Minimum load for dimmers?

Discussion in 'C-Bus Wired Hardware' started by curiouser, Apr 20, 2008.

  1. curiouser

    curiouser

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    I tried using a DIN rail dimmer with a dimmable LED (http://creelighting.com/products.htm) and it wasn't behaving correctly until I put the LED in parallel with an incandescent, which suggests that the dimmers might have a minimum load (the LED manufacturer reports that some other brands of dimmers have minimum loads of 25W or even 60W). I couldn't find any mention in the dimmer specs of a minimum load; has anyone run into this problem before?
     
    curiouser, Apr 20, 2008
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  2. curiouser

    JohnC

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    This is a problem that will become more prevalent as more of these low-wattage electronic loads become commonly used.

    I know that the 4 and 8 channel dimmers ofter have a problem with single compact fluorescent loads, and would assume that LEDs will have a similar problem as well.

    The Pro-series dimmers have a minimum load of 100W per channel. Refer page 28 :

    http://www2.clipsal.com/cis/__data/page/2146/Lx510x_C-BusProSeriesDimmers-Installation.pdf

    I found some info on UK websites that the DIN Rail dimmers need 15W per channel. Searched the Ijnstallation instructions on the Clipsal website and there's nothing much there.
     
    JohnC, Apr 22, 2008
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  3. curiouser

    ashleigh Moderator

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    All dimmers have minimum loads. These are usually listed somewhere in the product installation or use guide.

    As far as I can REMEMBER, the DIN dimmers have a minimum load of either 25W or 40W (I can't remember exactly which).

    However, this does vary with load type (min is usually specified as incandescent).

    The use of compact fluoros and LEDs is throwing all kinds of spanners in the dimming works. In some cases you may need to put a 31CAP in parallel with the load.

    DIN LE and DIN Universal dimmers have different characteristics, and you should check each of them separately.

    I've just checked the DIN dimmer data sheets on the web site, there seems to be no specified minimum load there. :(

    For definitive information technical support should be able to help you.
     
    ashleigh, May 4, 2008
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