Inboard/Outboard Control Of Light Fixtures

[shamsdebout]

I have never done this before, could someone explain the science behind this?

 

[ItsHot]

no science

no science

No science at all. 2 switches control separate lamps in a fixture. I t is real common in office and class areas.

 

[shamsdebout]

Thanks for the response, I am assuming you will need to have more than 1 ballast when doing this?

 

[emahler]

Good assumption

 

[iMuse97]

Or, "NEVER assume!" quoting any long-time service electrician. Still, good call.

 

[steve66]

Yes, in general you need dual ballasts in each fixtures.

But at least one manufacturer makes T5 fixtures with ballasts that have two switch inputs. One input on is half on, and the other is full on.

 

[LarryFine]

I have never done this before, could someone explain the science behind this?

How about the electrics:

Instead of 2-conductor whips, you use 3-conductor whips. Both ballast whites join the whip whites; the inboard-tubes' ballast blacks land on the whip blacks, and the outboard-tubes' ballast blacks lands on the whip reds.

One switch switches the black whip wires, and the other switch switches the red whip wires. This is like split-wiring receptacles, except for using only one switch. Note: your colors may vary.

 

[short circuit faulted]

Inboard Outboard - Step Dimming

Inboard Outboard - Step Dimming

Historically inboard/outboard switching used to control light levels and to provide energy savings. Schools, Office Spaces, TELCO equipment buildings.

I recently ran across "Step" Dimming ballasts - much cheaper than traditional flourescent dimming ballasts, without the associated headaches of matching dimming ballast to dimmer. Uses 2-gang switch bank and allows 0 / 33 / 66 / 100 percent light levels


Have a great day all!

 

[shamsdebout]

Thanks alot, especially to the last 2 posters, that was the explanation I was looking for.