiation (orange-yellow or golden-white), which requires special equipment to launch.

Mercury-sodium lamp DNAT

Technology development

Technology has also improved. Metal halide lamps are now available. They have added iodine and other metal compounds to improve visible emission and color.

A new variety was created - DRV. This is a hybrid of a classic incandescent lamp and DRL. They have a tungsten filament added to them. It plays the role of a limiting resistor and a radiation source at the same time. The resistor is usually carbon. Here it is made of refractory tungsten. This design solution made it possible to abandon the use of a throttle. This lamp is connected like a regular incandescent lamp - it does not require additional ballasts.

Technical characteristics of DRV and DRL lamps

There are models of various powers on the market: 160 W, 250, 500, and occasionally you can find 700 and 1000 W.

Light bulbs available in different wattages

Below is a technical description for DRV 250 lamps (they are used for artificial lighting in greenhouses):

• Lamp length is 22.5 cm, diameter - 9.1 cm;
• Service life - 3000 hours (on average);
• Luminous flux - 4700 lm;
• Light output level - 18.8 lm/W;
• The voltage is 220 W;
• Nominal power level - 250 W;
• An E40 type base is inserted.

Other models will have different characteristics.

Pros and cons of DRV lamps

In general, the advantages and disadvantages of DRVs are explained by their design features inherent in gas-discharge devices.

pros

• Compatible with incandescent lamps. Does not require ballasts.
• Warm white glow, more pleasing to the eyes.
• Better color rendering.
• Low price.
• Energy efficiency.

Minuses

• Long ignition - from three to seven minutes.
• Presence of mercury.
• Low luminous flux.
• Fragility.
• Difficulties in disposal. Mercury lamps are disposed of exclusively by certified companies.
• Soon discontinuation and possible ban on use. According to the provisions of the Minamata Convention, in 2022, mercury-containing devices must be taken out of service. Accordingly, you will have to look for an alternative. The only decent option is LED lighting.
• Obsolescence.
• DC operation is not possible.
• The phosphor is subject to degradation.

At home, such light sources have not found use. This is not facilitated by either the quality of light or the long time it takes to reach the operating mode.

Economic advantages of mercury lamps

Cost-effectiveness of use is one of the reasons for the great commercial success of tungsten devices, not only in Russia and the CIS countries, but also in developed Western countries. The fact is that strong and powerful incandescent lamps left behind huge umbrella lamps , which, especially in large industries, are extremely expensive to replace in all respects. The costs will be as follows:

• purchasing new lighting fixtures;
• installation of fastening systems;
• installation of lighting lines.

All these expense items can be reduced by installing tungsten light sources in old lamps. These hybrid type light sources are more efficient. It is worth noting that in most cases, purchases of high-pressure mercury lamps are made specifically for DRV devices.

But there are a number of nuances. For example, their light parameters are significantly inferior to even the most inefficient DRL lamps. Why is this happening? Let's find out what the operating principle of DRV lamps is.

Connection

The connection diagram for DRL lamps is shown in the figure; note that the functionality of these lighting sources can only be checked by turning them on accordingly.

Connection diagram for mercury arc light source

Symbols on the diagram:

• EL1 – DRL device;
• C – non-electrolytic type capacitor (must be designed to operate with a voltage of at least 250V), serves to reduce electricity consumption by reducing reactive power;

Video: Connection diagram of the inductor to the DRL lamp

Each type of lamp needs a corresponding choke, its task is to reduce the current of the power source, connecting it directly will lead to their failure.

Photo of chokes

The capacitor capacity is selected according to the following table:

(W)

(µF)

Chokeless lighting devices (DRL), unlike DRL lamps, do not require a special switching circuit.

Principle of operation

The operating principle of gas-discharge lamps is a little more complicated than that of incandescent light bulbs.

1. When current is applied, voltage is transmitted to the current-carrying parts of the base;
2. Then the energy passes through the circuit to the electrodes located in the burner, and a glow discharge appears between them. Ions and free electrons begin to accumulate on the surface;
3. As ions and electrons accumulate, the internal space of the burner begins to heat up, and the mercury evaporates. The discharge occurs from a glowing state to an arc state, which creates blue or violet radiation;
4. This glow causes the phosphor to glow, which creates a reddish light. When all colors are mixed, the result is white.

You can examine the inside of the lamp only by breaking the glass bulb.

The more mercury vapor evaporates, the more the brightness of the discharge increases. On average, it takes 4-5 minutes for the DRL to light up, while the DRL lights up almost immediately.

Important! The higher the air temperature, the less time it will take.

Alternative lighting sources

An energy-saving LED lamp is an excellent analogue to other lighting sources, including DRL; if you buy it, you can significantly save on electricity. Replacing street lighting will pay for itself after three years of operation, even taking into account the refurbishment work.

Many well-known foreign and Russian companies (for example, Lisma) are engaged in the production of these lighting devices. Currently, the price of these devices is slightly higher than the cost of a DRL lamp, but in the near future this problem will be eliminated, which will make LED lighting sources more accessible in Moscow, St. Petersburg, as well as in cities such as Saransk or Yekaterinburg.

DRL and DVR lamps are a common type of gas-discharge mercury lamps. They are used for street and indoor lighting. Both types are almost identical in appearance, especially when turned off. These are very efficient light sources in terms of energy saving, with a luminescence rate of 30 lm/W. This is quite a lot, but more modern varieties of light bulbs can have an output of 50 lm/W. Such lighting equipment is produced by many world-famous brands. It should be noted that due to the mercury content in lamps, they are prohibited in many countries, so the number of DRLs and DVRs is gradually decreasing.

How do DRL and DRV lamps work?

A quick glance at these lighting devices reveals some similarities with ordinary incandescent lamps with an E27 base. However, HID lamps have white tinted glass, with a transparent area just in front of the base. It is precisely because of the opacity that it is impossible to see that such devices have a specific structure inside.

Design and principle of combustion of DRL lamps

DRL (Arc Mercury Phosphor) lamp. Its design provides:

1 - Threaded base 2 - Resistor 3 - Molybdenum foil 4 - Ignitor (auxiliary) 5 - Supporting frame 6 - Outer bulb 7 - Compressed junction 8 - Mercury quartz arc discharge lamp 9 - Nitrogen filler 10 - Tungsten electrode (main) 11 - Lead wire

The base has a standard design, like the vast majority of household light bulbs used in chandeliers and lanterns. It receives electricity transmitted to its surface. It has two reception points. One electrode is located in the center, and the side of the base serves as the second electrode. The base is threaded into the lamp socket.

The main working element of the lamp is a quartz burner. On its sides there is a pair of electrodes. One is main and the other is auxiliary. They are located in an internal quartz flask filled with argon and mercury vapor.

The glass flask is placed on top of the quartz flask. To fill the space, nitrogen gas is pumped into it. The inside of the flask is painted with a white phosphor, so it is not transparent.

The operating principle of such lamps is more complex than that of incandescent lamps. When electricity is supplied to nearby electrodes, a glow discharge is created. This causes a breakdown of energy between them. As a result, the glow discharge develops into an arc discharge. It creates blue or violet radiation in the lamp. It provokes a bright glow of the phosphor, which colors the inside of the glass bulb. The phosphor itself produces a reddish light. As a result of mixing shades of red, blue, violet, a bright, almost white color is created.

Initially, the lamp produces a small amount of light, and gradually increases its efficiency. After 10-15 minutes from the moment of switching on, maximum brightness is reached, the speed depends on the external temperature.

Current fluctuations greatly affect the efficiency of the DRL glow. Even with electrical voltage surges of up to 15%, brightness drops can be as much as 30%. If the voltage drops to 80%, the lamp will go out.

The big disadvantage of such light bulbs is their strong heating. As a result, the insulation on the wire may burn out. Therefore, when connecting, you need to use only specialized heat-resistant cartridges and cable. In the light bulb itself, the pressure increases greatly during operation. In this regard, after turning it off, you need to wait until the flask has completely cooled down. If you turn on a hot light bulb again, it simply won’t light up.

The use of a DRL lamp implies the mandatory use of ballasts. A throttle is usually used as it. It limits the current that is supplied to power the lamp. The throttle matches the light fixture's power and directs the optimal amount of energy to it to minimize overheating and prevent uncomfortable lighting. If you do not use a ballast when turning on the lamp, the lamp will fail almost instantly.

Disposal of mercury lamps

Spent and defective mercury-type lamps belong to the first hazard class waste. They must be disposed of using special equipment. During the processing process, one of four methods can be used:

• amalgamation;
• heat treatment;
• firing at high temperature;
• chemical or metallurgical method.

All disposal methods are aimed at separating and sedimenting mercury vapor, its sublimation, followed by burning of organic components. The final products of processing DRV and DRL lamps without chokes are mercuric chloride and sorbent.

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Design

The design of the DRV lamp is similar to the design of mercury burners. DRV and DRL lamps consist of the following parts:

1. Base of standard design. It has 2 points for receiving electricity - in the center and on the side. The base itself is screwed into the cartridge and can be easily changed if it burns out;
2. Quartz burner in the form of a tube. This is the main element of the lamps. There are 2 electrons on both sides - the main and the auxiliary; the flask itself is filled with argon and mercury vapor;
3. Glass flask. It is “put on” from above and filled with nitrogen; the inside is painted with a white phosphor, which is why the light bulb is opaque.

Marking

In domestic practice, the number following the DRL means power consumption in W. Next comes the red ratio: the ratio of the red flux (from 600 to 780 nm) to the total - expressed as a percentage. The development number is separated by a hyphen. The red ratio characterizes color rendering; values ​​above ten are considered good.

According to the international standard IEC 1231, the ILCOS system is used. These are competitors of the German LBS marking and the pan-European ZVEI. There is complete chaos in the market. According to ILCOS:

1. QE stands for ellipsoidal bulb shape.
2. QR denotes a bulb with an internal reflective layer, mushroom-shaped.
3. QG stands for spherical flask.
4. QB stands for products with built-in ballast.
5. QBR stands for products with built-in ballast and reflective layer.

Philips has its own view of things, but General Electric doesn’t want to hear about either. Actually, it is better to rely on reference books or read the information on the packaging. Remember that the base comes in standard sizes and in other sizes. The share of DRL lamp production is continuously decreasing, so there is no point in studying complex designations in too much detail. And given the entry of LEDs into the market, it is better to find something modern and constantly evolving for your home and garden. As for efficiency, the dispute will clearly not be resolved in favor of discharge lamps, although for some time they successfully deposited the filament.

Technical aspects

The most important indicators of a mercury light source with an e40 base are the design of the internal part of the device, the shape of the bulb, and the dimensions of the threaded base. The economic effect of the device may differ in operating conditions. The gas-discharge soffit from the Lisma brand for street lighting, which does not create a flickering effect in the event of voltage surges in the electrical network, does not require a special device for igniting the arc. At a power of 500 W, a luminous flux of 4 - 5 thousand lm is created.

• Name - DRV lamp;
• Type - mercury;
• Power - 500 V;
• Shape - ellipse;
• Manufacturer - ;
• Purpose - street;
• The flask coating is matte;
• Base - e40.

When marking energy-saving appliances, digital and letter values ​​are used to indicate the power and type of product. It is not difficult to decipher these meanings. Examples:

• DRL 250 - arc mercury phosphor lamp with a power of 250 V;
• DRV 160 is a mercury-tungsten arc lamp with a power of 160 V.

The source of an even luminous flux DRV 500, the characteristics of which are determined by the parameters of the base, can have a mixed type design. The starter circuit may contain a choke. The ballast serves to reduce the voltage on the electrodes by increasing the voltage in the active luminescent device. The device is made in the form of a coil with a wire wound around a ferromagnetic core. To reduce reactive energy in the E40 lamp circuit, it is enough to disconnect the compensating capacitor.

The technical characteristics of the device are adapted for open spaces. The DRV 500 lamp demonstrates excellent results at a voltage of 220 V with a current oscillation frequency of 50 Hz. The devices are designed for continuous operation for 7.5 thousand hours.

DRV and DLR lamp - which is better to choose

DLR stands for "Arc Mercury Fluorescent Lamp". The active luminous element in it is an electric arc that occurs between 2 electrodes and operates in mercury vapor.

The DRV lamp is a mercury tungsten lamp that operates without a choke. It looks like a combination of a DRL burner and a tungsten filament, the latter performing the function of an induction ballast.

On the right is a DRL lamp, on the left is a DRL lamp, the power of both is the same

Despite the similarity of DRL and DVR, there is still a difference between them:

• To ignite a DRL, a ballast is required; for a DRL it is not needed (this is a chokeless bulb);
• The luminous flux of the DRL is 40-50% lower than that of the DRL, but it turns on immediately and does not warm up for several minutes;
• The service life of DRL is longer than that of DVR, since the tungsten filament breaks down quite quickly;
• Many users also note that DRV light bulbs are more energy-consuming.

Features of the DRV 250 lamp

The mercury-type energy-saving lamp is produced by the largest world-famous companies specializing in the supply of lighting fixtures and equipment components. Products are manufactured from modern materials using innovative technologies.

The DRV 250 light bulb consists of a flask with a high-pressure argon medium, a tungsten spiral and a mercury discharge torch. It does not require a starting control device. The product can be installed in ordinary sockets, just like the usual incandescent light bulbs.

There is an opinion that in everyday life and at work it is better to use a hybrid light source with increased emission potential. In practice, it turns out that the performance characteristics of e40 are 50% lower compared to inductive choke DRL devices. The reduction in pulse efficiency occurs due to the limitation of the voltage flowing through the burner head. Its power and resistance are controlled by a starting device.

When the light bulb is activated, a cathode drop in the operating mode to 20 V occurs in the choke light source. After the main element of the e40 gas-discharge lamp lights up, its voltage rises, and the voltage readings on the tungsten coil decrease exponentially. The technical characteristics and design of the working elements, compared to an incandescent lamp, which can be distinguished by the design of the working elements and appearance, provide a brighter glow. The spiral has 30% less electrical energy.

Advantages and disadvantages of an electromagnetic choke

Now let's talk about the advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of an electromagnetic choke include:

1. Relatively low cost.
2. Simplicity of design.
3. Durability.

Unfortunately, this device has a few more disadvantages. This:

1. Large weight and dimensions.
2. Flickering of a lamp with double the mains frequency.
3. Buzzing.
4. Low efficiency due to high inductive reactance.
5. At negative voltages, the lamp may not start.
6. Long startup (from 1 to 3 seconds).
7. During a difficult start-up, the lamp may “blink” for a long time, causing its coils to burn out.

Scope of application

DRV light bulbs are used to illuminate large spaces: streets, open spaces (for example, parking lots), industrial facilities (open and closed).

DRLs are used for lighting:

1. Streets and roads;
2. Squares, courtyards, squares;
3. Warehouses, workshops and other large industrial premises;
4. Car parks and gas stations.

Lamps are regularly used to illuminate large spaces

DRV is used in the following places:

1. Boulevards, squares, parks and other city blocks;
2. At construction sites;
3. Warehouses and industrial facilities;
4. DRV 25 is used in greenhouses because it produces a redder color.

Safety regulations

When using a lamp, you must follow some safety rules:

• Before installing the light bulb, you need to carefully unpack it and make sure there are no mechanical damages;
• It is prohibited to screw in or operate a faulty lamp; you also cannot use an open lamp in an open place where it is not protected from wind or precipitation;

The light bulb must be intact

• After installation, it is necessary to carry out a test by turning on the lamp for 10-15 minutes. After that it can be used. It is important to remember that DRV lamps take several minutes to light up;

Important! If the network voltage is higher than 220 V, the lamps will fail faster and their service life will end earlier.

• Any installation of the lamp must be carried out only with the electricity turned off;
• If the light bulb becomes dirty, wipe it with a dry soft cloth. Solvents or aggressive cleaning agents must not be used;
• The lamp can be placed in any position - both horizontally and vertically;
• Light bulbs should be stored in packaging, not dropped or broken, they should not be given to children or allowed to play with;
• It is necessary to dispose of lamps by handing them over to a collection point for mercury lamps.

Due to mercury vapor, disposal must be carried out at special points

If the light bulb does break, you must:

1. Ventilate the room for at least 30 minutes, after leaving it;
2. Wear disposable gloves and sweep all large parts into a bag using paper or cardboard;
3. Use a wet sponge or tape to collect small pieces. Mercury must be collected moving from the edges to the center;
4. At the very end, clean using chlorine.

It is necessary to clean up the mercury spill site with chlorine

DRV and DRL light bulbs are often used to illuminate streets, warehouses, workshops and construction sites. They are easy to install and use, easy to install and change, and provide good quality light. However, both lamps are classified as hazard class 1 due to their mercury content and should be used with caution.

Explanation of markings

In the name of the DRV lamp, the decoding of the symbols is as follows: “arc mercury-tungsten.” According to the principle of operation, it is similar to sodium and mercury light sources, but unlike them, it has a tungsten spiral, which allows you to turn on the device without an external ballast that regulates the starting voltage.

All fluorescent type spotlights operate on alternating current from a 220 V network. Chokeless devices with an e40 base have increased luminous efficiency compared to conventional incandescent lamps and have a long service life. When they fail, they require special conditions for disposal.

Decoding the alphabetic and digital markings allows you to select a device with optimal power in accordance with the user’s requirements. The lamps are recommended for use in lighting systems for public areas. Depending on the characteristics of the device, a direct stream of light will help illuminate a parking lot, park area, greenhouse, street, construction site, room for animals and poultry, and utility yard.

LED E-40 to replace DRL-250

Without advertising to certain brands, we can note the most reputable domestic and foreign companies that produce high-quality LED lamps in the E-40 base, which can replace the DRL-250:

E40 BRIGHTLUX IP65 60W – from 7000 rubles, E40 SAMSUNG 60W (Corn) – from 3000 rubles, E40 SDL-KS-60 60W 220V SMD Corn ( Euroled ) – from 4300 rubles, E40 Philips Corn – from 3500 rubles, E40 60w Corn ( Corn) Goled – from 3600 rubles,

conclusions

You can also remember that gas-discharge lamps such as DRL-250 and DRL-400 use mercury. They are harmful in themselves, and a large number of them in production is undesirable. Another weighty argument against mercury lamps is that they will cease to be produced approximately in 2022, then their LED analogues will occupy the lion’s share of the market. Those who say that the luminous flux of mercury lamps is higher than that of LED lamps forget that LED lamps have a higher color temperature. This fact visually neutralizes these differences. Thus, we can conclude that a lower luminous flux cannot be considered a serious disadvantage.

Operating principle and connection diagram of the DRV lamp

When voltage is applied to the base, a glow discharge is formed in the burner; as it warms up, it turns into an arc discharge. The presence of mercury facilitates the ionization of the gas. When the cold state is turned off, the mercury is in the form of a drop or distributed along the walls of the tube. During the discharge, ultraviolet radiation is emitted, the impact of which causes the phosphor coating to glow. The presence of a spiral reduces the efficiency of the discharge tube by almost half. The burner is made of quartz glass or special ceramics. It must withstand high temperatures and transmit UV radiation as much as possible.

Thus, light is emitted from both the tungsten filament and the phosphor. It may seem that the luminous flux will be greater due to the emission of light from the filament than from DRL lamps, but this is not the case. The filament requires a lot of power, and this interferes with the high luminous flux of the burner. If the thread is broken, then this instance is taken out of service. Although there are craftsmen who use only a discharge tube. We strongly advise against doing this.

Since the lamp already has a ballast (which is also a current limiter), no ballast equipment (chokeless lamp) is required to start the DRV lamp. These are “direct on” lamps. All of them are designed for an operating voltage of 220V at an alternating current frequency of 50 Hz, and are powered directly from the lighting network. No choke is required, therefore they can be completely used instead of conventional incandescent lamps.

DRL lamps detailed description

In fact, DRL lamps are deciphered quite simply:

1. D - means that the lighting fixtures are arc.
2. R – mercury. Therefore, it is not recommended to use such lamps during home use. After all, if they accidentally break, the harm to the health of all people may be too great.
3. L – luminescent.

As you may have noticed, decoding these lamps is quite simple. Now let’s remember the main modifications of DRL. Now the most popular lamps are the following ratings:

The modifications are designated as follows: “DRL” + “number”, which is indicated above. Please note that the number is the lamp power in Watts, so when choosing, pay attention to the second indicator, it is the main one.

And this is what the design of DRL lamps looks like.