Hybrid Dimming Controller With Multi-Class Outputs

Abstract

A hybrid dimming controller for a lighting control system providing isolated class 1 and class 2 dimming outputs. The controller has two NEC class 1 outputs for providing independent low-voltage dimming-control signals for two lighting loads and two NEC class 2 outputs for providing the same two independent dimming control-signals for the lighting loads. Thus, the controller has both a class 1 and a class 2 outputs for delivering the same dimming-control signal for each of the two lighting loads while maintaining within the controller the isolation that is required between class 1 and class 2 circuits.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A dimming controller for a lighting load comprising:
 a class  1  power conditioner operable to provide a class  1  dimmer signal to one or more class  1  outputs;   a class  2  power conditioner isolated from the class  1  power conditioner, the class  2  power conditioner operable to provide a class  2  dimmer signal to one or more class  2  outputs.   
     
     
         2 . The dimming controller of  claim 1  where at least one of the one or more class  2  outputs comprises:
 a low voltage connector operably connected to the class  2  power conditioner to provide the class  2  dimmer signal. 
 
     
     
         3 . The dimming controller of  claim 1  where at least one of the one or more class  2  outputs comprises:
 one or more output wires operable to provide the class  2  dimmer signal. 
 
     
     
         4 . The dimming controller of  claim 1  further comprising:
 an isolated 24v power conditioner. 
 
     
     
         5 . The dimming controller of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a class  1  relay for controlling power to the lighting load. 
 
     
     
         6 . The dimming controller of  claim 1  further comprising:
 one or more network connectors for connecting lighting sensors and controls to the dimming controller. 
 
     
     
         7 . The dimming controller of  claim 3  further comprising:
 a class  1  relay operably connected to the class  1  power conditioner; and 
 a switch for manually controlling the class  1  relay.