Can you use a dimmer switch with a MVB?
MVB and Dimmer switches
- Thread starter Zamric
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No!
Not sure the reason, but they constantly cut out.
Not sure the reason, but they constantly cut out.
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2009
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- 3,617
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- The Catskill Mountains of New York State
No, dimmer switches will not work Mercury Vapor or fluorescents lamps (bulbs). A ballast is required to produce light in those type of bulbs. MVB have them built into the base of the lamp, fluorescents are seperate, mounted within the light fixture.
A ballast produces a magnetic field that excites the gases in the lamp to make it glow. In order for that ballast to produce enough magnetic energy it must receive full power at all times. That's a pretty simple explanation of how it works. A dimmer reduces current flow and will only work with non-ballasted lighting such as regular incandescents.
A ballast produces a magnetic field that excites the gases in the lamp to make it glow. In order for that ballast to produce enough magnetic energy it must receive full power at all times. That's a pretty simple explanation of how it works. A dimmer reduces current flow and will only work with non-ballasted lighting such as regular incandescents.
Thank you.
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