Light Control Education

Linear Fluorescent

Fluorescent lighting uses much less power than incandescent lighting. When dimmed, fluorescent lighting continues to be a more energy efficient light source.

fluorescent lighting

Types of Ballasts


Multi-input digital control
multi-input ballast diagram
Multi-input digital control is a wired communication technology that facilitates individual ballast addressing, connection of multiple control devices, and control of ballasts individually or in groups. The digital wires are polarity insensitive and may be wired in any topology. Digital communication wires may be run with the mains voltage (class 1) or isolated from mains (class 2). Multi-input digital control allows for the quick connection and reconfiguration of devices.

3-wire control
3-wire ballast diagram
3-wire control is a line-voltage phase-control dimming method. Along with Hot and Neutral, the dimming signal is communicated via a third wire called Dimmed Hot. All three wires are rated class 1 and can be run within the same conduit. 3-wire control is stable over long wire runs, allows for maximum circuit loading, and is very easy to wire.

2-wire control
2-wire ballast diagram
2-wire control is a line-voltage phase-control dimming method. The ballast receives the dimming signal through the Dimmed Hot wire. Intended for small-scale retrofit applications, the 2-wire control method is often the easiest way to implement dimming in existing fluorescent fixtures.

Lutron ballasts


100% tested
Lutron tests the performance of every ballast prior to shipment. This important step eliminates ballasts that do not meet specifications.

100% burn-in
Lutron "burns-in" every ballast prior to shipment. Defects due to faulty components are screened out during this process, resulting in a dramatic reduction of early failures in the field.

Extended ballast lifetime
All electronic ballasts use components with a finite lifetime. A major factor for ballast lifetime is operating temperature. For every
10°C reduction in ballast case temperature, the ballast lifetime is doubled. Lutron dimming ballasts are designed to maximize ballast lifetime by operating at a lower temperature.

Continuous flicker-free dimming
 Lutron ballasts operate smoothly and continuously throughout the dimming range. In addition, lamps turn on at any dimmed level without flashing to full light output.

Low harmonic distortion
Total harmonic distortion (THD) throughout the entire dimming range is less than 10% (for Hi-lume® and Hi-lume® 3D) or less than 20% (EcoSystem®).

Inrush current limiting circuitry
Circuitry eliminates nuisance circuit breaker tripping, switch arcing, and relay failure that can occur without limiting circuitry.   (Maximum of 7 A per ballast at 120 V, and 3 A per ballast at 277 V)