SYSTEMS, APPARATUS, AND METHODS FOR CONVERTING A BI-LEVEL LIGHTING SYSTEM TO A DIMMABLE LIGHTING SYSTEM

摘要

A dimmable lighting system may replace a bi-level lighting system without having to modify or supplement the existing wiring between a bi-level control unit and one or more light fixtures. The dimmable lighting system may include a dimming controller that may be configured to replace a bi-level control unit in situ (i.e., e.g., in a wall-mounted dual-gang switch box). The dimmable lighting system may also include a dimming driver that may be coupled to the dimming controller via the existing wiring of the bi-level lighting system. The dimming controller may output to the dimming driver a 0-10 volt DC dimming signal referenced to an AC utility voltage. In response, a dimmable lighting device coupled to the dimming driver may output light over a wide range of dimming light levels. Methods of replacing a bi-level lighting system with a dimmable lighting system are also provided, as are other aspects.

主权项

1. A dimming controller, comprising:
a voltage input connectable to a Class 1 power conductor configured to provide an AC voltage; a ground input connectable to a ground conductor or a neutral conductor; a first output connectable to a first Class 1 conductor; a second output connectable to a second Class 1 conductor; a switching device coupled between the voltage input and the second output; and a dimming signal generator having a voltage reference coupled to the second output and having a dimming signal output coupled to the first output, the dimming signal generator operative to provide a dimming signal indicative of a dimming light level at the dimming signal output, the dimming signal referenced to an AC voltage received at the voltage input.