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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 141
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Why is it that the installation instructions for fluorescent light fixtures say not to control the light with a photocell switch?
Cliff
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 8,443 Likes: 3
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Cliff, I can't see anything wrong with controlling fluorescent lighting with a photocell. But, I would be careful with selecting the photocell, to make sure that the contacts in the cell can safely make and break the Inductive currents that fluorescent lights generate.
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 141
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Trunpy,
AHA! Now I understand...
Thanks.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Cliff
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 886
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I believe that there are photo controls out there that do not use a relay but rather a triac in the same way a dimmer does. They only go full on and full off however the waveform can be distorted like that of a dimmer and this is not suitable for fluorescent ballasts.
I think that the ballast manufacturer is just being cautious. Make sure that your photocontrol uses relay contacts and you will be OK.
-Hal
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,143
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I 2nd Hal's opinion. I've seen several of the photo units that "flicker" an incandescent in the twilight hours. I can only imagine the havoc that would cause with some of the cheaper imported fixtures...
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 840
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I had an $8 photocell go bad that was controlling some fluorescent lights. I hacksawed the thing open, and sure enough it was the relay type.
For some reason, the neutral connection had vaporized, and that's why it went bad.
Peter
Peter
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 8,443 Likes: 3
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Personally I'd switch any decent sized Fluorescent installation through a Contactor by cascading the control switch or relay contact with the Contactor coil. Sure, more expense, but less worries!.
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Posts: 61
Joined: August 2007
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