Abstract: A circuit to reduce the amount of time for automatic turn-on of a fluorescent lamp as compared with a thermocouple by using a diode bridge, silicon controlled rectifier, a transistor, and a CdS photoelectric device. By using this relatively inexpensive circuit, a fluorescent lamp is automatically turned on within 2-3 seconds after ambient light falls below a predetermined level. In an alternate embodiment, there is no transistor and a Schmitt trigger is used.

Abstract: A lighting system using a 120 volt AC power source and including within a single enclosure a low wattage fluorescent lamp and a low wattage incandescent lamp. The fluorescent lamp provides an efficient light source operating at a low voltage and low wattage, but providing a relatively bright light. The incandescent lamp may be used to provide a more traditional night light having a lower light output than that which is produced by the flourescent lamp. Either the fluorescent lamp or the incandescent lamp is selected by a switch. To obtain the low voltage required by the incandescent lamp, a resistor is placed in parallel with a capacitor to provide a small voltage drop, e.g., from 120 volts to 115 volts. In this configuration, due to the charging and discharging of the capacitor as the current alternates and discharges through the resistance of the incandescent lamp, a relatively low voltage and current pass through the incandescent lamp.

Abstract: A low voltage electronic starter for an L-C Ballast of a fluorescent lamp is provided having a switching circuit having a resistive-capacitive network, a diac and triac, a transformer and a voltage multiplying rectifier.