Separately switch lamps of the same fixture

[katwalatapan]

Hello,

For a 2' x 4' recessed 4 lamp(32W) T8 lighting fixture, would it be possible to switch inner two lamps and outer two lamps separately via two individual light switches?

Is there a special ballast configuration that may be required to be specified? Would it involve more wiring and labour than standard installation?

The reason for this application is to have the option for two different light levels.

Thank you.

 

[davidbeach]

Most 4 lamp luminaires have two 2-lamp ballasts. One switch lead to each ballast. Done all the time.

 

[DRWeig]

I agree with davidbeach. In fact, it's required by building code in some localities.

Best to you,

Goober Dave

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[crshears]

If one fixture contains two ballasts and four sets of fluorescent tube holders but as supplied they're connected as a left-hand and right-hand pair, there shouldn't be an issue with rewiring them internally to be switched as an inside pair and an outside pair...at least in my humble estimation; I can't conceive of how this would run afoul of or somehow violate the safety certification of the fixture as originally manufactured. There might be a bit of extra labour involved, perhaps; but hopefully the length of the tails to the end sockets will be long enough to accommodate the re-configuring.

Then again...

If the leads are too short for this and you have to add in extensions, you're into extra connections, additional wire nuts, and so on, which could add significantly to the total cost of this modification, depending on the local cost of labour and materials, as well as the overall size of the project. Plus the mod might be considered an alteration of the original fixture; you'd want your electrical inspector / AHJ to sign off on this before proceeding.

CR

 

[waross]

In some fixtures the lamp holders can be slipped out and repositioned without any wiring changes.

Bill
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