Thanks for the information Mike,
The GE Link provided all the data I was looking for, in regard to lamp starting currents run-up time etc.
http://www.gelighting.com/eu/litlib/techbrochures.html That is the link on their site if anyone is interested.
I am trying to find out why lighting contactors, a contractor has installed are failing.
The contractor is using contactors with a resistive rating of 40 Amp and and AC 3 rating of 25 Amps.
These are protected by a 20 Amp c/b
The contractor told me that the load on the different lighting circuits varies between about 13 to 17 Amps.
Probably six of these contactors have now had a failure, The Neutral link terminals have also failed due to heat.
The contractor also said the metal halide fittings are fitted with PF correction.
I guess it could be that the terminal strips with integral linking bar are under rated and since they are situated close to the contactor this has taken the coil out.
any ideas?
Is there any site that recommends the number of fittings on a contactor?
I have read that pf corrected fittings can have an inrush current of up to 16 times the full load current, which is similar to incandescent lamps.