Variable lighting control in the AutoFlex

Variable lighting control in the AutoFlex

Variable light control can be a complicated subject, as there are endless amounts of different light manufacturers, different bulb types, various methods of dimming, LED lamps with internal drivers versus external drivers. It can all get very confusing, so the focus will be on what we offer to ensure that you are able to source compatible equipment.

 Selecting the right module

For variable control of your variable lights, there are two options available:

VAC-1 Module – This provides us with a Triac to directly control the AC voltage to our load (lights). This method is typically used with bulbs and LED lamps that have internal drivers so there is no option to send a 0-10V DC signal to variably control your lighting. It is important to understand the Phason’s Traic dimming uses what is called “Leading Edge” control, therefore for best performance your lights should be compatible with this kind of dimming.


      Variable AC Module (VAC-1)
      7 A at 120/230 VAC, general-purpose (resistive)
      4.9 FLA at 120/230 VAC, PSC motor
      1/2 HP at 120 VAC, 1 HP at 230 VAC
      800 W at 120 VAC, 1600 W at 230 VAC


Another consideration when choosing the VAC-1 module would be the ratings (above). When the lighting circuit load is greater than the ratings, a slave is required in order to handle the load. For the VAC-1, we offer the VLX-20 as an external slave box.

 

      Variable Load Expansion (VLX-20)
      2300 W at 120 VAC, 4600 W at 230 VAC
      20 A at 120/230 VAC, general-purpose (resistive)
      14 FLA at 120/230 VAC, PSC motor
      1 HP at 120 VAC, 2 HP at 230 VAC, PSC motor

      *The Variable Load Expansion Box must be on the same phase as the master control.

 


 VDC-4 Module – The second choice of module for variably controlling lights would be the Variable DC Module. This module provides four independent 0-10V DC outputs. This type of variable control is becoming more common with LED lighting due to how well it works to send a control signal to an external driver to dim the lighting. It is important to remember that a 0-10V signal does not provide power to the lighting, but rather a diming signal to the driver.

      Variable DC Module (VDC-4)

      0 to 10 VDC, 2K Ω load per output





Additional options to consider - Follow relay for disconnecting lights

RM-4 Module – We highly recommend using an additional relay as a load disconnecting switch that will trigger when the variable lighting output is at 0%. That way you can always guarantee that your lightings will truly be off. Assigning a relay as a follow relay will provide you with this safety feature.

      Relay Module (RM-4)

      15 A at 120/230 VAC, general-purpose (resistive)
      1/2 HP at 120 VAC, 1 HP at 230 VAC


      


Additional options to consider – Follow Lux control mode

IN-4 Module & DOL16 Light Sensor – Another option to consider is using a DOL16 Light Sensor to measure the amount of light (lux) at the sensor’s location. When adding this sensor, you can program your lighting schedule to maintain a target lux value, rather than a schedule based on output %. This is a great option when precision of light levels is a must, or when there is a dynamic amount of ambient lighting that influences the light levels, allowing you to increase or decrease lighting output to hold light levels at your target. The DOL16 offers both 0-100 Lux and 0-1000 Lux.