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INSTRUCTIONS FOR VARILIGHT
V-Com
record the batch number
: Do not apply products with metal faceplates directly to
freshly plastered or damp surf aces as product may tarnish. If in doubt,
use polythene as a temporary gasket to protect the product. Do not
V-COM DIMMERSWITCHES
OVERVIEW
Thank you for choosing a VARILIGHT V-Com intelligent programmable
dimmerswitch. Use only on an electricity supply of 230V 50Hz AC.
IMPORTANT: Read ALL sections below before installing this
dimmerswitch.
V-Com dimmers are leading-edge and designed to control TRIAC dimmable
LED lighting. To optimise the dimming performance with LED lighting see
“Programming” overleaf. For information on compatibility with other types of
lighting please see “Loading” overleaf.
This product complies with European Safety Regulations (IEC 669-2-1 or
BSEN 60669-2-1) when used in lighting circuits containing MCBs (miniature
circuit breakers). T hese c an be rated at 6A, 10A or 16A (preferably 6A for
lighting circuits).Your guarantee is not affected if you have an older lighting
circuit protected by fuse wire links.
LOADING
Always observe the recommended minimum and maximum loads
stated on the dimmer. For mixed loads, follow the LED rating.
Please see www.varilight.co.uk/dimmers/v-com.html for the latest
loading guidance.
Grid Dimmer
Push On/Off
Lighting
Type
Dimmable
LEDs
THIS SWITCH IS RECOMMENDED FOR
LED Lighting Requiring TRIAC dimming
THIS SWITCH IS ALSO COMPATIBLE WITH
Good quality dimmable low voltage transformers [see “Transformers"]
THIS SWITCH IS NOT SUITABLE FOR
Fluorescent bulbs and tubes
Electric motors
OVERLOAD PROTECTION
This dimmerswitch is protected against overheating and overload. If an
overload occurs the dimmer will turn off. In this case, switch off the dimmer,
remove the overload and switch back on again. However, if the
dimmerswitch receives a total short-circuit it may be damaged beyond
repair.
TRANSFORMERS
Use only with quality dimmable transformers. For optimum performance
choose VARILIGHT transformers.
To calculate load, add the VA ratings of the transformers
(not the w attage of the bulbs). Choose transformers with a maximum rating
close to their lamp load (e.g. Use a 50VA, 60VA or 70VA transformer to
control a 50W low voltage bulb).
N.B. Certain transformers may not behave according to their power rating
when used with a dimmer. An overload will result in the safety features
switching the dimmer off. If so, change your transformer(s) (VARILIGHT
transformer(s) recommended); or remove one (or some) transformer(s)
from the circuit; or choose a higher rated dimmer.
Multi Gang
Per Gang
Minimum load: as per rating on dimmer.
Max. load 100W: Max. number of LEDs permitted is 10
Max. load 180W: Max. number of LEDs permitted is 20
Max. load 220W: Max. number of LEDs permitted is 26
Max. load 300W: Max. number of LEDs permitted is 36
Max. load 400W: Max. number of LEDs permitted is 40
Max. load 600W: Max. number of LEDs permitted is 60
For the latest advice on dimmable LEDs, please visit
1-Gang 2-Gang
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For FAQs, please visit: www.varilight.co.uk/faqs
V-Com Standard Dimmer
Push On/Off
Per Gang
www.varilight.co.uk/leds
Per Gang
3-Gang
4-Gang
Per Gang
www.varilight.co.uk
Please
the plastic moulding on the rear of the product. This will
assist us in providing any technical support you may
require.
printed on the side of
K_P
Reg. K010
BATCH NO:
INSTALLERS – Please leave these instructions with your customer for
future reference.
WARNING
use masking tape on metal faceplates.
GUARANTEE
In case of any defect, return the dimmer to our service department. Varilight
undertakes to repair or replace, at its discretion, goods which have become
defective within 10 years of purchase, solely as a result of faulty materials
and workmanship, provided that:-
a) The unit has been correctly fitted according to the instructions and has
not been used with an incompatible load, fluorescent tubes, or overloaded
beyond its rating, and has only been used on a 230V 50Hz AC power
supply.
b) The dimmer module has not been tampered with or taken apart.
c) The unit is securely packed and safely returned t o Service Department,
Carylls Lea, Faygate, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 4SJ (Tel. (01293)
223333) together with a letter stating the guarantee registration number
below, the date and place of purchase, the type and wattage of the lighting
or other load being controlled and the details of the fault. This guarantee
states Varilight’s entire liability, which does not extend to cover
consequential loss or damage or installation costs arising from a defective
product. The guarantee does not apply t o problems arising from any
incompatibility between your lamps and the dimmer switch. This guarantee
does not in any way affect the statutory rights of the purchaser and is
offered so that you may have the benefit of our technical facilities.
GUARANTEE REGISTRATION NUMBER K010.
FITTING YOUR DIMMERSWITCH
Read these instructions carefully. Incorrect installation may damage the
dimmer beyond repair.
In case of any doubt or difficulty consult a qualified electrician.
1. Switch off at the mains, then remove the existing switch and disconnect
the wiring from the switch terminals at the rear, taking note of the present
wiring of the switch and the marking on the
terminals. W here there are two or more wires together in the old switch,
they must be kept together in the dimmerswitch.
2. Ensure that any wall box is free of plaster lumps or projecting screw
heads.
3. Dimmerswitches on single-sized plates can be fitted to wall boxes having
60.3mm screw fixing centres and those with double-sized plates to wall
boxes with 120.6mm fixing c entres. Most models can be fitted into a box
with a minimum depth of 25mm. A box having 4 fixing lugs c annot be used
without modifying it. The top and bottom lugs must be broken off or bent
flat.
4. To connect the wiring for 1-way or 2-way circuits refer to the diagrams
overleaf under the heading "1-Way, 2-Way and Multi-Way Circuits". Take
care that no bare wires project out of the terminals.
Keep wires together in a terminal if they were together in your old switch.
5. Dimmerswitches having a metal front plate must be earthed by means of
the earthing point on the faceplate.
6. After connecting the wires screw the dimmerswitch gently into the wall
box so that the front plate is not distorted or cracked. Do not trap the wiring
between the rear of the dimm er and the back of the wall box.
7. Once installation is complete. Switch on the mains supply and switch on
the dimmer, turning the control knob to give the desired light level.
Important: Disconnect the dimmer before carrying out insulation resistance
testing. Failing to do so could damage a dimmer and make the guarantee
invalid.
1-WAY, 2-WAY & MULTI-WAY CIRCUITS
Your VARILIGHT V-Com intelligent dimmerswitch is suitable for 1-way or 2way lighting circuits. It has a push on/push off action to switch and a rotary
action to dim. There are 3 screw terminals per module.
1-WAY CIRCUITS
In 1-way lighting circuits each light is controlled by one switch.
Your dimmerswitch should replace this switch. See Figure 1. Remove your
old switch and copy the wiring configuration for your dimmerswitch.
Connect wires either way round to the 'C' t erminal and one of the 'L'
terminals. The other 'L' terminal is not used in a 1-way circuit. (P.T.O)
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1-WAY, 2-WAY & MULTI-WAY CIRCUITS (CONTINUED)
2-WAY CIRCUITS
2-way lighting circuits have two switches turning the same lights on and off
from 2 different locations (eg. at the top and bottom of the stairs). You must
only replace one of these switches with a dimmerswitch or the lights will
flicker. See Figures 2 and 3 which show typical 2-way circuits. Remove your
old switch and copy the wiring configuration for the dimmer.
The wire(s) fitt ed in the "common" terminal of the old switch should be fitted
into the "C" t erminal of the dimmerswitch. The wires fitted into the other two
terminals of the old switch should be fitted either way round into terminals
"L1" and "L2" of the dimmerswitch.
MULTI-GANG DIMMERSWITCHES
To fit 2 gang (or 3 or 4 gang) dimmerswitches treat each group of terminals
at the back of the unit as a separate dimm erswitch wiring them into the
lighting circuits as described above. If required, one terminal from each
dimmer module m ay be joined together with a short length of wire t o c opy
the wiring configuration of the old switch.
PROGRAMMING
OPTIMISING THE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR DIMMERSWITCH
When you first install the dimmer switch it will automatically default to
MODE 1. This mode is the best one for almost all types of LED lighting but
if the lights are flashing in MODE 1 you may be able to improve the
dimming performance by changing the driving mode. [See “Changing the
driving mode” below.] You can always reset to MODE 1. Additionally, the
minimum and maximum brightness setting of the dimmer can be adjusted to
achieve the optimum dimming range for a particular load as follows.
ADJUSTING THE MINIMUM BRIGHTNESS
If your lights are flickering when t hey are dimmed to a low level you can
increase the minimum brightness setting of the dimmer, which may prevent
this from happening. If the lights are brighter than you would like when the
dimmer is set to minimum, you can try reducing the minimum brightness
setting of the dimmer.
1. Switch on and set the dimmer knob to the MINIMUM position (turn fully
anti-clockwise).
2. Press to turn the lights off and back on again at least 3 times [OFF–ON x
3], leaving approximately one second between presses.
3. The lights will step up and down in brightness, and stay at a low light
level or go off, to show that the dimmer is in CONFIGURATION MODE.
4. Turn the knob fully clockwise. The lights will c ome on and allow you to
adjust the minimum brightness.
5. Adjust the brightness that you are happy with as the minim um. Leave the
dimmer in this position.
6. After 3 seconds the dimmer will notice that you have stopped adjusting
the minimum. The lights will step up and down in brightness to show that
the dimmer has returned to normal operation.
7. Continue to use the dimm er as normal.
ADJUSTING THE MAXIMUM BRIGHTNESS
If your lights are flickering when they are set to a high brightness level you
can decrease the maximum brightness setting of the dimmer, which may
prevent this from happening. If the lights are not as bright as you would like
when the dimmer is set to maximum, you can try increasing the m aximum
brightness setting of the dimmer.
1. Switch off and set the dimmer knob to the MAXIMUM position (turn
fully clockwise).
2. Turn the lights on and back off again. ON – OFF, roughly once per
second.
3. Set the dimmer knob to the MINIMUM position (turn fully
anticlockwise).
4. Turn the lights on and back off again. ON – OFF, roughly once per
second.
5. Set the dimmer knob to the MAXIMUM position (turn fully clockwise).
6. Turn the lights on.
7. The lights will step up and down in brightness to show that the dimmer
is in CONFIGURATION MODE, then either stay at a low light level or
go off.
8. Turn t he knob fully anticlockwise. The lights will come on and allow
you to adjust the maximum brightness.
9. Adjust the brightness that you are happy with as the maximum. Leave
the dimmer in this position.
10. After 3 seconds the dimmer will notice that you have stopped
adjusting the maximum. The lights will step up and down in
brightness to show that the dimmer has returned to normal operation.
11. Continue to use the dimmer as normal, with your new maximum
brightness.
CHANGING THE DRIVING MODE
Unless the lights are flashing it is likely that the best dimming performance
that the lamps can deliver is achieved in MODE 1.
If the lights are flashing then you may be able to improve the performance
of your lamps by manually changing the driving mode to MODE 2, or in a
small number of cases, MODE 3.
1. Switch on and set the dimmer knob t o the MAXIMUM position (turn fully
clockwise).
2. Press to turn the lights off and back on again at least 3 times [OFF–ON x
3], leaving approximately one second between presses.
PROGRAMMING (CONTINUED)
3. The lights will step up and down in brightness to show that the dimm er is
in CONFIGURATION MODE, then stay at a low light level or go off.
4. To select MODE 2, turn the knob fully anti-clockwise or to select MODE
3, first turn the knob fully anti-clockwise then fully clockwise.
5. The lights will FLASH 2 or 3 TIMES to show which mode the dimmer is
in.
6. The dimmer can now be operated normally in the new mode.
To return the dimm er to MODE 1 follow the same procedure. In this case,
both options in step 4 will cause the lights to FLASH ONCE to indicate that
you have successfully returned the dimmer to MODE 1. [To check which
MODE the dimmer is operating in omit step 4.]
DRIVE FUNCTION
Some LED lights require a large amount of power to come on and so do not
illuminate at low brightness levels. This dimmer is equipped with a DRIVE
function to cater for LED lights that require more power at start-up. To
enable the DRIVE function
1. Switch off and set t he dimmer knob to the MINIMUM position (turn fully
anticlockwise).
2. Turn the lights on and back off again. [ON-OFF] roughly once per second.
3. Set the dimmer knob to the MAXIMUM position (turn fully clockwise)
4. Turn the lights on and back off again. [ON-OFF] roughly once per second.
5. Set the dimmer knob to the MINIMUM position (turn fully anticlockwise)
6. Turn the lights on.
7. The lights will step up and down in brightness to show that the dimmer is
in CONFIGURATION MODE, then either stay at a low light level or go off.
8. Turn the knob fully clockwise to switch on the DRIVE function. The lights
will flash once.
9. Continue to use the dimmer as normal with your new maximum
brightness.
To disable the DRIVE function, repeat the above but omit step 8.
RESETTING THE DIMMER
If you change your lights we recommend you reset the dimmer to the
factory default settings.
1. Switch on and set the dimmer knob to the MAXIMUM position.
2. Press to turn the lights off and back on again at least 3 times [OFF–ON x
3], leaving approximately one second between presses.
3. Wait for the dimmer to step the lights up and down. Then press to turn
the lights off and back on again at least 3 more times [OFF–ON x 3],
leaving approximately one second between presses.
4. The dimmer will reset all its settings to factory defaults. The lights will
come on, then fade away to off.
5. Continue to use the dimm er as normal
CHILD LOCK
You can prevent your dimmer from accidentally going into programming
mode by following these instructions. To enable the Child Lock feature
1. Switch off the dimmer and set the dimmer knob to the MAXIMUM
position (turn fully clockwise).
2. Turn the lights on and back off again twice. ON – OFF – ON – OFF,
roughly once per second.
3. Set the dimmer knob to the MINIMUM position (turn fully anticlockwise).
4. Turn the lights on and back off again twice. ON – OFF – ON – OFF,
roughly once per second.
5. Set the dimmer knob to the MAXIMUM position (turn fully clockwise).
6. Turn the lights ON – OFF – ON, roughly once per second.
7. The lights will step up and down in brightness to show that the dimmer
has returned to normal operation.
8. Continue to use the dimm er as normal, with your new Child Lock setting.
9. To disable Child Lock, repeat the whole procedure again.
NB. It has been noted that some LEDs do not show the programming as
well as others. If you are having difficulty seeing the programming steps,
you c an replace one LED lamp with a halogen one for the duration of the
programming in order to see the steps more clearly.
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