DIMMER FOR MAGNETIC BALLAST

Fifth Light presents the lighting industry with a unique solution for buildings with existing magnetic ballasts. By retrofitting each fixture with a dimmer, a static and energy in-efficient lighting system becomes dynamic and achieves energy savings that equal dimmable electronic systems. Moreover, disposal costs and adverse environmental effects associated with the disposal of magnetic ballasts are avoided. Each dimmer has its own unique address, and can therefore be controlled independently of any other fixture. The schedules that it follows (as well as how it responds to daylight levels) are just two examples that this feature has to offer. Our patented dimmer technology dims fluorescent lights with magnetic ballasts by up to 75%, while maintaining the light output proportional to the power consumed. In addition, the power factor is maintained above 90%, and flicker and audible noise are removed, plus the heating of the ballasts is significantly reduced. Consequently, the life expectancy of both the ballasts and the tubes is extended, and the quality of the light is improved. These benefits have been confirmed in the laboratory and via scaled down field-testing. This field-testing to date has shown that energy savings of 65% (in a best-case scenario), and a minimum of 31% energy savings (in a worst-case scenario) can be comfortably achieved. In actual fact, savings in excess of 60% was consistently realized during sunny days when either extreme cold or hot temperatures normally occur. These savings result in reducing the peak energy demand at the most critical times--when the energy costs are highest, and when pollution-producing facilities have to be brought into operation.