Dimming and energy-saving circuit for AC-driven lamps

摘要

A dimming and energy-saving circuit for AC-driven lamps has at least two operational states. The lamp is joined through a mains switch selectively to the mains directly or via a series condenser. One or more auxiliary switches are available which selectively switch the condenser(s) into the lamp circuit and series protective resistances in series with the condensers. Especially with gas discharge lamps, the switching sequence of the mains and auxiliary switches is designed so that the first switching-on always takes place with a high power stage. The switches have mountings which enable the replacement of the condensers with others of different capacitance.