C-Bus Dimmer Module, 2 Channel, Leading Edge, 250V, 10A

Product Line:
EasyPact CVS circuit breakers

Resolution:
There are no plans for a general release of the EasyPact CVS circuit breaker line in North America.

Issue:
Can new accessories be used on older style contactors

Product Line:
IEC contactors and starters

Environment:
Pre-Tesys Contactors

Cause:
Identifying product compatibility

Resolution:
Yes, all front mount D2 and Tesys series auxiliary modules are backward forward compatible.

- Initially check that the programming is correct.

- If using LED lights, the LED may stay on when the channel is off, this is due to the leakage current being enough to power the LED, use of a 31LCDA may resolve this issue.

- If using Halogen and  the channel will not turn off, there may be damage to the electronics on this channel - Electricians only to perform this check, disconnect the Active's , Neutral and Earth from the unit, remove the cable for the load on that channel then with a multimeter check between the Neutral and that suspect channel output, if you see a low resistance the Triac has shorted.

- Advise not to use this channel and label as faulty, other channels on this dimmer should still be ok to use as per normal, alternatively you could return this unit for a quote on repair, note a repair may not be possible.

Issue:
What light fixture dimming technologies are supported by USA Clipsal C-Bus?

Product Line:
Clipsal C-Bus Automation North America

Environment:
Clipsal C-Bus
Commercial or Residential Installation
United States

Cause:
When specifying C-Bus to control dimming fixures, the Lighting System Designer/Engineer must specify the appropriate dimmers and light fixtures that are compatible with one another.

Resolution:

It is important to match the correct dimmer to the ballast and/or bulb in light dimming applications.  The different dimming technologies are not cross-compatible. 

Forward Phase Angle Dimming
Forward Phase Angle Dimming is the technolgy of C-Bus Pro Dimmer SLC5104RD5, SLC5102TD10 SLC5101TD20 and Phase Angle Dimmers SLC5504TD4A, SLC5504TD4AP, SLC5508TD2A, SLC5508TD2AP.  These types of dimmers are also known as Leading-Edge Dimmer, Standard Phase Dimmer, Triac Dimmer, and MLV Dimmer.   In Forward Phase angle dimming, the sine wave form is shut off for a portion of every half cycle (120 times per secont)  after the AC voltage crosses the zero voltage line.  Resistive loads such as incandescent and tungsten halogen lamps work with this technology.    Low voltage ballasts that use a magnetic transformer (MLV) to create the lamp voltage (6, 12, 24V) as well as neon (cold-cathode) ballast will work with a forward-phase angle dimmer as well.   Some types of fluorescent dimming ballast and LED power supplies may operate with forward phase angle dimmers but it is strongly advised to check with the manufacturers of the ballast and lamp.






Reverse Phase Angle Dimming
Reverse Phase Angle Dimming is also known as Trailing Edge Dimmer or ELV-Type Dimmer.   Like Forward Phase Angle technology, the sine wave is also cycled on/off every half cycle except that the voltage is energized after crossing zero.  This is opposite for Forward Dimming where the voltage is energized before crossing zero.   Reverse phae angle dimmers are often required on dimmable LED and 3-wire CFL fixtures using Electronic Low Voltage (ELV) solid state transformers.  Clipsal C-Bus in the United States does not support Reverse Phase Angle Dimming.




0-10 VDC 
Some Light Fixure Dimmer Drivers require an analog 0-10 VDC control signal from which the fixture will references as a control input to its light fxture dimming circuit.   Clipsal C-Bus devices SLCLE5504TAMP or SLCLE5504HAMP can be used to send 0-10 VDC signals to these types of light fixtures.