High Pressure Sodium and Metal Halide lamps near plasma ball

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interaction between High Pressure Sodium (HPS) and Metal Halide (MH) lamps when placed near a plasma ball. The Metal Halide lamp produces a pale white arc that ceases immediately when the plasma ball is turned off, while the HPS lamp emits a persistent purple glow for several seconds post-deactivation. This phenomenon is attributed to phosphorescence, which is a common characteristic of Sodium lamps. Concerns regarding the risk of explosion due to the absence of a ballast are addressed, confirming that the observed afterglow is a normal behavior of these lamps.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of High Pressure Sodium (HPS) and Metal Halide (MH) lamp operation
  • Knowledge of plasma ball functionality and its effects on nearby objects
  • Familiarity with phosphorescence and its implications in lighting technology
  • Basic principles of electrical circuits and ballast functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of electromagnetic fields on different types of lamps
  • Explore the principles of phosphorescence in lighting applications
  • Investigate safety measures for operating High Pressure Sodium lamps without a ballast
  • Learn about the differences between HID lamp types and their operational characteristics
USEFUL FOR

Lighting engineers, electrical technicians, hobbyists experimenting with plasma technology, and anyone interested in the behavior of HID lamps in unconventional settings.

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I bought one of these plasma globes, decided to do some experiments with it.
Since a fluorescent bulb will light up if It's put near the plasma ball, i tried the same with two HID lamps.

The Metal Halide shows a very pale white arc, which disappears as soon as the plasma ball is turned off...

But the HPS is different, it emits a purple glow, which stays for several seconds after the plasma ball is shut off.

1. Why is this?

2. Also, since the only thing powering those bulbs is the plasma ball, is there any risk of they exploding due to the lack of a ballast?
 
It's phosphoresence and normal for Sodium lamps, also visible in fluorescent lamps to a lesser extent. See the video where the Sodium lamp is turned off around 4:25 and fades to a purple afterglow.
 
Thanks, understood :)
 

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