Effect of high efficiency lighting on power quality in public buildings

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is implementing a High Efficiency Lighting Program (HELP) in schools and public buildings within the State of New York. HELP focuses on the replacement of magnetic ballast fluorescent light fixtures with the new high efficiency electronic ballast fixtures. The use of electronic ballast can have an adverse effect on power quality. To determine the effects that the electronic ballasts have on the power quality of the buildings being retrofitted, studies are being performed at three buildings scheduled for the retrofit program. Power quality measurements throughout the buildings are being made before, during, and after the lighting retrofits. The results will be analyzed and simulations performed to identify and predict power quality problems that might occur with these and future retrofits. The effect of electronic ballasts on sensitive electronic devices is under investigation. Electronic ballasts are attributed with causing interference in a hearing aid worn by a student in an elementary school and interference with a book detector in a library. The effects are being studied to determine and understand the mechanism and recommend solutions to rectify the problems.