Philips Advance IMH-70-D-BLS

Philips Advance IMH-70-D-BLS — e-Vision 70W Electronic Metal Halide Ballast, 120-277V, Bottom Exit Leads with Mounting Studs

The Philips Advance IMH-70-D-BLS is an e-Vision electronic ballast that operates a single 70W metal halide lamp of ANSI code C98/M98, C139/M139, or M143. It accepts 120V through 277V input at 50/60Hz, drawing 0.66A and 79W of input power on 120V or 0.28A and 76W on 277V, with a minimum power factor of 0.9. The BLS suffix designates the version with bottom exit leads and mounting studs; the side-exit-lead version with mounting feet is a separate order suffix. The case is a compact 5.0 in overall length by 3.0 in wide by 1.5 in high and weighs 1.5 lb. Maximum allowable case temperature is 85°C, minimum starting temperature is -20°C (-4°F), and the ballast may be mounted up to 3 feet from the lamp. Confirm the lamp ANSI code, lead exit configuration, and mounting distance before ordering.

Technical Specifications

Product Overview

The e-Vision series is Philips Advance's electronic ballast line for low wattage metal halide. Compared with a magnetic core-and-coil ballast of the same wattage, an electronic ballast runs at higher frequency, which allows a substantially smaller and lighter case — this unit is 5 inches long and weighs a pound and a half. That matters most in compact luminaires such as track heads, small downlights, and accent fixtures where a magnetic ballast simply will not fit.

Electronic operation also tightens lamp power regulation. Holding the lamp closer to its rated wattage across supply voltage variation reduces overpowering and the thermal stress that shortens metal halide lamp life and accelerates color shift. Ceramic metal halide lamps in particular hold their color point better when driven by a well-regulated electronic source.

The ballast includes end-of-life detection. If a lamp behaves erratically, fails to ignite, or reaches end of life, the ballast removes power rather than continuing to drive it. This prevents the cycling behavior that an aging metal halide lamp exhibits on a magnetic ballast, where the lamp repeatedly strikes, fails, cools, and restrikes. Specifically, ballast output shuts down after 20 minutes if the lamp fails to ignite. After a lamp is replaced, power must be cycled off and then on again to reset the ballast — the new lamp will not start until this is done.

This BLS version has leads exiting the bottom of the case with solid grommets at that end and mounting studs for attachment. The alternative LF version has side exit leads and mounting feet instead. Both are the same ballast electrically; the choice depends entirely on how the fixture is built. The unit accepts any supply from 120V through 277V at 50 or 60 Hz, so a single catalog number covers buildings on different service voltages.

Compatible Applications

• 70W metal halide track heads and accent fixtures
• Compact recessed downlights and small architectural luminaires
• Retail display and merchandise lighting
• Hospitality and restaurant accent lighting
• Museum, gallery, and exhibit lighting
• Landscape and facade fixtures within the ballast temperature ratings
• Fixtures too small to accommodate a magnetic core-and-coil ballast
• Multi-building portfolios on mixed 120V and 277V service
• Replacement ballast for fixtures originally specified with the IMH-70-D-BLS

Before Ordering — Verify

• Confirm the lamp ANSI code is C98/M98, C139/M139, or M143. Metal halide ballasts are matched to specific ANSI lamp codes, and a 70W lamp of a different ANSI designation is not necessarily compatible.
• Confirm the lead exit configuration. This is the BLS version with bottom exit leads and mounting studs. If the fixture needs side exit leads and mounting feet, the correct order suffix is -LF.
• Confirm the mounting distance. The ballast must be located within 3 feet of the lamp. Longer runs are outside the ballast rating and can cause starting problems.
• Confirm the 12 inch lead length is sufficient for the intended routing, or that the run will be extended within the 3 ft limit.
• Confirm supply voltage is within 120-277V at 50 or 60 Hz.
• Confirm the fixture allows the case to stay below its 85°C maximum temperature at the specified measurement location.
• Confirm the coldest expected starting temperature is at or above -20°C (-4°F).
• Confirm the enclosure fits a case figure D ballast: 5.0 in overall length by 3.0 in wide by 1.5 in high, with a 4.6 in by 0.7 in mounting pattern using 8-32 x 1/4 in studs.
• Confirm the installer knows that power must be cycled off and back on after a lamp change. A new lamp will not start otherwise, and this is a common service call.

Safety and Installation Guidelines

• Disconnect power at the breaker before installing, inspecting, or removing the ballast.
• Installation should be performed by a qualified electrician in accordance with the National Electrical Code and local requirements.
• The ballast case must be grounded. Connect the green lead to the fixture ground.
• Follow wiring diagram 3 as marked on the ballast: black and white to the 120-277V supply, blue and red to the lamp, white to common, green to ground.
• Mount so that the case temperature stays below 85°C. The measurement location is 35 mm from the lead exit end and 17 mm up the case, as shown on the ballast label.
• Do not mount the ballast more than 3 feet from the lamp.
• Do not exceed the rated input voltage range.
• After replacing a lamp, cycle power off and then on. The ballast will not restart until it is reset.
• Ballast output shuts down after 20 minutes if the lamp fails to ignite. If this occurs, check the lamp and connections before cycling power.
• Ignition pulse is 4 kV maximum. Use lamp holders and wiring rated for the ignition voltage.
• Allow the ballast to cool before handling after operation.
• Verify all connections are correct before restoring power.

Compliance

• UL listed.
• CSA certified.
• Ballast case must be grounded during installation.
• Rated for 50/60 Hz operation across the 120-277V input range.

Ordering Information

• Brand: Philips Advance
• Catalog Number: IMH-70-D-BLS
• Base Catalog Number: IMH-70-D
• Alternate Configuration: IMH-70-D-LF — side exit leads with mounting feet
• Ballast: Electronic, 1-lamp, 70W metal halide, 120-277V 50/60 Hz
• Lamp Compatibility: ANSI C98/M98, C139/M139, or M143
• Case: Figure D, 5.0 in x 3.0 in x 1.5 in, 1.5 lb
• Leads: Bottom exit, 12 in, with mounting studs

For wholesale pricing, bulk availability, or help confirming the correct replacement ballast, contact ADL Supply at 1-800-235-3489.