General
It may be important to change the light scene of a room depending on the type of activity, the precision required for a special task or the individual choice for comfort.
In order to adjust the light level in a room, Glamox propose most of the light fittings with dimmable variants.
Solutions
The two standard variants for dimming are the analog 1-10V (HFDa) solution and the digital (HFDd/DSI) solution.
Ballast
The ballast is the key for dimming (for fluorescent fittings) and will be different depending on the existing installation.
Advantages/Disadvantages
The analog 1-10V (HFDa) system is standardized and most of the suppliers of electronic ballasts are supplying large or small dimming systems for 1-10V control. On the other hand, despite the standardization, there are deviations among the products available. The result will be a difference in the light output between light tubes in the same room. The same result will occur if a large installation is realised; voltage drop on the control cable between the first and the last luminaire will result in different light levels. More over, it is not possible to switch on and off a luminaire by using the 1-10V signal.
The digital DSI (HFDd) system is not sensible to voltage drop and polarity on the signal cable. Luminaires can be switched on/off through the signal cable, which means that mains and signal can be considered independent. On the other hand, the purchase price for small installations will be high as a digital subcentral is allways needed. That is why we recommend the use of the Switch Dim system for small installations.
View Control 1-10V analog (HFDa)