Dimmer Switches and Fluorescent Light Fixtures

How to Control Fluorescent Light Fixtures with a Dimmer Switch: Understanding Dimmer Switches and Fluorescent Light Fixtures.

Fluorescent Light with a Dimmer
[ad#block]Lighting Question: What needs to be done in order to use a dimmer switch for fluorescent lights?

This Lighting Question came from: Jerry, a Electrician from Texas.
Additional Comments: Awesome.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Jerry.

How to Control a Fluorescent Light with a Dimmer

Application: Fluorescent Light Dimmer Switch.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best installed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the light circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Installing additional fixture wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Materials: Make sure the dimmer switch has the same amperage and voltage rating and is compatible as specified in the light fixture and lamp documentation.

Dimmer Switches and Fluorescent Light Fixtures

• If the light fixture is the fluorescent tube type, and depending on the age of the fixture and the existing ballast, a special ballast may be required.
• A special dimmer switch that is compatible with the ballast and sized according to the load in watts will be required as well.
• Many of the new fluorescent light fixtures have electronic ballasts and lamps that may be controlled by a dimmer switch, however the lamps and the dimmer switch must state that they are compatible with one another, and the appropriate size of the connected lighting load will be required for the proper selection of the dimmer switch.
• Newer lighting technologies such as LED Lights will provide full dimmer controlling capabilities, however the light fixture and the dimmer switch must state that they are compatible with each other.  This is very important because the growing number of light fixtures and dimmer switches that are now available.

More about Dimmer Switches and Fluorescent Light Fixtures

• Dimmer Switch Wiring
• Wiring Diagrams

• 3 Way Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagram
• Fully explained 3 way dimmer switch wiring diagram will take the mystery out of wiring a 3-way dimmer switch.

• For more information about Light Switch Wiring
• Light Switch Wiring

• Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1
• Fully explained pictures and wiring diagrams about wiring light switches describing the most common switches starting with photo diagram 1.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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