Multiple dimmable LED ceiling lights on same dimmer switch

[lanceburns]

Hi, I have a studio requiring 18 LED dimmable ceiling panels (6W each).
We want to be able to control all of them by the same dimmer switch.
My questions are:
1. Do we need 18 connection blocks ( 1 at each light ) i.e. to enable parallel supply.
2. I was told I need 4 buy core cable or they will not be dimmable. Can someone explain why?
3. Any advice on the dimmer range required... assume max of 6x18=108W
and not sure about min ( 10% of maximum appears to be bandied about )
So dimmer should be able to cope with range of 10-108W ?
Does that sound correct.
All suggestions and advice gratefully received.
Thanks
Lance

 

[JohnW2]

Hi, I have a studio requiring 18 LED dimmable ceiling panels (6W each).

That sounds like an awful lot of light - is this a very large studio?

Kind Regards, John

 

[lanceburns]

Hi John,

It is 6m by 6m. It will be a yoga studio. I reasoned that if it is too bright we can use the dimmer to tone it down.

Thanks

LAnce

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

1. Do we need 18 connection blocks ( 1 at each light ) i.e. to enable parallel supply.

Yes and they need to be in enclosures.

2. I was told I need 4 buy core cable or they will not be dimmable. Can someone explain why?

You only need 3 core (L,N,E)

3. Any advice on the dimmer range required... assume max of 6x18=108W
and not sure about min ( 10% of maximum appears to be bandied about )
So dimmer should be able to cope with range of 10-108W ?

Above your maximum demand, the dimmer switches are rated in general at 250W, 400W, 600W and 1000W, so you have plenty of scope above the 10%, I would factor in.

Does that sound correct.

Sounds reasonable.
The LED lamps need to be dimable also. Are these 240V and not 12V lamps you intend to use? if 12V you will also need a dimable LED driver or two.

All suggestions and advice gratefully received.

And gratefully given.

 

[JohnW2]

Hi John, It is 6m by 6m. It will be a yoga studio. I reasoned that if it is too bright we can use the dimmer to tone it down.

That's certainly not small - and, as you say, you can always dim it if you have to. I only asked because you're probably talking about the equivalent of around 1000W of traditional (incandescent) lighting - which is a pretty large amount!

Kind Regards, John

 

[deadshort]

All that information given, without the technical spec for the fittings ? Amazing !

Regards,

DS

 

[lanceburns]

Thanks Londonderry...

Input voltage is AC 85-265

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131098138627

For full spec. Mine is the 6V model.

Thanks

 

[riveralt]

This link gives you an indication of one type of dimmer that will meet your needs:
http://www.varilight.co.uk/leaflets/V-Com Push Dimmer Instructions 423.pdf

However, if this is a commercial operation, you may want to get someone in with specialist lighting knowledge, since you haven't mentioned the room height for example or what natural light is available.

Furthermore if you are asking us how to wire such an arrangement then perhaps you also need the services of an electrician.

 

[lanceburns]

Agreed. Electrician will be employed to install. But I need to understand how it will be installed e.t.c as it needs to be done perfectly first time. So I want to be able to have a meaningful discussion with the electrician.

The ceiling height is 8 feet.
The entire front of the studio will be glass.

Need to be able to light the studio very well at night.

Thanks

Lance

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

All that information given, without the technical spec for the fittings ? Amazing !
DS

What additional spec was required?
Dimmer switch rating for
6W led 18 number.

 

[riveralt]

Agreed. Electrician will be employed to install. But I need to understand how it will be installed e.t.c as it needs to be done perfectly first time. So I want to be able to have a meaningful discussion with the electrician.

I personally wouldn't put all the led lights on one dimmer - since if the dimmer goes you don't have any lights - plus you can set different areas of the room to different 'moods'.

There are several ways to wire the lights - one option would to use a star formation from a junction box to say 3, 4 or 5 lights then link the first junction to the second etc.

Depending on the terminal size of the driver and the manufacturers instructions you could 'daisy chain' each light like you appear to be suggesting. No doubt 'daisy chain' will evoke the usual reaction.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Or have an option of secondary lighting.

 

[lanceburns]

Thanks riveralt

There will be lamps available for backup.
I like the "star" formation idea. We will have 3 rows of 6 lights so perhaps a junction for each row would be efficient.
So I don't need 4 core cable as was said to be absolutely necessary by helpline... said would not dim otherwise? Do dimmers need an extra cable then?

Thanks

Lance

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

You don't need 4 core cable! You can put it in if you want, but no need for it.
What was the helpline?

 

[riveralt]

You don't need three core and earth unless you intend to have an additional switch to control these lights.
If you do then three core and earth links the switches not the lights.
But if you do link the switches and they are both dimmers then you will need a master slave arrangement - not sure all dimmers allow that facility.

You should also be aware that most drivers have a limit on the distance between the switch live source and the driver itself - sometimes less than a metre.

You do know that these items are coming from China and they may incur customs charges.