Wickes dimmer can be used on fluorescents?

[brass monkey]

This can't be right, can it?

"10 amp rated-suitable for fluorescent lighting"

[meow2222]

the ballast is dimmable. Most arent tho.

NT

[Rod]

I get the feeling that 10 amps of fluorescent lighting would certainly need some dimming!

Surely should read ONE-point-ZERO amps, n'est pas?

[Andrew Gabriel]

it's probably a cut-n-paste error from a switch description.

[The Medway Handyman]

> No, it's probably a cut-n-paste error from a switch description. Wickes are well known (by me anyway) for inccurate descriptions. Taptool " suitable for backnuts & compression nuts" - it isn't. "Chisels "honed & ready for use" - they aren't.

[meow2222]

>

and more seriously WBP, which isnt remotely WBP

NT

[The Medway Handyman]

>>>>> No, it's probably a cut-n-paste error from a switch description. >>

Ah yes that as well!

[Sylvain VAN DER WALDE]

> If the ballast is dimmable. Most arent tho.

Please tell us about dimmable ballasts. Any websites?

Sylvain.

[Andrew Gabriel]

There are plenty of dimmable electronic ballasts. They don't use conventional filament lamp dimmers though.

Simplest is the type which use a 0-10V DC control voltage, and most ballasts produce a low current 10V supply so you can do this with just a simple low power potentiometer if you're just controlling the one ballast, although you'll need a separate

10V supply if you're ganging several ballasts to dim together. This method is now regarded as out of date.

There are also DSI and DALI digital interfaces which use a low voltage serial digital signalling interface between a controller and the ballasts.

Some ballasts support multiple methods, e.g. DSI and simple push-button up/down dimming.

I don't know of a supplier. I have used Burnlite, but they now say they won't supply the public anymore (although I haven't actually tried since then). Of course a recession in the building trade might change their minds. Make sure you're sitting down when you get the prices -- dimming ballasts are pretty much only used in top-end expensive commercial installations, and are not price sensitive commodity items.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

I've got Osram ones in the kitchen under the cupboards lighting the worktops. Had them for several years now, without a tube failure which seems excellent considering their use - they tend to get left on as a 'there's someone at home' light when I go out. Near enough instant start, no flicker and cool running. However, they don't use a conventional dimmer - they use low voltage DC as a control so all you need is a simple potentiometer. Which would mean extra wiring if you want the dimmer where the room light switch is.

are quite expensive compared to 'ordinary' ballasts - but the higher efficiency and longer tube life might well pay off after a while, especially if using more expensive colour matching tubes.

[Andrew Gabriel]

I know I also said they're expensive, but those prices are completely OTT.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

I didn't really look at their prices. I got mine from a mate who runs a small supplier - excellent for this sort of thing that few ordinary wholesalers stock.

[Sylvain VAN DER WALDE]

Again, sorry for the delay in replying. Sylvain.

[Adam Aglionby]

Try `dimmable ballast` on ebay ;-)

Adam