Abstract: A ballast system for, and a method of, controlling illumination of a lamp, include a dimmer switch having an actuator settable at different settings corresponding to different output voltages across the dimmer switch, a dimming electronic ballast operatively connected to an electrical power source and to the dimmer switch for dimming the lamp upon setting of the actuator, and a shutdown circuit, preferably provided in the ballast, for measuring the output voltages across the dimmer switch, and for automatically powering the ballast off and, in turn, for turning the lamp off when one of the voltages measured by the shutdown circuit does not exceed a reference voltage that corresponds to one of the settings of the actuator.

Abstract: An adapter for a T12 fluorescent light fixture that is used to convert the fixture into a T5 or T8 fixture. The adapter includes a male input for receiving power supplied by the T12 ballast. The adapter has circuitry that adjusts the power supplied by the T12 ballast to parameters usable by a T5 or T8 fluorescent lamp. Also, the adapter includes a female output for outputting the usable power from the circuitry. The usable power drives the T5 or T8 fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: A power converter is added to a fluorescent light to inexpensively convert fluorescent lighting to LED lighting utilizing existing ballast technology. This will encourage and facilitate conversion to more efficient lighting and the result will be energy savings. The conversion is relatively inexpensive and easy to do vs. fixture replacement. Two factors, which will encourage conversion to more efficient lighting are cost of conversion and time of conversion. The power converter will make it economically viable to convert to LED lighting.

Abstract: A lighting system is disclosed in which an Ethernet computer network is used to provide power to one or more light sources that are connected directly to the Ethernet. The light sources may include LEDs, fluorescent lamps, HID lamps, and/or exit signs. The exit signs may incorporate cameras. By providing power to the light sources via the Ethernet, a separate connection to a power supply for the light is not necessary.