Do You Require a Capacitor For A SOX Bulb « on: April 16, 2025, 04:19:11 PM » Author: Eleco_SR304
I just wanted to ask if there is need to buy a capacitor to make a SOX bulb work properly. If any of you know the answer, I'd be thankful. I maybe did a post about this when I bought by SOX-E bulb, but this is the last question. Do I Require A Capacitor To Make A SOX Bulb Work Properly?
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Usually I collect bulbs (Mostly LED) and some HID ones. I also own a couple of streetlights, but most are made in Poland.

However, I mostly prefer SOX bulbs. LED bulbs in their efficacy will never beat SOX bulbs, in my opinion.

	Re: Do You Require a Capacitor For A SOX Bulb « Reply #2 on: April 17, 2025, 02:24:36 AM » Author: Medved
It depends on the ballast concept. If it is just for power factor correction, you do not need it. If it is part of the ballasting function, you do need it. Look at the wiring diagram: If the capacitor is connected directly parallel to the mains input, it is there only for the power factor correction so you may get away without it (unless you plan to build installation so large the total current approaches the wiring rating; so no, for few fixtures around your home you do not need it). But if it is connected "somewhere inside" into the ballast (to a tap on the winding,...; or even in series with the lamp), you do need it. It is still possible it is there just for PF correction so it would work without, first you can not be sure and second (mainly valid for 120V ballasts) removing it, so lowering the power factor, may cause the primary to overheat. And experiment of "it runs OK without" is not conclusive here, you may be overheating something or you may get effects like unreliable starting.
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No more selfballasted c***

	Re: Do You Require a Capacitor For A SOX Bulb « Reply #3 on: April 17, 2025, 08:49:22 AM » Author: Baked bagel 11
Later electronic ballasts don't require a cap, however most (if not all) sox lanterns which I have seen have one. What type of ballast do you have?
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The classic lights of Canberra are few and far between, this just means that I get know each one better!

	Re: Do You Require a Capacitor For A SOX Bulb « Reply #4 on: April 17, 2025, 11:00:20 AM » Author: Eleco_SR304
Don't have one, but I'm looking for a ballast that is perfect for my 36w SOX-E bulb. This one needs a capacitor? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/146262765190
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Usually I collect bulbs (Mostly LED) and some HID ones. I also own a couple of streetlights, but most are made in Poland.

However, I mostly prefer SOX bulbs. LED bulbs in their efficacy will never beat SOX bulbs, in my opinion.

	Re: Do You Require a Capacitor For A SOX Bulb « Reply #6 on: April 17, 2025, 12:56:51 PM » Author: dor123
Only autoregulator ballasts need a capacitor for correct lamp performance. Also: SRS ballast uses the capacitor as the starting element.
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I"m don't speak English well, and rely on online translating to write in this site.
Please forgive me if my choice of my words looks like offensive, while that isn't my intention.

I only working with the international date format (dd.mm.yyyy).

I lives in Israel, which is a 220-240V, 50hz country.

	Re: Do You Require a Capacitor For A SOX Bulb « Reply #7 on: April 17, 2025, 02:13:27 PM » Author: Eleco_SR304
Quote from: Multisubject on April 17, 2025, 12:14:48 PM This ballast only wants a capacitor to correct poor power factor, but it doesn't need one as it doesn't effect lamp performance at all. Good to know. That means I will only try to get the ballast then
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Usually I collect bulbs (Mostly LED) and some HID ones. I also own a couple of streetlights, but most are made in Poland.

However, I mostly prefer SOX bulbs. LED bulbs in their efficacy will never beat SOX bulbs, in my opinion.