Method and apparatus for phase-controlling a load

A method performed by a load control device for controlling an amount of power provided to a load, the load control device electrically coupled between an alternating-circuit (AC) power source and the load, the method comprising:

• receiving, via an actuator or a communication circuit, a command to turn on;
• providing a phase control signal using a reverse phase control technique to the electrical load in response to the command to turn on;
• subsequent to using the reverse phase control technique, using a center phase control technique to the electrical load;
• and
• subsequent to using the center phase control technique, using a forward phase control technique to the electrical load.

A load control device configured to control an amount of power provided to an electrical load from an alternating-circuit (AC) power source, the electrical load having an on state and an off state, the load control device comprising:

• a bidirectional semiconductor switch configured to be coupled between the electrical load and the AC power source;
• and
• a processor operatively coupled to the bidirectional semiconductor switch and configured to control the bidirectional semiconductor switch using a phase control dimming technique to adjust the amount of power provided to the electrical load;
• wherein when the electrical load is in an off state, the processor is configured to:
• receive, via an actuator or a communication circuit, a command to turn on;
• in response to the command to turn on, use a reverse phase control dimming technique for a predetermined period of time to control the electrical load to be in the on state and to charge a bus capacitor;
• and
• after the predetermined period of time,
• subsequently use a forward phase control dimming technique to continue to maintain the electrical load in the on state.