Dimming Imported Luminaires

[unclestoolie]

I am at a dead end here. Does anyone out there know of a UL listed dimmer that will be compatible with an imported fixture connected to a 240 volt, 60 Hz single phase power supply? The fixture was made to operate on 50 Hz, and all imported dimmers (and non-listed, I might add), are also designed for 50 Hz.

 

[Lxnxjxhx]

A small Variac?

A pulse-width-modulated device, maybe running at 1 kHz, with SCRs or Triacs, that doesn't care about 50 Hz and higher voltage?

Depending on the power level, a rheostat?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I am at a dead end here. Does anyone out there know of a UL listed dimmer that will be compatible with an imported fixture connected to a 240 volt, 60 Hz single phase power supply? The fixture was made to operate on 50 Hz, and all imported dimmers (and non-listed, I might add), are also designed for 50 Hz.

You might want to read this if it is a dwelling.

210.6 Branch-Circuit Voltage Limitations.
The nominal voltage of branch circuits shall not exceed the values permitted by 210.6(A) through (E).
(A) Occupancy Limitation. In dwelling units and guest rooms or guest suites of hotels, motels, and similar occupancies, the voltage shall not exceed 120 volts, nominal, between conductors that supply the terminals of the following:
(1) Luminaires
(2) Cord-and-plug-connected loads 1440 volt-amperes, nominal, or less or less than ? hp

 

[unclestoolie]

Dennis,

But just a few paragraphs later, 210.6 (C)(4) also applies, as this fixture does not have screw-shell lampholders, adn the holders and lamps are labeled at 250V. Do you think that 210.6 (A)(1) supercedes this?

Todd

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Dennis,

But just a few paragraphs later, 210.6 (C)(4) also applies, as this fixture does not have screw-shell lampholders, adn the holders and lamps are labeled at 250V. Do you think that 210.6 (A)(1) supercedes this?

Todd

I don't think so because (A) is a limitation to dwellings and it says luminaires. (C) is referring to 277 volts to ground.

 

[winnie]

No problem, you just need to get the bulbs with the little step-up transformers inside the glass, and then use a transformer rated dimmer

-Jon

 

[Palmbay]

I have a fixture my customer puchased in Greece.

I found 120V light bulbs to install in place of the 230v lamps.

Make sure the wires are doing what they should in the fixture and hook it up to whatever dimmer you like to install.

Does the fixture have a UL listing?