In back to the follow spot question, were I doing it in modifying equipment, I would consider adding a switch to the fan. While the fan is low enough wattage to not necessitate one because it's not much of a hot patch, I still would consider a switch for the fan because using a plug for a switch in general is bad Karma. But on it's down side, it also adds to the amount of modification to the gear and back to if the spot is called out, it needs to go out concept.
The effects of a dimmer even at FF or non-dim on a ballalst in providing power to it is subject to specific details of the situation. In general it should be avoided. What about the voltage drop the dimmer even in full induces due to chokes etc, what about the effects of other dimmers or phase harmonics problems from the dimmer on the ballast? For the same reason it's not recommended that you run power tools off a dimmer, you should not run ballasts.
Given this, will it work? Probably flawlessly and often it's done I'm sure on other things such as arc source black light lamps so as to turn them off and on, or even compact fluorescents and solenoids for a kabuki drop system. Goal is not to do so rather than finding it as a primary option.
The effects of a dimmer even at FF or non-dim on a ballalst in providing power to it is subject to specific details of the situation. In general it should be avoided. What about the voltage drop the dimmer even in full induces due to chokes etc, what about the effects of other dimmers or phase harmonics problems from the dimmer on the ballast? For the same reason it's not recommended that you run power tools off a dimmer, you should not run ballasts.
Given this, will it work? Probably flawlessly and often it's done I'm sure on other things such as arc source black light lamps so as to turn them off and on, or even compact fluorescents and solenoids for a kabuki drop system. Goal is not to do so rather than finding it as a primary option.