GENERAL INFORMATION The so-called fluorescent lamps, or discharge lamps, require a ballast, which keeps the current of the electric arc constant, according to the pre-set value. The ballast, being an inductive load, causes an increase of the reactive current with a strong reduction of the power factor, with values even lower than cosφ 0,5. To bring the power factor back within the cosφ 0,9 limits, as stated by the law, it is necessary to connect a suitable capacitor to the feeding circuit. Safety MECO capacitors shown in this catalogue have been tested according to IMQ-ENEC. The CMS series capacitors are extremely safe and reliable and they are processed on automatic production lines, according to the most advanced production techniques. The metal case fitting allows them to be equipped with an overpressure safety device. T his is a construction system which allows to deactivate the capacitor immediately in case of an accidental internal fault. For example when a permanent short circuit occurs (continuous regeneration of the dielectric of the capacitive element) the current generated causes the decomposition of the dielectric through combustion with the consequent development of gas. Under the pressure created the upper part of the case is strained so that one of the feeding conductors breaks and the capacitor is deactivated. The use of high quality and reliable materials, namely metalized polypropylene film at very low losses carefully manufactured and checked in our factory ensures improcved electric characteristics and therefore maximum performance and longer life of the capacitors.