This publication provides design guidance in the area of lamp/dimmer compatibility to the manufacturers of dimmable self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) that use forward phase control and the manufacturers of forward phase control dimmers. The values provided assume operation under nominal line conditions, i.e., 120 V, 60 Hz. In practice, actual voltages can vary by ±10% in the field. LSD 56-2011 contains a related FAQ, which is meant to provide answers to frequently asked questions regarding CFLs and dimming.
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CATEGORY: Topics » DimmingThe National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published NEMA LSD 56 Compatibility of Forward Phase Control Dimmers and Dimmable Self-Ballasted Compact Fluorescent Lamps and Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CFLs and Dimming, available for free download.
 The Lighting Controls Association is pleased to announce that it has updated EE103: Dimming Control, a popular offering in the Association’s Education Express series of online distance education courses about lighting controls.
The course, authored by Craig DiLouie, principal of ZING Communications, Inc. and LCA’s Education Director, provides an in-depth discussion of dimming technology and application. It consists of two sections, Dimming Controls (two learning modules) and Fluorescent Dimmable Ballasts (two learning modules), covering these topics: Dimming Controls Introduction to Dimming • The purpose of dimming Dimming Controls and Systems • Wallbox dimmers Fluorescent Dimmable Ballasts Technology • How dimming ballasts work Application • Control strategies At the conclusion of each learning module, an optional online comprehension test is available, with automatic grading; a passing grade (70+%) enables the student to claim education credit. EE102: Dimming Control is registered with the National Council on Quality in the Lighting Professions (NCQLP), which recognizes a total of 8 LEUs towards maintenance of Lighting Certified (LC) certification. This course is also registered with the California Advanced Lighting Control Training Program (CALCTP) for credit to qualify to receive live training (40 points).  Relative size of a plasma lamp versus a comparable HID lamp. Photo courtesy of Topanga Technologies. Craig DiLouie of the Lighting Controls Association recently talked to Randy Reid, VP marketing for LUXIM, about the control aspects of this interesting and novel lighting technology. DiLouie: Are plasma lighting systems dimmable? DiLouie: What are typical control strategies enacted with plasma lighting? DiLouie: What changes, if any, occur to the quality of light during dimming—as in CRI, CCT, etc.? DiLouie: What changes, if any, occur to lighting efficacy during dimming? DiLouie: What control devices are plasma systems compatible with—e.g., occupancy sensors, manual dimmers, digital switches, photosensors, etc.? DiLouie: What effect, if any, does frequency of switching and dimming have on plasma system service life?  Image courtesy of Lutron. The new course, authored by Craig DiLouie, principal of ZING Communications, Inc. and LCA’s Education Director, is divided into two sections: Dimming Control, and Fluorescent Dimming Ballasts. The first section, Dimming Control, provides an in-depth introduction to dimming, including popular dimming strategies, methods, controls, human perception and response, and how different light sources behave while dimmed. The second section, Fluorescent Dimming Ballasts, covers technology and application issues such as dimming methods and lamp-ballast interactions. At the conclusion of each of the two four modules in the course, an optional online comprehension test is available, with automatic grading; a passing grade enables the student to claim education credit. EE103: Fluorescent Dimming is registered with the National Council on Quality in the Lighting Professions (NCQLP), which recognizes a total of 8.0 LEUs towards maintenance of Lighting Certified (LC) certification. This course is also registered with the California Advanced Lighting Control Training Program (CALCTP) for credit to qualify to receive live training.  The Philips blog recently published a summary and link to a study pointing to the productivity benefits of offering adjustable lighting to office workers.
A key finding:
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published two new solid state lighting standards:
• NEMA SSL 1-2010 Electronic Drivers for LED Devices, Arrays, or Systems With these publications, NEMA establishes harmonized requirements and expectations for solid state lighting (SSL). Both are directed toward designers, manufacturers, and users of SSL products. SSL 1, produced by NEMA’s Solid State Lighting Section, covers electronic drivers for SSL / light-emitting diode (LED) products. Electronic drivers use semiconductors to control and supply dc power for LED starting and operation. Topics covered include ratings, performance, and marking. SSL 1 also provides specifications guidance for electromagnetic immunity, audible noise, and efficiency calculations. SSL 1 Working Group Leader Tom Stimac of GE Lighting Solutions said, “SSL 1 is the first in a series of NEMA SSL standards aimed at setting the foundation for quality and performance of LED systems, specifically LED drivers. LED drivers are used in every system today and the ability to verify key performance and quality aspects will be pivotal in achieving high efficiency and quality LED lighting systems.” SSL 6, produced by NEMA’s Lighting Controls and Solid State Lighting Sections, focuses on integrated LED lamps intended for retrofit into systems that previously used incandescent screw base lamps. The standard addresses dimming of these products and the interaction between the dimmer (control) and the bulb (lamp), and introduces requirements to help ensure good dimming performance and prevent damage to either component. SSL 6 Working Group Leader Dr. Robert Nachtrieb of Lutron Electronics said, “SSL 6 is the first NEMA standard to tackle head-on the importance of dimming energy-efficient LED lamps that will replace incandescent bulbs. Building on the solid industry consensus we forged for SSL 6, NEMA will continue to develop standards for other applications of LED dimming.” Robert Hick of Leviton, member of both sections and chair of the Solid State Lighting Section, said, “NEMA’s development of these standards illustrates the lighting industry’s dedication to the streamlined design and manufacture of energy-efficient SSL technology. Standardization of evolving technology is essential to ensuring harmonization across brands, exceptional performance, and customer satisfaction. With future additions to this series, NEMA will continue to identify and eliminate gaps in guidance without discouraging innovation within the industry.” The contents and scope of SSL 1 may be viewed, or a hardcopy or electronic copy purchased for $50, here. For SSL 6, also $50, click here.  This document provides general information and considerations involved in the design and application of dimming circuitry employed with specific ballasts and lamps in the HID family.
Click here to download it free from the NEMA website.  GE’s online dimming system watts estimator enables you to estimate the wattage, energy reduction and cost savings generated by using a dimming system.
Check it out here. |
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