Which fluorescent lamps are dimmable

[Fluorescence]

Hello,

I am having trouble finding a datasheet for my General Electric, 18 Watt, Biax, 4 pin, compact fluorescent bulb (F18BX/827).

I can find various details but none so detailed as would be required for designing a high frequency dimming ballast for the lamp.....eg i need ignition current value, Pre-heat voltage, Pre-heat current etc.

In fact, i find that such detailed datasheets are just not available for any of the compact fluorescent bulbs that i have.

I am going to have to make an educated guess at values and work emperically.

I just wondered though, is there any reason why any 4-pin compact fluorescent bulb should not be dimmable?

Some lamps are quoted as being "not for dimmers" but i just can't make out what harm could be done by adjusting the terminal voltage and current downwards.

 

[MacGyverS2000]

What does GE have to say about it? Have you tried speaking with them?

Fluorescents have issues with dimmers as the voltage reduction happens before the driver electronics... you want to give the drivers full voltage and let them do the voltage control.

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[ScottyUK]

From what I recall from some development work many years ago, pretty much any lamp is dimmable. The restrictions are mainly due to the ballast design. You should probably check cathode material limitations with the tube manufacturer especially with regard to maximum tube current and cathode filament currents as the two are inter-related.


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