[Aleem]

I've been looking for something that will meet my requirements, but not getting very far.

I want to be able to dim a mains-voltage T5 fluorescent light that uses a dimmable ballast (which is powered via standard 13amp 3-pin plugs) via some sort of timer.

An example of a such a ballast is here: T5 Dimmable Ballast 35W - Mr RESISTOR

My aim is to be able to set a timer for the flourescent lights to switch on at a paricular time, but gradually increase their brightness over a period of time until fully on.

Then, I'd like the lights to turn off at a particular time, but gradually dim over a period of time until fully off.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Bruce_]

I don't know of any fluorescent ballast that is mains dimmable and CE approved. be careful that the ballast is dimmable, as it might use 1-10V for dimming. seems that you want a timeclock function. not available on any domestic dimming system that I know of. Rako have a timeclock, so have a look at that.

[hornydragon]

You will need a control system to achieve this sort of functionality Rako can indeed do this, using a Rako to ballast interface (1-10V/Dali etc) and the time clock (waste of the functionality of the time clock but you can build on this later

[dj-dulux]

Fluorescent lights don't dim very well, they make strange noises and once you get below around 30% they just turn off. A much better option would be cold cathode tubes with a balast from mode with DMX or 0-10V input.

Dupe...

[Light Designer]

Anytronics offer good digital dmming options to a very low level, but no integrated time clock yet.

Lutron Gafik intregrali (trailing edge) is a good bet built in time clock and flourecsent dimming.

[neilball]

Flourescents can be made to dim effectively and without any noise - Helvar EL-SC ballasts can dim down to 1% and their literature suggests they can be started at a dimmed level as well (most dimmable ballasts start the lamps full and then drop down to the required dim level). However these are 1-10v or Dali control so again must be used with an appropriate lighting control system that provides the time & dimming control functionality.

[Bruce_]

Originally Posted by dj-dulux

Fluorescent lights don't dim very well, they make strange noises and once you get below around 30% they just turn off. A much better option would be cold cathode tubes with a balast from mode with DMX or 0-10V input.

Dupe...

that isn't true for almost all 1-10V or DALI ballasts. they don't make noise, and they do dim well. can't comment on the mr-resistor ballasts though, as there's very little information

[dj-dulux]

Would appear that the dimming of fluoresents has moved on, they used to be awfull and have not very linear dimming characteristics. A right pain especially for RGB colour mixing. Sounds like you don't even have to go to 100% before they will dim now too?

Dupe...