Guide To Dimming Fluorescent Luminaires

Richmond Lighting offer the following range of controls for switching and dimming most modern High Frequency Analogue 1-10 volt dimmable luminaires:

GRID1-10V

A cost effective rotary control for installation into most proprietary grid systems offered by MK, Crabtree, Wandsworth, and MEM. The module takes up one grid space and will control one circuit of up to 60 ballasts. A suitably rated rocker switch must be fitted in the grid alongside the rotary control to switch the luminaires on and off.

Normal 2-way and intermediate switching is possible, but the luminaires can only be dimmed from the one control location.

For GET grid systems the GET1-10VGRID control is available.

CKPSWOUT

A City flat plate available in 5 finishes, comprising a 1-10V rotary control as above and a 20A 2-way rocker switch fitted on a single gang plate.

MPOUT

A 1-10V dimmer module for mounting on a suitable control plate. A suitably rated rocker switch must be fitted to switch the luminaires on and off.

MULTI-DIM MD1X10V AND MD2X10V

Single or 2-Channel remote dimmer packs to dim up to 100 ballasts per channel.

The dimmers will switch up to 12 Amps. For larger loads use the dimmer switched output(s) to control contactor(s) to handle the switching current of the luminaires.

Multi-Dim controls allow switching AND dimming from multiple locations using simple 4-core control wiring, and control options include 4 level preset, 4 channel scene set, touch control and infra-red remote control.

INSTALLATION AND WIRING

A conventional switched feed is required to the luminaires. For GRID1-10V, CKPSWOUT and MPOUT controls this is normally taken via the plate/grid rocker switch. The 1-10v control wiring should be taken from the + and - terminals on the dimmers, to the + and - terminals in each ballast. Correct polarity must be observed throughout. 1.5mm² screened cable, with the screen earthed at one end is recommended. Manufacturers generally recommended that fluorescent lamps are operated at full output for 100 hours before being dimmed.

Richmond do not offer any controls to dim 'non-dimmable' luminaires, eg. switch-start, standard high frequency or domestic compact fluorescent luminaires with integral control gear.

SWITCHDIM luminaires requiring a push-to-make retractive switch control can be switched and dimmed using our Gresham Momentary Switch controls.