Simple 20 Watt Fluorescent Inverter Circuit

Imagine we have normal car battery and we want to use it for fluorescent light.

But the battery voltage too low and it does not work like this.

So we use special and Simple 20 Watt Fluorescent Inverter Circuit like a magic box.

This box has transformer, transistor and other parts which change low voltage to high voltage.

High voltage zap makes fluorescent light turn ON!

This zap is a AC which goes both ways but a not a DC which is one way like battery.

Circuit Working:

Parts List:

This circuit can run a 20-watt tube light and below is how it works:

Transformer is made on ferrite rod with 10mm thick and 8cm long.

Wire size is not very important but we used 0.61mm wire for primary, 0.28mm for secondary and feedback.

Do not remove the tube while circuit is ON because high voltage spikes can break the transistor.

Circuit uses around 1.5 amps at 12V which is better than using mains power.

Normal tube light takes 20W + 15W for ballast but this circuit saves power.

Formulas:

When making a fluorescent tube driver using one BJT and a transformer we have build a high-frequency oscillator.

Here is the main formula:

Resonance frequency (f):

f = 1 / (2π√L * C)

• L is the Inductor like coil
• C is the Capacitor

In BJT base circuit frequency depends on L and C.

The BJT makes a stable AC signal at this frequency and this helps tube light to work properly.

Note:

Using one BJT and transformer is simple and works well.

It uses resonance between L and C to keep AC signal steady at right frequency.

How to Build:

To build a Simple 20 W Fluorescent Inverter Circuit follow the steps mentioned below for connections:

Transformer:

• Primary coil goes to battery (+) through resistor R3 for safety.
• Secondary coil connects to transistor Q1s collector.

Transistor Q1 Connection:

• Base gets power from resistors R1 and R2 as a voltage divider.
• Collector connects to transformers secondary.
• Emitter goes to ground (–).

Capacitors Connection:

• C2 connects from feedback coil to transistor base and other side goes to ground.
• C1 connects across battery (+) and (–) for smoothing.

Fluorescent Tube:

• This is connected to secondary side of transformer.

Resistors Connection:

• R1 and R2 go between battery (+) and (–)
• R3 is safety resistor connected to battery (+)

Important Safety Tips:

• Use parts with correct voltage/current ratings.
• Solder carefully bad joints can break the circuit.
• Cover bare wires and avoid short circuits.
• Never run the circuit without the tube connected as it can kill the transistor.
• If anyone is unsure ask someone with experience.

Conclusion:

This Simple 20 Watt Fluorescent Inverter Circuit lets us run a tube light from a battery.

It uses a transformer, one transistor and a few parts to change DC (battery) to high voltage AC.

It is simple but we need to be careful as high voltage is dangerous.

References:

Fluorescent lamp

Datasheet TIP3055