CONTROL MODULE FOR LIGHT FIXTURES AND METHOD

摘要

A control module (93) for a light fixture (10) having a construction that enables the fixture to be used for standard on/off operation under control of a wall -mounted switch in a circuit by itself and/or with other fixtures and to be upgraded in "plug and play" fashion to operate independently of other fixtures in the same circuit and/or for stepped dimming. The control module also allows for safety and ease of maintenance in that ballasts (34) can be replaced quickly and conveniently without exposing an electrician or maintenance worker to the internal wires of the fixture. The construction of the control module and the mounting of the control module to the fixture also provide temperature management by isolating the temperature - sensitive components of the fixture from high temperatures while placing the lamps (20) of the fixture in an enclosure, or shroud (12), in which temperature is contained so that the lamps operate efficiently. Ln the event the passive thermal management provided by the construction of the fixture is not enough to maximize the operating efficiency of the fixture and/or the service life of its components, the fixture is upgradeable in plug and play fashion to provide active thermal management.