Dimmable Fluorescent Lighting And Home Automation

By John Main

One of the first things you will want to do using home automation is to dim all your controlled lights to preset levels to set the so called scene. One problem is that you can't dim a fluorescent light fixture.

The main reason is that dimmable home automation modules work by sending signals through the bulb and in a fluorescent light there is a ballast resistor that prevents this also the fluorescent light is actually similar to a controlled lightning arc i.e. very high voltage and it will fry any digital (low voltage) electronics attached to it.

Some background on fluorescent lights
A fluorescent tube works by heating liquid mercury until it becomes a vapour and ionizing a gas (usually argon). The ballast device produces extremely high voltage to kick start the ionization process (and once started the voltage falls back to a low level).

Note: This is why the tube flickers on start up - the automatic switch within the tube electronics detects if current flows and re-tries the start process until it does.

Once started the tube settles at its own current level limited by the ballast device. This current level depends on the design of the ballast device and the AC current frequency 120Hz and the specifics of the tube - all these are fixed.

Since the tube contains mercury never break open a fluorescent lighting tube – mercury is poisonous (but there is only a very small amount inside).

One of the reasons the fluorescent tube is so popular is that it is extremely efficient since once the arc is created inside the tube (and it generates ultraviolet light) the white coating on the inside fluoresces due to the ultraviolet and radiates visible light. This process generates no heat so most of the electric energy is converted to light.

In comparison a normal light bulb (incandescent light) is designed to operate by burning a metal in an inert gas and this generates lots of heat as well as a little light.

Note: A fluorescent light is about 5 times as efficient as a normal bulb (this is also why you can buy a 15W flourescent that outputs the same light as a normal 60 watt bulb.

Dimmable fluorescent light
Because of the way the fluorescent lights work you can not dim them but you can use an appliance module to turn them on and off. An appliance module has a relay inside that switches the power to the fluorescent bulb independently from the home automation electronics so that the sensitive electronic circuit is protected.

There's more information about X10 and dimmable fluorescent lights on the website.
John Main's website http://www.easy-home-automation.com shows you how easy it is to control electronic devices within your home by using affordable home automation modules.

Outdoor Flood Lights - Set the Stage with Home Exterior Lighting for Security and Landscape

By J.C. Taylor

Outdoor flood lights have become very popular for home use. Here are the top 5 places to use outdoor flood lighting for adding to both the beauty and security of your home.

Landscape area beside a walkway or sidewalk. Some of the most beautiful plants and flowers are placed in this area, so why not use outdoor flood lighting to highlight them at night as well? This also is a great place for outdoor flood lights to make the path visible at night.

By a tree in your yard. Use outdoor flood lighting to accent a tree in your yard and make it more visible at nighttime. Trees take on a whole new character at night when a light is placed near them. If the tree is located in an area that is away from your house, the outdoor flood lighting will also help to make that entire area of your yard more visible.

Near a fountain or pond. If you have one of these structures in your landscaping, adding outdoor flood lights to it can make it just as beautiful at night as it is during the day. When light is added near water, especially moving water, the light becomes reflective which actually spreads it around even more.

In landscaping at the entrance of your driveway. Outdoor flood lights are a great way to highlight the landscaping at your driveway entrance as well as make your driveway visible. If your mail box post is in your entrance landscaping, having outdoor flood lighting makes your address visible at night as well.

Dark places around your house. It might be a dark corner, or a closed in area around your house. Whatever the area is, adding outdoor flood lighting will bring light to the area and make it less shady. To learn more about how outdoor flood lights can add security to your home, visit this website: http://www.home-lighting-depot.com/outdoor_flood_lights.html.

Click on the link to learn more about outdoor flood lights. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They can be used in just about any outdoor space and can be purchased online. Click on the link to get all the facts and info about outdoor lighting at http://www.home-lighting-depot.com

Lighting, the Affordable Decorating Alternative

By Vicki Duong

If you're thinking about redecorating your place but are on a somewhat tight budget, consider flirting with the idea of playing with lighting. Affordable and versatile, lighting is a key element in living; without it we wouldn't be able to see where we're going! On a serious note, as much of a necessity as lighting is to everyday living, lighting can also be used as a decorating accent.

Take for instance, outdoor lighting. Usually porch lights and lamp posts are what people first think of when it comes to this sort of lighting and overlook the decorative possibilities. Landscape lighting such as ground level cannister lights and mini ground torch lanterns are a subtle way to enhance the appearance of your front or back yard. Classier looking than your average glow-in-the-dark lawn gnome, these outdoor lights create a lit pathway and don't disrupt the look of your home during daylight hours.

Planning to recreate a fresh look inside your home? Wall lamps, picture lights and other assortment of wall mounted lighting are perfect for accenting rooms and highlighting family portraits and artwork. A personal favorite of mine are the adjustable cannister-styled spot lights; small in size and easy to install, these lights are bright enough to show off my photography collection and most even come with a dimmer switch - perfect for mood lighting.

Speaking of mood lighting, table and floor lamps make for excellent background lighting. Traditional styled table lamps that feature silk shades and gold leafing accents evoke a romantic ambience, while contemporary styled floor lamps that feature a floor length glass diffuser transform any cocktail party a socialite setting. Now that you're ready to use lighting to your decorative advantage, remember that you should always consider energy cost, wattage, whether it's easy to install, and of course, the mood you wish to evoke.

Start redecorating your home with pendant lighting, lamps and wall sconce, available from Eco-Lights.com.