40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter


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Bart Milnes 330,630 8 60
This 40W fluorescent lamp inverter allows you to run 40W fluorescent tubes from any 12V source capable of delivering 3A. This is basically a larger version of the 12VDC Fluorescent Lamp Driver and can be used to light regular or blacklight tubes.

Schematic

This is a schematic of the 40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter

Parts

Part
Total Qty.
Description
Substitutions
R11180 Ohm 1W Resistor
R2147 Ohm 1/4W Resistor
R312.2 Ohm 1W Resistor (only needed once)
C1, C22100uF 16V Electrolytic Capacitor
C31100nF Ceramic Disc Capacitor
Q11TIP 3055 or 2N3055 or equivalent
L11See "Notes"
T11See "Notes"
MISC1Wire, Case, Board, Heatsink For Q1, heatshrink, AM antenna rod for coil

Notes

  1. Email Bart Milnes with questions, comments, etc.
  2. Wind L1/T1. You will need an AM antenna rod that is about 60mm (2.5 inches) long to wind T1/L1 on. T1/L1 are wound on the same core. Shrink a layer of heatshrink over the core to insulate it. Leave 50mm of wire at each end of the coils.
    Primary: Wind 60 turns of 1mm diameter enamelled copper wire on the first layer and put a layer of heatshrink over it.
    Feedback: Wind 13 turns of 0.4mm enamelled copper wire on the core and then heatshrink over that.
    Secondary: This coil has 450 turns of 0.4mm enamelled copper wire in three layers. Wind one layer and then heatshrink over it. Do the same for the next two.
    Transformer/Inductor Winding
  3. Calibrate/test the circuit. To calibrate/set up the circuit connect the 2.2 Ohm 1W resistor (R3) in series with the positive supply. Connect a 40W fluorescent tube to the high voltage ends of the transformer. Momentarily connect power. If the tube doesn't light immediately reverse the connections of L1. If the tube still doesn't work, check all connections. When you get the tube to light remove the 2.2 ohm resistor and the circuit is ready for use. You will not need R3 again.
  4. This circuit is designed for 220V lamps. It will work with 120V units just fine, but will shorten the life of the tube.
  5. This page has been extensively rewritten by Bart Milne. (15/3/01)

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Comments

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himadri
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Tuesday, March 19, 2013 11:16:29 AM
i also make this inverter.its give me 100-120vac 3amp and i use 2n3055 trangistor ,16v 100uF capacitor but voltage(120vac) stay 1 sceond. pleace help me sir, mail me.
Mr Denton
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Tuesday, October 02, 2012 3:44:00 AM
Low efficiency isn't really the issue with this circuit. Radiated Electromagentic waves are. This ferrite rod idea is insane. It will destroy radio reception for miles.
Elavarasan
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 7:50:00 AM
hi your circuit was poor efficient so to realize and give proper circuit with full details
anonymous
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Monday, November 09, 2009 5:26:13 AM
This circuit isn't efficient enough. Much power loss occur. Use two tansistor instead and use an efficient transformer instead of winding the wire around antenna rod.
anonymous
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 6:20:32 PM
This circuit does what it says, and does it pretty well. If you want to post smart comments that you can do better, include a link to your site :-) I'm just building my third one. Thanks
anonymous
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Friday, June 12, 2009 6:14:15 PM
If U want to Get a better running circuit and cooler transistor temperatures not to mention MUCH lower current draw of 1.2A verses 3.6A with the transistor shown,,,,, then E-mail me and I'll send U an E-mail with an attachment J-peg Picture of the schematic that I re-enginered using this very Quaint Circuit. Some things were added to Vastly IMPROVE stability and lower current draw PLUS ad longevity to the Operation of this inverter!!!!!!! Ya gotta Break some eggs, If ya wanna get to the Yolk, Folks---- He--He.....
Björn Felten
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Tuesday, May 05, 2009 7:50:13 AM
C3 is C2 and C2 should be removed from the parts list. Check out the original at http://www.talkingelectronics.com/projects/FluorescentInverter/FluorescentInverter.html
jon
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter transformer 'ringing'
Thursday, April 02, 2009 6:54:23 AM
When I built this curcuit I connected the transistor to an oscilloscope and the transformer 'ringed' at over 100v! Is there a way to filter this
anonymous
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 5:49:07 AM
guys, C3 goes parallel with the lamp. and yes, Q1 does get hot. this is a simple oscillator and not a specialized circuit to drive lamps. it is simple and easy to build, but if you want something efficient, you'll need a better schematic, maybe with specialized IC.
anonymous
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Sunday, March 01, 2009 2:39:06 PM
Hi I'm quite blind in electronic but I tried build this inverter, because I love challenge my abilities every time do not laugh but there are some ground signals 4 in total which comes from C1, R2, C2 and Q1 What I should with?, and the schematic shows T1 secondary connecting in just one polarity of the lamp, doesn't matter there are 2 each side. Thanks for share with us your acknowledgment. Regards Matthew
sanju
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Monday, January 26, 2009 12:54:18 AM
My circuit is not work and I did not found C3.please help.
donu gameli
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Friday, January 16, 2009 8:00:05 AM
my 12v power transf produces 5A of current=60VA. if used for inverter, will it give me 220V, 0.27A for the same 60VA if 100% efficient?----12*5=220*0.27
Srikanth
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 5:34:29 AM
Bad Circuit
Mike
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Sunday, December 14, 2008 9:54:10 PM
This is crazy, using a ferrite rod will radiate RFI all over the place
ANUP BARMAN
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Monday, November 17, 2008 1:56:48 AM
C3 NOT FOUND
Johnny
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter used on High Pressure Sodium Lamp
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 12:43:34 PM
Is there any way to make this curcuit into a 50w Fluorescent Lamp Inverter because the sodium lamp works fine and goes yellow but does not work at full brightness due to it being 10w too low. Even on a 40w fluorescent lamp is the transistor supposed to get so hot? I even put a drop of water on it and it boiled! Is their a mosphet version of this?
Dattaprasad
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Saturday, November 01, 2008 12:24:19 AM
Dear sir,nice ckt but where does C3 goes?U have not shown in the ckt diagram. I'm confused in T1 & L1 Kindy suggest the IC instead of T1 & L1. Pls help me i,want to do this project for final year. Or kindly suggest the similar circuit Awaiting for ur prompt reply, Regds, Dattaprasad
Dimitri
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 6:43:24 AM
Nice design ! But Q1 need a big big heat sink .
Kiptoo
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 8:00:06 AM
This circuit is great. I want to make be my final year project.Thanks alot.
joseph
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Tuesday, August 12, 2008 8:25:41 AM
nice circuit. where does c3 go? also is Q1 supposed to put off that much heat? have a pretty big heat sink. put a 12v computer fan on it to keep it cool.
rahul
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Tuesday, July 01, 2008 2:46:10 AM
hah ! simple 'noisy' design
Mr Stuffer
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 10:29:21 AM
Hallo, what a lovely simple circuit that works nice :-) I must, however, note that the schematic doesn't comply with the component list (which is incorrect). There is no C3 and C2 should be 100nF, not 100uF like C1. Hope it helps clarify things.
Ludicrum
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Friday, March 28, 2008 10:47:19 AM
thank you for tis circuit. I build it six months ago and it works fine at my car port in common with a solar pannel. Regards Ludi
Jovan
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:08:26 AM
nice circuit,,thus, this circuit could handle or carry a double 40 watts fluorescent...? what is this L1 and T1? thus, the lighting tube will last long?
damian
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Saturday, February 09, 2008 6:18:26 PM
nice circuit. where does c3 go? also is Q1 supposed to put off that much heat? have a pretty big heat sink. put a 12v computer fan on it to keep it cool.
anonymous
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Sunday, February 03, 2008 11:46:27 PM
Sir may I suggest that you redesign the circuit, T1's output is pulsed DC, it will drastically shorten the lifespan of the Flou tube
anonymous
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:59:52 PM
i came to know that R3 needn't connect after one operation. i think it is ridiculous. i wonder how could the circuit get +ve supply without it. and even R3 is connected how could it bear current of 3Amps with capacity of 1 watt only.
Anindya
11 W CFL Inverter
Wednesday, January 23, 2008 4:05:20 AM
Hi , Can anybody give me a mosfetbased ckt. which can drive a 11 W PL lamp with a 6V powersource.. Thanks , Anindya .
RAMESH
12v 40W Fluorescent Lamp inverter
Monday, January 21, 2008 12:01:23 AM
sir i would like to know how to design transformer for various inverter circuit application
mad scientist
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Tuesday, January 01, 2008 8:55:42 PM
sir,can you feature an inverter that can be used to drive an electric fan, t.v. and a 20 watts fluorescent using a 12 vlts battery at the same time. thank you very much
anonymous
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 5:25:14 AM
nice but show the full details and explain how its working
abhishek bajpai
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Wednesday, October 31, 2007 2:39:01 AM
sir i like this project.this project is very nice and i want to implement this project as my b.tech .final year project.so kindly refer me full detail of this project as soon as possible.
zerkam
160W Fluorescent(lampadaire=franch)
Monday, October 29, 2007 4:11:58 AM
I want you to give me a circuit for 160w Fluorescent used energy solar (alimentation par energie solaire)
VADAGANA.V.N.S.N.MURTHY
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Friday, October 12, 2007 8:31:27 AM
i checked that 40w florocent inverter, but it has less intensity .how can i get full intensity with using this circuit.
anonymous
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Wednesday, August 29, 2007 5:25:59 AM
How we choose transistor biasing in 40W Fluorecent Lamp
tawong
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Saturday, August 18, 2007 5:03:48 AM
Good design idea i would like to know ,cascading the transistor 3055 will give a grater capacity ,hence wire size will definitely change .is it advisable to extend this design to that level?
Dab
Inverters
Thursday, August 16, 2007 1:09:26 PM
I want you to give me a circuit for inverter that can power a three bedroom flat
Eric
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Monday, August 13, 2007 4:49:00 AM
I did the circuit, unfortunately did not work . I am confused in particular with flourescent connection ( using only on terminal per side) . If compared to AC , the other terminal is connected to a starter . Daniel circuits work, I would appreciate if you could share how you did yours.
borhan
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Wednesday, August 08, 2007 5:58:04 AM
Dear Sir, where is C3 position at diagram? i can not light 40W florescent, i check all connection but it don't work, what i shuld do? can i light a foult lamp via this diagram?
anonymous
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Saturday, July 21, 2007 11:34:59 AM
what is the number of wire used in L1
Daniel Ackuayi
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Thursday, July 19, 2007 8:17:54 AM
I am impressed about the circuit. I tried it and it worked but I could not attain full brightness of a 40w flourescent bulb. What should I do? thank you.
lafo
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Wednesday, July 11, 2007 3:13:37 AM
is it possible to use a 12/220V step-up transformer instead of using T1 indicated on the diagram? I Just started to build this circuit but I have a problem where is C3 from the schematic diagram? Is it actually C2 from the diagram?thanks..
john bill alcalde
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Monday, June 25, 2007 2:36:15 AM
Sir what if I will use a 6v transformer by 220v, is this could be
ahmed
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Wednesday, June 20, 2007 4:01:52 AM
thank you about this circuit, but can we get other design to reduce the current
anonymous
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Saturday, June 16, 2007 7:32:17 PM
my dear it is so weel teach us all that i thank u so much for that i want transmeter with transistor
Albert
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Friday, June 08, 2007 4:37:19 AM
Hello, thats really a good work done .My question is , is there any way to reduce the current drain on the battery to about o.5 A instead of the 3A . Thanks a lot hope to hear from you.
V.B .PATHAK
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Friday, June 01, 2007 5:11:49 AM
Dear Sir, I request you to solve my one small diffuculty i want to draw about 8 Amp, 210 V 50 Hz power from secoundry of transeformer T1 How should transformer T1 & inductor L1 I want to some power for 400 Hz How should be transformer T1 & inductor L1 ? Transistor plz help me in this regarding Thanking you with regarding
adewle
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Friday, May 25, 2007 6:58:29 AM
pls sir i have build the cicult but i don't no which to connect to the fluoro becuose the secondary side has 3 layer which is 150turns each,which one am i going to connect am i to use the two terminal of the 3rd layer or 4th or the 5th u know is 150turns into three places,what eill be the capacity of the battery to power the circult.
anonymous
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Friday, May 18, 2007 5:02:08 PM
Bart, I have a similar set up for my fishing light. the high voltage supply to the lamp is extended with 12 ' of # 16 stranded, this works fine, my problem is when I extend this to 30' # 12 stranded the light will come on for a short period of time if I open and close the common, how can I get more output to drive the light.
R.V.Raghav
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Thursday, May 17, 2007 3:50:30 PM
Dear sir i want to run a 12VDC CFL from a 12V U.P.S battery is that possible ?And I want it to work on power cuts so i want an auto power cut switch {i.e. i want it to switch on automatically in power cuts.} I am a 9th std studiing indian student and i love ur. site for all technical data. Thanking u Hope u would reply me with care
Shinto
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Monday, April 30, 2007 3:05:51 AM
Sir, I have a dout that if we remove the load from the FL inverter when it is working, any damage will happen on the o/p transformer.
emmanuel
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Friday, April 27, 2007 5:26:47 PM
I Just started to build this circuit but I have a problem where is C3 from the schematic diagram? Is it actually C2 from the diagram? I would love to have complete circuit on automatic change over over of supply voltage carrying up to 200amps
umair
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Wednesday, April 18, 2007 4:30:40 AM
hello, sir this is a good circuit please kindly mail me some circuits regarding emnergency light
James & John
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Wednesday, April 11, 2007 6:25:56 AM
hey bart, how are u. long time no hear, go canterbury uni. hope u still enjoy a southern gold or 2. I like the look of you amp thing. good work, Had any puffs lately.

(Editor's notes: Huh?)

aliet
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 10:48:54 AM
Thanks, for Your support my need at electronic circuits
yuandrew
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Wednesday, March 28, 2007 2:29:49 AM
For a 20 watt tube, change C3 from 0.1uF to .47uF (source : http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2005/1/31/234116/315 )
lohith
making an auto machine
Sunday, March 25, 2007 2:54:38 AM
hello sir am trying to invent an auto-machine (unlimited-power supply) and i have designed it on my own. so i need some help of higher professional's...... am doing it based on parmanent magnet so plz help me out

(Editor's notes: Impossible.)

zuber
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Thursday, March 22, 2007 2:13:17 AM
hello sir, i need a inverter to run the fan through the battery of 12v. is there any circuits for that. if so kindly tell me.
pawan singh
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Friday, March 09, 2007 5:37:57 AM
i want to know details circuit (and various types of sensors)
gunawan
40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter
Friday, March 02, 2007 12:42:17 AM
this circuit works perfectly for 40w lamp, hoever I need similar circuit of this, that run effiently for 20w or 18w. Can you make some change for it? Thankyou verymuch for your help
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