capacitor of the flood lighting

[emadshaaban]

dear all
what would be the function of the parallel capacitor use with flood lighting .
and what the causes that damage it?
thank you?

 

[7anoter4]

Usually the floodlighting is provided with fluorescent tube. This needs ballast in order to limit the current. The ballast will deteriorate the power factor. In order to fix the problem a capacitor is provided.
The capacitor damage could be produced by voltage spikes. See:

http://donklipstein.com/f-lamp.html

Understanding Destructive LC Voltage Spikes:

http://www.pololu.com/docs/0J16/all