Fluorescent fixtures are dimmed using a special dimmable ballast. This is because standard ballasts typically do not have the ability to maintain electrode heat to the degree required for proper gas excitation when input voltage is varied.
One question we often get from customers is “Can you dim fluorescent lights?”. The answer is yes, but certain considerations apply. It is possible to use wall dimmers for both fluorescent and CFL bulbs, but each requires a different approach and special hardware.
Thereof, What causes fluorescent lights to dim?
Dim light or low lumen output is almost always the cause of one of two things: an old fluorescent lamp or an aging, bad ballast.
Also to know is, Why are my fluorescent lights so dim? Dim light or low lumen output is almost always the cause of one of two things: an old fluorescent lamp or an aging, bad ballast.
Subsequently, question is, How do you make fluorescent lights less bright? Today, the most common way to hide the harsh glow of fluorescent light is with plastic covers for fluorescent light fixtures. Almost every fixture has them. Typical plastic covers for fluorescent light fixtures come in a few styles. The most common are prismatic and frosted light fixture covers.
Also, Do fluorescent light covers work?
Fewer headaches and eyestrain Plus, these covers reduce overall glare, which is proven to cause eyestrain and headaches. People working under the protection of fluorescent light filters will notice less burning, straining, tired eyes, and headaches.
Do Fluorescent lights need covers?
Fluorescent light covers not only protect your skin and eyes from UV radiation and glare, they also serve as the only barrier between you and tiny shards of glass if the fluorescent bulb breaks. … The best thing you can do in this case is purchase inexpensive tube guard sleeves to cover your bulb.
What are the different types of ballasts for dimming a fluorescent fixture?
And there are two types of ballasts in each family: magnetic and electronic. Magnetic ballasts are the older ballast technology. For the fluorescent family, both T12 linear fluorescents and two-pin CFLs use magnetic ballasts. For HIDs, some metal halides and HPS lamps use magnetic ballasts.
Do all fluorescent lights help plants grow?
The short answer is: any type of fluorescent light will help any type of plant grow, whether it is cannabis or lettuce or orchids. But it’s not quite so simple. While you can use any type of tube or bulb and see results, you want to provide the kind of light your plants want most. That’s how you get the best results.
Do fluorescent bulbs give off UV for plants?
As it turns out, all fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury vapor, which emits a lot of UV rays when hit with an electric current. Normally that UV is absorbed by a layer of molecules, called phosphors, on the inside of the bulb and reappears as safe white light. But if that phosphor coating cracks, UV light escapes.
What are fluorescent light covers called?
fluorescent light diffuser
Can you put a dimmer switch on a fluorescent light fixture?
A dimmer switch won’t work with the standard ballast in a fluorescent light. You need to install a special dimmer ballast and this won’t work in all fluorescent fixtures. … Before you begin work, check at a hardware store to be certain you can fit dimmer ballasts to your fixtures.
Can fluorescent lights be on a dimmer?
It is possible to use wall dimmers for both fluorescent and CFL bulbs, but each requires a different approach and special hardware. … However, altering fluorescent lighting is not as simple as just changing the switch, such as with incandescent bulbs. A special fixture and compatible dimming control are necessary.
How do you replace the plastic cover on a fluorescent light?
What type of light bulb gives off UV rays?
UVB bulbs
Do fluorescent lights dim over time?
Light levels decrease over time because of aging lightbulbs and dirt on fixtures, bulbs and room surfaces. … Common bulbs, especially incandescent and fluorescent lamps, lose 20 to 30 percent of their light output over their service life.
Can you use regular fluorescent lights to grow plants?
The short answer is: any type of fluorescent light will help any type of plant grow, whether it is cannabis or lettuce or orchids. But it’s not quite so simple. While you can use any type of tube or bulb and see results, you want to provide the kind of light your plants want most. That’s how you get the best results.
How can you tell if the ballast is bad?
– Buzzing. If you hear a strange sound coming from your bulbs or light fixture, like a buzzing or humming noise, that’s often a sign your ballast is going. …
– Dimming or flickering. …
– No lights at all. …
– Changing colors. …
– Swollen casing. …
– Burn marks. …
– Water damage. …
– Leaking oil.
Don’t forget to share this post 
References and Further Readings :
