NLPIP Specifier Reports: Dimming Electronic Ballasts

This Specifier Report covers ballast types, control signal circuitry, and control devices for dimming electronic ballasts. It explains performance characteristics including, dimming range, power quality, ballast life, and lamp starting and operation. The report also examines considerations for specifiers and available alternative technologies. It includes manufacturer-supplied data and brand-name performance results. Dimming electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps can save energy and increase the range of illuminances provided by a lighting system. Most dimming electronic ballasts are silent and cause no perceptible flicker. Control devices for dimming electronic ballasts include automatic and manual dimmers, photosensors to dim lamps when daylight is available, and energy management systems that dim lamps during peak demand hours or at night.

This issue of Specifier Reports highlights occupancy sensors for industrial and commercial use and provides guidance for equipment selection and successful installation. It explains performance characteristics such as coverage area, coverage pattern, field of view, sensitivity, and time delay. It covers passive infrared, ultrasonic, and dual-technology (hybrid) occupancy sensors. Application and economic considerations for specifiers are discussed, and the report provides manufacturer-supplied data and brand-name performance results. The use of occupancy sensors in the U.S. has increased dramatically over the past ten years. Manufacturers have introduced many new products designed to address some of the known problems with occupancy sensors, such as failure to detect small motions and inappropriate switching of lamps.