Fluorescent Lighting Dimming Controls
Daylight Responsive Lighting Control: Continuous Dimming vs. Manual Control or Occupancy Sensor
Lighting controls have been developed to dim fluorescent lighting systems for architectural ambience or activity-specific needs. Dimming down to 1% of full output is possible with continuous dimming providing daylight harvesting while providing smooth light-level reductions.
Synopsis:
The ability to dim lighting is very important to many building occupants, particularly in hospitality, conference, and religious spaces. Temporarily reducing the amount of light a system produces is desirablefor many reasons, including daylight harvesting and load shedding, which are practical for energy management and improving light quality in buildings.
Fluorescent systems may be dimmed using dimming ballasts with specific wiring schemes or with digital dimming ballasts coupled with a software program. When done for energy efficiency, lighting can be reduced by approximately 20% from full output; the human eye cannot detect a marginal reduction in visible light yet such a reduction reduces energy consumption. Some systems can dim down to 1%, generally used in architectural/ambience applications. For energy management purposes, systems can be dimmed to as low as 5% to10% of full light output.
A variety of dimming ballasts, sensors and control products are available. Digital electronic ballasts, which use a software program tocommunicate with the ballasts, can dim down to 1% and may be used with compact fluorescent systems. Careful commissioning and maintenance of the software is required to operate or modify the switching. Appearance, installation and wiring are identical to standard, instant-start ballasts. Depending on the control system used, they may be integrated into the facility’s building automation system or be controlled separately by the building operator from on or off site. Dimmable compact fluorescent lamps and fixtures are also compatible with most modern dimmers. The dimming range isgenerally 30% to 100% of light output, unless the system is digital.
Energy Savings: 28%
Energy Savings Rating: Comprehensive Analysis
What's this?
| Level | Status | Description |
| 1 | Concept not validated | Claims of energy savings may not be credible due to lack of documentation or validation by unbiased experts. |
| 2 | Concept validated: | An unbiased expert has validated efficiency concepts through technical review and calculations based on engineering principles. |
| 3 | Limited assessment | An unbiased expert has measured technology characteristics and factors of energy use through one or more tests in typical applications with a clear baseline. |
| 4 | Extensive assessment | Additional testing in relevant applications and environments has increased knowledge of performance across a broad range of products, applications, and system conditions. |
| 5 | Comprehensive analysis | Results of lab and field tests have been used to develop methods for reliable prediction of performance across the range of intended applications. |
| 6 | Approved measure | Protocols for technology application are established and approved. |