TOGGLE BRIGHTENING CIRCUIT FOR POWERING GAS DISCHARGE LAMPS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING GAS DISCHARGE LAMPS

摘要

A circuit (100) for powering fluorescent lamps (102, 104 and 106) includes a switch (50) having "open" and "closed" positions. When power is initially applied to the circuit, the lamps are powered at full power to enable them to "strike". After a short period, the power is reduced to the lamp. A control circuit (300) thereafter senses if the switch has been "toggled". If toggled, the power to the lamps is increased, and the lamps brighten. The circuit uses a conventional two-position switch and conventional wiring and avoids the need for additional switches and additional wiring.