Circuit breakers

	Shenzhen Longyun’s CDZ114LY10A electronic ballast for T5 linear fluorescent lamps has 187 to 253VAC voltage at 50/60Hz.

The latest designs run at higher frequencies, which ensure lower energy loss and reduced heating loads.

Product development in China’s ballast and circuit breaker industries is geared toward energy-efficient designs.

The trend is particularly strong in the former, where 60 percent of output consists of electronic models.

Although 50 to 100 percent more expensive than traditional magnetic versions, the category has been on the rise as it delivers power-saving performance. This comes as such units run at a much higher frequency, usually more than 20,000Hz, that allows for a lower energy loss rate and reduced heating loads. Operations are also flicker- and noise-free.

Moreover, China-made electronic ballasts feature a lumen maintenance index exceeding 90 percent. They also help lengthen the light source service life by as much as 50 percent.

Ranging from 15 to 60W, models are compatible with metal halide and HID bulbs, and compact, T5, T8, T10 and T12 fluorescent lamps. The working temperature is between 15 and 50 C. Key components are mostly imported.

Products can meet UL, CE, GS, EMC and RoHS standards. The main markets are the EU and the US, which have legislation supporting the adoption of efficient lighting solutions.

Fifty to 60 China suppliers manufacture such models, with 10 companies specializing in the category.

Some magnetic ballast makers also offer energy-saving versions. These designs usually last four times longer than electronic units and are priced half as much.

In 2008, the country’s 500 or so makers of ballasts and circuit breakers shipped $986.3 million worth of products, an increase of 22 percent from a year ago. Growth, however, can be attributed largely to the 19 percent jump in average per-unit prices. Export volume actually rose only 2 percent, totaling nearly 330,000 units.

The US, Germany, Mexico and Japan were the largest importers.

Ballasts and circuit breakers are mainly manufactured in Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces, respectively.

	Model VVSB20 from Zhongshan Very is a 150x41x28mm 20W magnetic ballast that has 220/204V supply voltage at 50Hz.

Magnetic ballasts are suitable for fluorescent lamps and CFLs. Units have a voltage rating of 110 to 130 or 220 to 240V at 50/60Hz, and can support input power of between 7 and 60W. Several models bear the CE mark.

Exports go to the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia. Companies are targeting these regions primarily because of their less severe environment-protection policies.

Designs are often shipped together with the light source. This type, in fact, accounts for 40 to 50 percent of overseas sales.

Components are mainly sourced from domestic suppliers.

For electronic ballasts, low-end units come in recycled materials and have a service life of less than two years.

Midrange models are made of virgin compounds and last two or three years. Most comply with CE, UL and GS requirements.

Certified to CE, UL, GS, EMC and RoHS, high-end versions feature wave soldered PCBs that help extend service life to more than three years.

Prices of magnetic ballasts have declined by 10 percent in past months because of falling material spending. Quotes of electronic models, on the other hand, have remained at current levels, reflecting the stable cost of the compounds used in creating them.

	Yueqing Meba offers model KNBL1, a circuit breaker with 32A frame class and 1P+N poles. The product has 240V operating voltage at 50/60Hz and 6kA breaking capacity.

In the circuit breaker segment, designs for residential applications are rated at 230 to 400V and between 10 and 60A. The short circuit capacity and maximum input current are 630 and 6,000A, with the isolation voltage at 500V. The breaking rate is often less than 100ms.

Such products come with a main switch, current transformer, electronic amplifier and earth leakage device.

Housings are made of plastic, and bulk or sheet molding compound.

Prices are from $1 to $10 per unit.

Models for industrial and commercial purposes feature higher voltage and current ratings of 440 to 660VDC and 1,600A, respectively. Some versions go for more than $100.

China-made circuit breakers can meet CE, CB, SEMKO, EN 60947-1, and IEC 60947.2 and 60947-4.1 standards.

OBM business in the line is thriving, especially for large suppliers.

At Yueqing Meba Electric Enterprises, for example, units bearing the in-house brand make up roughly 40 percent of exports.