Looks like a scam

Only in a universe where PWM doesn't work.

Here on earth, if you interupt the power for "nanoseconds at a time", the average power will drop and so will the light output.

The device is simply an expensive dimmer. In a store like walmart, it's far easier to use fewer bulbs or lower power ones then use an inline dimmer.

On Tue, 28 Sep 2010 10:12:20 -0500, AZ Nomad wrote Re Re: Looks like a scam:

Can typical utility power meters "see" those brief interruptions? We are assuming that they can, but I don't know for sure.

Yes.

Didn't say that. But I expect there'd be a lower *heat* output.

And so will the heat output. I may be mistaken, but I suspect the heat output will drop more than the perceptible light output.

I don't see any reason why heat would drop more than light.

Take the case of slicing out part of the AC cycle (which is what happens with the common phase angle control dimmers we all use). Apply that to an incandescent lamp. If you reduce electrical power by 5% the lamp will run cooler, which means that less energy comes out in light and the percentage of the electrical energy that becomes heat increases. Light energy goes down more than 5% and efficiency is reduced.

The 'device', if I remember right, is intended for fluorescents. I see no reason to believe that heat will be disproportionately reduced. I expect that light will fall by the same percentage as the electrical energy.

I agree with AZ.

I really don't want to reread the propaganda (which may or may not be true) but my recollection is the alleged virtue of the 'device' is that you can put it on an existing whole branch circuit with existing non-dimming ballasts and dim the lamps for energy savings (at a lower light level). Someone may have read the propaganda closer than I did.

If dimming the lamps makes sense, like large window areas and daylight, and if the circuits are arranged right, like parallel to the windows instead of window to darker interior, and if the 'device' dimming works, and does not reduce the life of ballasts and lamps, and does not change the lamp color characteristics, then the device may make a lot of sense (or cents).