ETC DEBC-1 User Manual

ETC Installation Guide

DMX Emergency Bypass Controller

Overview

The DMX Emergency Bypass Controller (DEBC) allows
DMX512-controlled fixtures, such as LEDs, to operate as
normal/emergency fixtures by bypassing a single universe of
DMX512 directly to the connected fixtures. This unit is
designed to override the control signals on designated
emergency lighting fixtures that are separately energized
upon loss of utility power.

The bypass is triggered through the onboard contact closure
input, such as in the event of a power outage. The contact
closure may be normally open or normally closed, and is
supplied by an external device. For example, to turn lights on
during a power loss, utilize the ETC Emergency Bypass
Detection Kit (EBDK) or other suitable power sensing device.
The DEBC may also operate as part of a closed-loop fire alarm
system.

The DEBC requires that the electrical supply to the lighting fixtures is a normal/emergency source fed by an
upstream transfer switch or other emergency power system. Upon loss of utility power or other event when
egress lighting is needed, a dry contact closure or +12VDC input forces the DMX data link that is feeding
connected fixtures into a bypass state. The bypass state can be defined as “All DMX channels to full” or a
designated emergency setting of each DMX channel to a selected level.

DEBC Types

There are two types of DMX Emergency Bypass Controllers available:

• Single-output DEBC (DEBC-1): Single DMX input, single DMX output

• Six-output DEBC (DEBC-6): Single DMX input, six DMX outputs

Important Safeguards

When using electrical equipment, basic safety precautions should
always be followed including the following:

–READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
–Do not use this equipment for other than its intended use.
–SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
–All servicing should be performed by qualified personnel only.

Product Specification

• UL924 listed for use in emergency lighting systems

• Compatible with PLASA DMX512 protocol

• Compatible with 100–277VAC/50–60Hz emergency power (hot, neutral, and ground)

• Panic input can accommodate a maintained normally open (NO) dry contact, normally closed (NC) dry
contact, or +12VDC signal

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London, UK
Rome, IT
Holzkirchen, DE
Hong Kong
Web: etcconnect.com
Product information and specifications subject to change. ETC intends this document to be provided in its entirety.
7180M2190



Tel [phone]  Service: (UK) [e-mail]



Tel [phone]  Service: (UK) [e-mail]



Tel [phone]  Service: (DE) [e-mail]



Tel [phone]  Service: (Asia) [e-mail]



© 2017 Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.



Rev B  Released 2017-05

ETC Installation Guide

Remove these

screws to remove

cover

Remove these
screws to remove
cover

DMX Emergency Bypass Controller

Installation

Install the DEBC enclosure on a suitable surface, within 1,640 ft (500 m) of the Emergency Bypass
Detection Kit (EBDK) or other suitable power sensing or triggering device providing a contact closure
output.

Required Installation Tools and Supplies

• Small 3 mm or 1/8” flat-blade screwdriver (jeweler’s screwdriver) for wire terminations

• #2 Phillips screwdriver for the front cover

• Four mounting bolts or screws suitable to hold up to 6 lb (2.7 kg)

Install the DEBC

1: Remove the front cover from the DMX Emergency Bypass Controller, revealing access to the

mounting keyholes.
a: Remove the six screws securing the front cover to the unit.
b: Lift the cover from the unit.

2: Use the measurements provided in the image that follows for mounting bolt locations.
3: Secure the DEBC enclosure to the wall using four bolts (mounting hardware not provided).

DMX Emergency Bypass Controller Installation Guide Page 2 of 8 ETC

ETC Installation Guide

1 in

(25.4 mm)

6.5 in

(165 mm)

2.5 in

(63 mm)

10 in

(254 mm)

11 in

(280 mm)

9 in

(229 mm)

Secure with a

screw in either

bottom slot

DMX Emergency Bypass Controller

4: To further secure the box to the wall, use a single screw (also not provided) in either bottom slot (see

image below).

Note:

Install the DEBC enclosure on a suitable surface, within 1,640 ft (500 m) of the
Emergency Bypass Detection Kit (EBDK) or suitable triggering device.

Route Conduit and Wiring

Four conduit knockouts are provided on each side of the enclosure for installation convenience. Emergency
or normal/emergency AC power will utilize the two topmost knockouts while the remaining knockouts
near the bottom of each side will accommodate the Class 2 wiring (DMX and panic input wire).

Termination type Specified wire type

AC input (emergency or normal/emergency)
2 wires (hot, neutral)

Ground

Panic input

DMX in/out

Note:

Power and control wires must be run in separate conduits. Follow all local code
restrictions.

24–10AWG / .2mm

Ground lug accepts 14–2AWG / 2.5mm

30–12AWG / .05mm

Belden 9729 (or approved equivalent for DMX, such as
CAT5 or CAT5E with insulation displacement
connectors)

2

–4mm

2

–2.5mm

2

2

–35mm

2

2

DMX Emergency Bypass Controller Installation Guide Page 3 of 8 ETC