Automatic evaluation of flickering sensitivity of fluorescent lamps caused by interharmonic voltages

Recent studies have shown that fluorescent lamps are also prone to light flickering due to the increasing level of inter-harmonics in the power systems. This possibility and the levels of problematic inter-harmonics were confirmed through laboratory tests. These tests were manually conducted, and therefore were laborious and time consuming. It would be convenient to automate the testing by using the advanced features of data acquisition system to save time and manpower. This paper describes the development of an automated flicker measurement and testing system. It consists of a lighting booth, a programmable AC source, photo-sensing circuit, a data acquisition device and automated flicker measurement and testing software. It is developed in accordance to the IEC 61000-4-15 standard. Tests were later conducted on various types of compact fluorescent lamps, confirming their sensitivity to interharominc voltages.