TIPS FOR CONTROLLING FLUORESCENT LAMPS

At this time there are 5 systems of lighting controls for fluorescent lamps to choose from, which differ on the ballasts devices used and need to choose an appropriate lighting control device. The ballast devices according to point 1+2 are out and seldom used anymore, they are mentioned only for completeness.

1) Conventional ballasts
with filament transformers (often combined with additional electronic ignition impulse generator), it allows to control tubes with 38mm as well as tubes with 26mm diameter to ca. 1% down (depending on the product/model).
If lights/lamps are with conventional ballasts, filament transformer or electronic ignition generators are neccessary, compensation and interference suppression capacitor are only allowed parallel to the mains, minimum load resistor is necessary.
Wiring to the lights/lamps: 4 wires (L,N,PE, control Phase)
To be observed: because of the unfavourable cos phi of the lights/lamps, the dimmer should be loaded only 40% (Dimmer 2kW = 800 W fluorescent lamps).

2) Older electronic ballasts, produced at the years ca. 1987-1993 need no filament transformers, however an additional conventional ballast is often needed for dimming and is used as filter throttle. A high qualitative control down to 30% brightness is possible.
Attention: not all electronic ballasts are dimmable, please contact the factory for engineering assistance!
Wiring to the lights/lamps: 3 wires (control Phase, N, PE)
Capacity: The dimmer capacity can be used up to 90%.

3) Direct dimmable electronic ballasts with 10V interface
need no dimmer device. Since the dimming is done in the electronic ballasts itself, no control device is necessary. These electronic ballasts allow a highly, fully flicker-free control up to 1% down (depending on the model/product).
Wiring to the lights/lamps: 3 wires (L, N, PE) and 2 wires for control voltage 10V (on every light/lamp !)
Attention: some older models starts on with the full brightness when the mains voltage is put up and goes then slowly to the selected brightness value.

4) Direct dimmable digital electronic ballasts (Zumtobel / Luxmate / Tridonic)
similar to the devices 3), however the control is done through digital commands. These electronic ballasts can be controlled through DSI-Modules (DSI-004) too which do the conversion of the 1-10V signal, therefore they can be used with all devices for electronic ballasts with 10V interface and DSI-Modules.
Adjustment level: about 1-100%, wiring similar to 3)
Attention: the ON and OFF switching of the digital electronic ballasts is done through digital commands of the DSI-Modules, the electronic ballasts itself remains permanent on the mains.

5) DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) electronic ballasts
are direct dimmable digital electronic ballasts from various producer/manufacturers, similar to the electronic ballasts according to 4). The decisive difference exist in, that on one hand additional Preset, Switch, and Re-registration functions will be taken onto the system, on the other hand there is no dependency on any supplier, because various european manufacturers supports these system.
Adjustment level: about 1-100%, the electronic ballasts remains permanent on the mains and will be switched ON and OFF through software commands.

TIPS FOR CONTROLLING LOW VOLTAGE HALOGEN LAMPS

There are various systems of lighting controls for low voltage halogen lamps to choose from. They differentiate through the transformers being used and need to choose an appropriate lighting control devices

1) Conventional, magnetic transformers
are problem-free to control with the right dimmer devices (leading edge), the dimmer can be loaded up to 90%.

2) Electronic transformers for leading edge controls (phase control)
can be control with the standard dimmers (leading edge), the dimmer can be loaded up to 90%.

3) Electronic transformers for trailing edge controls (phase control)
can only be controlled with a special trailing edge dimmer. These dimmers have a higher cost as well as double heat produce (compared to dimmers with leading edge control) and therefore should be used for lower load systems only.

4) Direct 10V interface electronic transformers don´t need a dimmer since the dimming is done in the transformer itself. It only needs a control device, all our control devices for 10V-electronic ballasts can be used.
To be considered: it is necessary to have 2 additional wires for control, beside the mains supply.

INSTALLATION TIPS FOR PUSH BUTTON CONTROL DEVICES

1) Devices in modular distributions/DIN rails should not be installed directly beside relays or similar material with a strong magnetic field (minimum distance 20 cm)

2) Relays and engines produce a strong impulse when switching on and off which influences the control devices on unfavourable wiring and can trigger unwanted switching or commands. Therefore: no control cables should be close with the cables of relays and motors. Often it also helps blocking the impulse with a capacitor (ca, 0,1 - 0,3 uF / 250 V AC) parallel to the coil or motor.

3) With longer control cables (>20M) and/or in danger of a higher interference, the control cables should be shielded.

4) IF stronger, inductive loads are on the same mains branch, the mains-supply of the control devices should be protected through fine overvoltage protection.
only for coupled devices NTxxB: bus-cable muss be as short as possible, the coupled devices must lay side by side. In case that the switching for single/entire operation will be done through relay, a distance of ca. 10cm between relays and control device must be followed

INSTALLATION TIPS FOR TRAILING EDGE DIMMERS

Trailing edge dimmers (phase control) have a essential higher heat production compared to leading edge control dimmers (phase control). Therefore it is necessary to care for getting rid of the heat. Most especially if multiple trailing edge dimmers are mounted on a modular installation, enough ventilation and/or vacuum-ventilator are necessary.