In this paper, we have proposed a new dimmable magnetic ballast for HID(High Intensity Discharge) lamps consisted of AC switches to variate inductance value by using Silicon Controlled Rectifiers and the isolated zero current detector on inductor. Conventional dimming ballast has used relays or Solid State Relays in AC switches. However, a relay is difficult to zero current switching, because it has long operating time(10[ms]), and price competitiveness of SSR is very low. The proposed AC switches are suitable to switch at zero inductor current and it is accurately detected by using a opto-coupler. SCR is cheaper than SSR, and it is suitable to switch at zero inductor current because SCR is automatically turned off under holding current at no gate signal. Operating principles, simulation results and experimental results of the proposed ballast are described.