No, a fluorescent light fitting typically requires a capacitor to function properly. The capacitor helps to regulate the electrical current and improves the efficiency of the light, ensuring stable operation and reducing flickering. Without it, the fluorescent lamp may not start, or it could flicker and have a shorter lifespan.
No, the ballast's output is not matched to operate a fluorescent bulb.
No, the total power consumption of the fluorescent light fitting will be 120W, including the 4 tubes and the ballast. The ballast itself consumes some power to regulate the current to the tubes, so not all 120W will be used solely by the tubes.
The basic fluorescent light fixture is AC, although there are fluorescent lights powered by DC.
If you don't have a capacitor in a fluorescent fitting, the light may flicker or fail to start properly, as the capacitor helps to provide the necessary phase shift for the ballast to operate effectively. This can lead to inefficient performance and potential damage to the ballast over time. Additionally, the absence of a capacitor can cause increased wear on the electrical components, resulting in a shorter lifespan for the fluorescent lamp. It's important to replace or include a capacitor to ensure proper functioning and longevity of the lighting system.
No. You are not.
Fluorescent light bulbs can not be connected to a constant voltage power supply, or they will self destruct. They must use a ballast in order for this not happening. This way they can operate under 430 mA, with a drop of 100 volts. The larger the bulb, the more voltage needed (going all the way up to 1.5 A).
Apart from no, your question has no simple answer. Fluorescent lamps need a few kV to start them and have a 90V drop when running. All of that is provided by the "gear" needed to run a fluorescent lamp. In a compact fluorescent (CFL), the gear is inside the cap.
Its good for it
A 4-tube fluorescent light contains four fluorescent tubes connected to a ballast that regulates the electrical current flowing through the tubes. When the light switch is turned on, the ballast sends high voltage to the tubes to ionize the gas inside. This ionization process produces ultraviolet light, which then interacts with the phosphor coating inside each tube to produce visible light.
If you mean the ballast in a fluorescent light fitting where the ballast is wired in series with the tube, the answer is "No". Explanation: If no tube is in place, the light fitting's circuit is "open" so there is nothing to take any current from the "hot" supply wire and return it to the "neutral" wire.
The electrical connections for a fluorescent tube are quite small and also inside the lamp holder at either end of the bulb (2 on each end).Since you won't be able to put your finger into these connections regardless of whether the lamp is in or not, there is no real electrical hazard when removing a fluorescent lamp while it is turned on. However it should be noted that this is only under normal operating conditions and if a fault is present there could be a chance of a hazard from any metal parts of the light fitting (not the tube).If the light fitting is turned off, there will be no voltage in the fitting and hence no electrical hazard anywhere on the fitting (again not accounting for faults). This is how I would recommend changing a tube (this is not always possible where the fitting is the only source of light).It should be noted that fluorescent tubes can heat up during operation and that dust may have settled on top the lamp, so appropriate safety equipment is recommended (gloves and goggles). You will also generally be working at height.Lastly fluorescent tubes are glass so take appropriate care when handling.If in doubt please contact an electrician.