Lutron Electronics Nova NF-10, NovaNF-20, Nova NF-30, Nova NF-10-277, Nova NF-20-277 Installation Instructions Manual

Fluorescent Dimmers

Installation Instructions

Please Leave for Occupant

Package Contents and Part Identification

Control
Shaft

Slider

Control

Faceplate

Mounting

Screws

5 Wire

Connectors

Screwdriver

Important Notes
Please Read Before Installation

Switchbox and Location: A single-gang switchbox (3"

high x 2" wide x 2
dimmers. These dimmers are designed to operate in
ambient temperatures from 0
Allow a minimum space of 4
dimmer for proper heat dissipation.

Short Circuit Check: Check new installation for short
circuits prior to installing dimmer. With POWER OFF,
connect incoming neutral to the white wire, and the hot
wire to both ballast input wires (black wire with brown wire
or yellow/blue wire or orange wire, depending on ballast
used). Turn power ON. If lights do not work, or breaker
trips, a short is present. Correct the wiring and check
circuit again. Install dimmer only when short is no longer
present. This check should be done by a qualified
electrician.

Sockets: Use only with rapid start lamp sockets. Lamp
disconnect sockets may be required for use with certain
manufacturer's ballasts. This is in order to meet U.L. and
NEC regulations and maintains personal safety standards.
Lutron does not require lamp disconnect sockets with their
ballasts. Refer to the manufacturer's ballast label for this
information.

Lamps: Use only rapid start fluorescent lamps. Energy
Saver Lamps may NOT be used with this dimmer.

magnetic ballasts only,

lamps in the same circuit. NOTE: For proper dimming
performance lamps must be operated at full intensity for
100 hours prior to dimming.

Ballasts: Use ONLY dimming ballasts listed on chart in
step 2 of Pre-Installation.
not mix 1 and 2 lamp ballasts in any one dimmer circuit. Do
not mix ballasts manufactured by more than one company.
Using single lamp ballasts will produce the most consistent
low end dimming level.

Multi-phased Applications (120/208-3 Phase): In multi­phased applications use a separate neutral for each phase
containing a dimmer. Contact the

Assistance Hotline

"Common Neutral Interaction".

1

/2" deep) will service all individual Nova

o

C (32oF) to 40oC (104oF).

1

/2" above and below the

With

do not mix different wattage

With magnetic ballasts only,

Lutron Technical

toll-free for Application Note #17,

do

NF-10, NF-20, NF-30

120VAC, 60Hz

NF-10-277, NF-20-277 277VAC, 60Hz

Pre-Installation

1. Determine the number of dimmers to be ganged in the

same wallbox. If installing a single dimmer in a switchbox,
continue to the "Single Unit Installation" section on page 3.

2. If more than one dimmer is being ganged in the same

wallbox, side sections can be removed to fit in existing
switchboxes. When controlling magnetic ballasts, breaking
side sections off the dimmer will reduce the maximum
number of lamps per dimmer. Use the following charts to
determine the maximum number of lamps per dimmer.

Figure A: Derating Ballast Chart

120V Applications

Magnetic
Ballasts

Controls
Ballasts

Universal

550LTCP†12 24 36 9 22 34 6 19 31
502ATCP†* 12 24 36 9 20 32 4 18 28

Advance

DIM 140H 10 20 30 7 18 27 4 15 25
DIM 240H* 10 20 30 6 18 26 4 14 24

Valmont

8G5001W 12 24 36 9 22 34 6 19 31
8G5007W* 12 24 36 9 20 32 4 18 28

†

can be used with 30W lamps

* 2 lamp ballast

Electronic
Ballasts

Lutron

Hi-lume 16 Amps
Eco-10

** Only NF-10 may be used with Lutron Ballasts. Total Amps are determined by
adding all ballast line currents as indicated on ballast label.

Magnetic
Ballasts

Controls
Ballasts

Magnetek
Universal

679LTCP 12 24 11 21 10 20
678LTCP 12 24 10 20 10 20

Electronic
Ballasts

Lutron

Hi-lume 8 Amps
Eco-10

** Only NF-10-277 may be used with Lutron Ballasts. Total Amps are determined by
adding all ballast line currents as indicated on ballast label.

Number of Side Sections Removed

None One Two

NF-10 NF-20 NF-30 NF-10 NF-20 NF-30 NF-10 NF-20 NF-30

Units listed are maximum number of

NF-10**

NF-10 controls when used with
Lutron electronic dimming
ballasts do not require derating
when side sections are removed.

LAMPS

per control

277V Applications

Number of Side Sections Removed

None One Two

NF-10-277 NF-20-277 NF-10-277 NF-20-277 NF-10-277 NF-20-277

Units listed are maximum number of

NF-10-277**

NF-10-277 controls when used
with Lutron electronic dimming
ballasts do not require derating
when side sections are removed.

LAMPS

per control

These products are covered under one or more of the following U.S. patents:
4,663,570; 4,894,587; 5,001,386; 5,041,763; 5,055,742; 5,173,643; 5,224,029 and
corresponding foreign patents. U.S. and foreign patents pending. Lutron, Hi-lume,
and Nova are registered trademarks and Eco-10 is a trademark of Lutron Electronics
Co., Inc.
1997 Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.

1

Multi-gang Installation

In multi-gang installations several dimmers or controls are
grouped horizontally in one ganged switchbox or in a
series of interconnected switchboxes. Multi-gang
faceplates are available to simplify and improve the
appearance of these installations. A multi-gang mounting
frame is provided with each standard multi-gang faceplate
to ensure proper alignment of dimmers, easy application of
the faceplate, and a flat surface for the installation. This
frame is most easily mounted on the wall before dimmer
wires are connected. Refer to multi-gang instruction sheet
supplied with multigang faceplate.

No Side Sections Removed
(No Derating Required)

Installation of dimmers without removing side sections
allows operation at full capacity (i.e., no derating is
required). Follow instructions below. For retrofit
installations, side sections can be removed to fit existing
switchboxes. See Multi-gang Installation, "Side Sections
Removed" at right.

1. Assure safe operation by using Ballast Chart (Figure

A) to determine maximum number of lamps safely used
with specific ballast. Note: Use ONLY dimming ballasts
listed on chart. Do not use any other ballasts.

2. Determine the number of switchboxes necessary by

using Switchbox Requirement Chart in Figure B. When
ganging any combination of "small" (NF-10, NF-10-277)
and "large" (NF-20, NF-30, NF-20-277) dimmers, place all
small dimmers at one end of the gang and all large
dimmers at the other end.

Figure B: Switchbox Requirement Chart

No Side Sections Removed

Number of Small Controls (NF-10)

0123456

Number 0 0 1 1+1* 4 4+1* 7 7+1*
of Large 113568911
Controls 24679101213
(NF-20, 3 6 8 10 11 13 14 16
NF-30) 4 9 11 12 14 15 17 18

* See Item 3

3. When ganging an EVEN number of SMALL dimmers,

use gangable switchboxes with tapped ears as shown
below. Do not use plaster rings or gangbox covers. Space
an "additional" switchbox
switchbox(es). A 3/4" chase nipple is recommended as a
spacer between the switchboxes. (Example, 4 small
dimmers require 5 switchboxes. See Figure C.)

Figure C: Switchbox Positioning Four-Gang Controls

3

/4" apart from the other

4. Wire each dimmer according to Steps in "Single Unit

Installation" on page 3.

5. Install dimmers in switchbox(es). When combining

small and large dimmers, place all small dimmers on one
extreme end of the gang, and large dimmers at the other
end of the gang. Use center and offset mounting holes as
required for proper alignment. Allow
for ease in attaching faceplate. See Figure D.

Figure D: Front View - Four-Gang Installation

No Side Sections Removed

Offset Mounting Holes

1

/32" between dimmers

1

/32" Spacing

Center Mounting Holes

6. Replace sliders and snap on multi-gang faceplate (or

multiple single faceplates) and adjust up or down for a
snug fit. Multi-gang faceplates (with mounting frames and
instructions) are available in a variety of colors to beautify
and simplify your installation.

Side Sections Removed
(Derating Required)

1. Derating is necessary when side sections are

removed. Use Derating Ballast Chart in Figure A. Match
the dimmer size, number of side sections removed, and
the ballast type to determine maximum safe load.

2. Determine number of switchboxes necessary by using

the Switchbox Requirement Chart in Figure E. When
ganging any combination of "small" dimmers (NF-10, NF­10-277) and "large" (NF-20, NF-30, NF-20-277) dimmers,
place all small dimmers at one end of the gang and all
large dimmers at the other end.

Figure E: Switchbox Requirement Chart

Side Sections Removed

Number of Small Controls (NF-10)

0123456

Number 0 0123456
of Large 1 1345678
Controls 2 35678910
(NF-20, 3 5789101112
NF-30) 4 7 9 10 11 12 13 14

Four-gang
gangable wallbox

3

/4" space
(use chase
nipple)

Single-gang
gangable
wallbox

2

3. Remove INNER side sections only. Using pliers, bend

side sections down as far as you can and then back to
their original positions. Side sections will break off. See
Figure E.

DO NOT REMOVE OUTER SIDE SECTIONS OF THE
TWO DIMMERS WHICH ARE ON THE ENDS OF THE
GANG.

Single Unit Installation

Figure E: Side Section Removal

Side section break-off points

4. Wire each dimmer according to Steps in "Single Unit

Installation" on page 3.

5. Install dimmers in switchbox(es). Use center mounting

holes as required for first unit, then use offset mounting
holes as required for proper alignment. Remember to keep
all small dimmers grouped together. See Figure F.

Figure F: Front View - Four-Gang Installation

Side Sections Removed

Inner Side Sections
Removed

Offset Mounting Holes

Center Mounting Holes

6. Replace sliders and snap on multi-gang faceplate (or

multiple single faceplates) and adjust up or down for a
snug fit. Multi-gang faceplates (with mounting frames and
instructions) are available in a variety of colors to beautify
and simplify your installation. See Figure G.

Figure G: Multi-Gang Unit With Faceplate

1. TURN POWER OFF at fuse box or circuit breaker.

Wiring with power on can result in personal injury. Damage
caused by wiring with power on will void the warranty.

2. Remove faceplate and slider from dimmer to prevent

surface damage and to access mounting holes. Pull out at
top and bottom edges, plate will snap off.

3. Strip switchbox wires to the following lengths:

5

/8" for No. 16 and 18 gauge

1

/2" for No. 10, 12, and 14 gauge

1/2" or 5/8"

4. Use wire connectors supplied to make the connections

shown in Figure I. Refer to the appropriate wiring diagram
for your application on page 4, when installing dimmer.
Additional wiring information may be found on ballast.

Figure I: Switchbox Wiring

To
Ballasts

To Fuse Box or
Curcuit Breaker

Ground

Control

Switch Hot

Neutral

Hot

Yellow

Red

White

Black

Green or Bare

Cutting Faceplates When Removing Side Sections:

Faceplates will need to be cut if side sections are removed
when not using a multi-gang faceplate. Place faceplate on
a soft cloth face down. Press firmly and score the groove
on the back of faceplate with a razor sharp knife, using
vertical groove to keep knife on a straight course. Bend
section back and forth to break it off. Smooth edges by
placing fine-grained sandpaper on a flat surface and
rubbing edge of faceplate over the sandpaper a few times.
Hold faceplate steady as you rub to keep a straight edge.
See Figure H.

Figure H: Cutting Faceplate

Multigang faceplates, which eliminate the need to cut
individual faceplates, are available from Lutron.

5. Carefully push wires into switchbox allowing room for

the dimmer's backcover.

6. Mount dimmer into the switchbox using center

mounting holes in dimmer base and screws provided. See
Figure K. Unit MUST be mounted vertically.

Figure K: Front View - Single Unit Installation

Trimpot Shaft

Offset Mounting Holes Center Mounting Holes

7. Turn power ON.

3

Black

Red

Hot

Neutral

120VAC 60Hz

or

277VAC 60Hz

White

Yellow

To Additional Ballasts

Orange

Black

White

Orange

Black

White

Lutron Dimming Ballast

Lutron Dimming Ballast

Dimmer

8. For Lutron electronic ballasts ONLY:

This unit is factory-calibrated and does not require low-end
light adjustment when used with Lutron FDB or ECO-10
electronic ballasts. If lamps flicker or drop out at minimum
dimming level, there may be an installation error.
Continued use of the system in this mode will cause
premature lamp failure. If this condition exists, call the

Lutron Technical Assistance Hotline

at: 1-800-523-

9466.

For magnetic ballasts ONLY:

a) Run lamps at full intensity (slider at top position) for 15

minutes to warm lamps. Note: For proper dimming
performance lamps must be operated at full intensity for
100 hours prior to dimming.

b) After 15 minutes push slider to low intensity position (as

far down as possible without clicking off).
c) Locate trimpot adjustment shaft shown in Figure K.
d) Minimum light intensity is initially set at the factory. Use

the screwdriver provided to turn the trimpot screw

(inside trimpot shaft) clockwise to increase light level

and counterclockwise to lower light level.

9. Replace slider and snap faceplate on dimmer by

pressing firmly at the top, center, and bottom tabs.

NF-10/NF-10-277 with Lutron Ballast

NF-10, NF-20, NF-30, NF-10-277, NF-20-277
with Magnetic Ballast

With one lamp ballast

Dimmer

Hot

120VAC 60Hz

or

277VAC 60Hz

Neutral

Black

Green or
Bare

Ground

Yellow
Red

White

Worldwide Technical and Sales
Assistance

If you have questions concerning the installation or
operation or this product, call the

Assistance Hotline

:
[phone] (U.S.A., Canada, and the Caribbean)
Other countries call [phone]
Fax [phone]

Warranty

Lutron will, at its option, repair or replace any unit that is defective in materials or
manufacture within one year after purchase. For warranty service, return unit to place
of purchase or mail to LUTRON at 7200 Suter Road, Coopersburg, PA 18036-1299,
postage prepaid.

This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, and the implied
warranty of merchantability is limited to one year from purchase. This warranty
does not cover the cost of installation, removal, or reinstallation, or damage
resulting from misuse, abuse, or damage resulting from improper wiring or
installation.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty
may last, so the above limitations may not apply to you.

Lutron Technical

Black

White

* Lamp
Disconnect
Socket

Blue

*

With two lamp ballast

Hot

120VAC 60Hz

or

277VAC 60Hz

Neutral

* Lamp
Disconnect
Socket

Green or
Bare

Black

White

Blue/White

Blue

*

*

Black

Ground

Dimmer

White

Ballast

Lamp

Yellow
Red

Ballast

Lamp

Lamp

Yellow/Blue or Brown

Red
Red

Yellow/Blue or Brown

Yellow
Yellow
Red
Red

4

Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
7200 Suter Road
Coopersburg, PA 18036-1299 U.S.A.

Made and printed in U.S.A. 8/97 P/N 031-176 Rev. A