Wickes dimmer can be used on fluorescents?

NT

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?

and more seriously WBP, which isnt remotely WBP

NT

Ah yes that as well!

Please tell us about dimmable ballasts. Any websites?

Sylvain.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Again, sorry for the delay in replying. Sylvain.

Try `dimmable ballast` on ebay ;-)

Adam