Patent ID: 7898190
Filing Date: 2011-03-01
Classification: H05B

Abstract:
1. A method for setting an electronic ballast, with which at least two electric lamps of different lamp types can be operated and which has the following steps: a) programming first settings of at least one operational parameter of at least one electric lamp of a first lamp type into the electronic ballast; b) setting and operating an electric lamp of the first lamp type, which electric lamp is connected to the electronic ballast, with the programmed first settings as long as a normal operating mode of the electronic ballast is set; c) changing the first settings of the operational parameters during a secondary operating mode of the electronic ballast, the secondary operating mode of the electronic ballast being set when the electronic ballast identifies a value for the resistance of a lamp filament and/or a value for a substitute load of an electric lamp connected to the electronic ballast which exceeds a respectively predeterminable corresponding threshold value, a respective threshold value characterizing a value for the resistance of a lamp filament and/or for a substitute load of the electric lamp connected to the electronic ballast which is untypical in comparison with the normal operating mode, and the change to the first settings being carried out depending on the identified untypical value for the corresponding resistance; and further wherein in step c), the electric lamp operated by the electronic ballast is isolated from the electronic ballast and a programming lamp is electrically connected to the electronic ballast for the purpose of setting the secondary operating mode, the value for the resistance of the lamp filament of the programming lamp and/or the value for the resistance of the substitute load of the programming lamp having a value which is untypical in comparison with an electric lamp and which is greater than corresponding threshold values.