Can HID lamps be dimmed?
HID lamps can be dimmed using step-level or continuous-dimming systems. Step-level dimming. Step-level dimming typically entails using a constant-wattage autotransformer (CWA) magnetic ballast with one or two additional capacitors added to the circuit.
Are all electronic ballasts dimmable?
While magnetic dimmable ballasts do exist, almost all dimmable ballasts these days are electronic. Electronic ballasts vary the frequency at which they run the lamps without changing the electrode voltage and are therefore able to get a much wider range of dimming.
Can you dim a CMH bulb?
These days, there are many brands and models of HID (HPS and CDM / CMH) grow lights that have the facility to be dimmed. It tends to be only the cheap ones (with magnetic ballasts) that do not. Nearly all digital ballasts have a control for dimming, and many also have a “boost” function too.
What is a Balaster?
ballast – A device required by electric-discharge light sources such as fluorescent or HID lamps to regulate voltage and current supplied to the lamp during start and throughout operation.
Is it possible to dim standard fluorescent ballasts?
One question we often get from customers is “Can you dim fluorescent lights?”. The answer is yes, but certain considerations apply. It is possible to use wall dimmers for both fluorescent and CFL bulbs, but each requires a different approach and special hardware.
What does continuously dimmable mean?
NEMA 64-2012 defines continuous dimming as “a lighting control strategy that varies the light output of a lighting system over a continuous range from full light output to a minimum light output without flickering in imperceptible steps” (NEMA 2013).
Can I use a 1000 watt bulb with a 600 watt ballast?
The ballast will be able to light the bulb. A 600-watt and a 1000-watt bulb has the same starting voltage requirement. I personally would not use a 600-watt ballast on a 1000-watt bulb. An electronic ballast will only provide approximately 600-watts to the bulb.
Why are grow lights dimmable?
It is fairly obvious that dimming your grow lamp makes it dimmer, produce less heat, use less electricity, and cover less canopy area. Lamps are designed to produce the correct spectrum at their nominal wattage. Turning them down means that they no longer produce the spectrum that they were built to produce.
Why is the HID ballast important?
Many people are not aware of the importance of HID ballast. The HID ballast is important as it helps in starting the lamp and it also allows the electricity to flow through the whole bulb which keeps the lights on. It’s another important function is to control the electric current flowing through the bulb.
What’s the HID ballast and Ignitor?
The ballast’s job is to regulate power to the HID bulb to maintain the arc. It must provide a constant 35 watts at 70 to 110 volts. The HID ignitor starts the arc with very high voltage, but the ballast maintains the arc.
What does hid stand for in bulb?
HID stands for high intensity discharge, which is a description of the way the bulbs generate light. Light is generated when an electrical discharge is sent through an ionised gas. This description fits a number of other light bulbs including neon lights.
What does a xenon HID ballast do?
A HID Ballast is a device required by a xenon headlight (bus also for fluorescent lamps) to regulate voltage and current supplied to the lamp during start. Also does it provides enough voltage and current throughout operation.