Re: Dimming Fluorescents
Rusty
flourecents.
"Lloydj" <ljef...@theclarientgroup.com> wrote in message
news:50d68b38-668b-4759...@m38g2000yqd.googlegroups.com...
> Just had an experience where someone decided they could purchase
> dimmable fluorescent ballasts and then dim them with a Home Depot
> incandescent dimmer. It wasn't my project so I stood by and waited to
> see what would happen. Naturally it didn't work.
>
> \What happened next was interesting- there are a couple of types of
> dimmable ballasts out there. One you can use a readily available
> Lutron fluorescent dimmer on. Another common ballast uses the same
> 0-10vdc control signal as most older stage dimmers (TTI, Century,etc)
> and requires a separate control wire. These things are special order
> and take weeks to get.
>
> Anybody got a shortcut to avoid all the choices, wrong thinking,
> etc.?
>
> Love to hear it.
> LJ
First bit of advice, check with the manufacturer of your dimming equipment
and see what kind of dimmable fluorescent ballasts it is capable of.
Second, find out what manufacturer of ballasts can provide the appropriate
ballast for your needs.
FYI, here is a simplified description of each type of dimmable ballast type:
Two-wire:
As it states, only two wires are needed and can work with _some_ dimming
systems, with a caveat, they have the worst dimming range of the lot. Most
newer household conventional dimmers will state if they can dim dimmable
fluorescents. I suppose a theatrical dimming system could work too, but
don't take my word for it.
Three wire:
Three wires - neutral, hot, and hot-dimmed. The hot keeps the ballast
powered and the hot-dimmed provides the dimming.
+10V : (previously mentioned)
the ballast is controlled with the +10V control wire. A simple demux can
connect to a DMX system.
Proprietary: the manufacturer will provide both the ballasts and dimming
equipment; dimming is done via a proprietary communication method.
DMX controlled: (Kino Flo, etc)
Ideal for theatrical use since it can interface directly with theatrical
systems, but most if not all are sold as a complete fixture rather than a
ballast.
TKM
"Rusty" <russju...@netscape.net> wrote in message
news:hdhjr4$riu$1...@aioe.org...
There are some new dimmer systems out there due to the demand for dimming
CFLs. The 2009 Lighting for Tomorrow residential lighting competition
uncovered several and lists them at: www.lightingfortomorrow.com The best
dim lamps down to 1-5%; others to about 20% of full output.
Terry McGowan