Half-Light™ Press Release
June 27, 2010
Functional Devices, Inc. is pleased to announce its continued innovation in the lighting industry with the introduction of its new, energy-saving series of Half-Light™ Controllers. Providing independent control for multiple ballast light fixtures from a single existing wall switch, the company's new Two Stage and Three Stage Half-Light™ Controllers can significantly reduce a building's light output, enabling professional lighting users to cost-effectively enjoy the benefits of lighting control with just a simple toggle of their wall-based light switch. Easy to use and install, Half-Light™ Controllers from Functional Devices are fully compatible with the market's range of popular fluorescent and HID lamps and represent a simple and affordable alternative to the industry's costlier and more complicated dimming systems and components.
Ideal for use in general office, schools and industrial settings, public areas such as stairwells and restrooms, and applications involving occupancy sensors, Two Stage and Three Stage Half-Light™ Controllers install directly into the fluorescent or HID ballast channel wherever a dual or multi-ballast lighting configuration is present, offering the following simple, pre-packaged energy saving dimming options.
The Two Stage Half Light™ Controller (HAF2) is designed for a 2-ballast, 4-lamp fixture where each ballast controls two lamps. Within this configuration, an initial toggle "on" of the wall switch activates one ballast only to produce 50% light; by toggling the switch "off" and then "on" again, both ballasts will be activated to deliver full light output.
The Three Stage Half Light™ Controller (HAF3) is designed for a 6-lamp fixture where one ballast controls two lamps and the other ballast controls the remaining four lamps. Within this configuration, an initial toggle "on" of the wall switch activates ballast one only to deliver 33% light; toggling the switch "off" and then "on" again will activate ballast two only to produce 67% light, and by toggling the switch "off" and then "on" again a final time, both ballasts will be activated to deliver full light output.
In both cases, the sequences can be easily restarted by holding the switch in the "off" mode for at least 5 seconds.
Low profile and lightweight, the Half-Light™ Controllers represent a simple and cost-effective alternative to costlier and more complicated dimming systems and components while still helping a building to meet the prestigious Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) certification. The Half-Light™ Controllers always default to the most energy-saving setting available and can reduce the energy consumed by lighting by as much as 67% (in the case of the HAF3 model) while enhancing worker comfort and satisfaction levels by reducing the glare and eyestrain issues often associated with over lit workplace settings.
As revealed in a 2009 study by Purdue University professor Dr. Thanos Tzempelikos M.A.Sc., Ph.D. (full study available in its entirety below), significant energy and cost savings were realized in the commercial setting through use of the Half-Light product.
To learn more about the Half-Light™ and to read the executive summary report, please visit www.half-light.com.
