Dimming T5HO

[fischkopp]

I understand that a special dimmable ballast is required in order to dimm T5HO bulbs. Will these work with any T5HO bulb? And how is the efficiency; will the system consume less power when it is dimmed? Are there any preferable brands for dimmable ballasts?

[redbelly]

There are 2 styles of ballasts that are dimmable.

1) 1-10V input. (could be 1-12V even.... dont recall exactly)
These have a constand input of 110V + a wire input that is 1-10V.
You vary the 1-10V input and this varies the putput of the light.
On a controller this requires a special card with the variable output to adjust the lighting.

2) Variable 110V input
This type you just vary the 110V input, like you do with a dimmer switch for your lights at home.
On a controller this requires a special powerbar that changes the total input to the light.

I have 2 of the second type here actually although not currently in use as I am waiting on an ATI dimmable light that I have special ordered already equiped to hook up directly to my GHL

[Stussi613]

You can use standard bulbs when you have a dimmable ballast, you should see less power consumption and longer life on the bulbs as they are being under driven.

[fischkopp]

You can use standard bulbs when you have a dimmable ballast, you should see less power consumption and longer life on the bulbs as they are being under driven.

Thanks! I read up a bit on it and found out the the same.

[redbelly]

As for brands there is the Advanced Mark 7 and the Advanced Mark 10.

I am not running any dimmable T5's at the moment so I can say first hand if it will reduce the power usage, but if you decide to setup up I one of those power meters if you would like to borrow it to see how much power is actually being used.

[fischkopp]

I am thinking of a dimmable ballast with DALI interface. The model I am looking at is SYLVANIA QUICKTRONIC DALI T5HO.

Does anyone have any experience with these?