What You Need to Know About Architectural-Grade LED Drivers

LDS Osram Driver 400

May 20, 2020

Choosing the right architectural fixture is a vital step in successful lighting design. And it is not just the physical aesthetics of the fixture that support the design plan. The inner workings of the luminaire–specifically the LED driver technology–plays a critical role in meeting a lighting plan’s quality of light and efficacy requirements. And not all LED drivers are created equal.Architectural-grade LED drivers are packed with performance and offer a combination of features and functionality that meet the tough demands and flexibility required in architectural lighting design. Here are four key capabilities architectural-grade drivers offer:

Synchronized ON/OFF Timing and Dimming Control

A basic requirement of any architectural lighting design is consistent ON/OFF timing and dimming levels across multiple luminaires.  This is critical because any variations in start-up times between the luminaries can create an undesirable “popcorn” effect where there is a slight pause between the first light coming on, and then the second light, and the third, and so on.

With true architectural-grade LED drivers, you can ‘mix and match’ drivers with different wattage to efficiently achieve a specification without compromising light quality. Synchronized ON/OFF timing and dimming control enables consistent dimming levels across multiple luminaires in a space, or even within a single linear luminaire where multiple drivers have been used. 

True 1% Dimming Across the Full Programmable Current Range

Although many LED drivers claim dimming to one percent (1%), the truth is they only meet 1% dimming at a specific point or section of the driver’s programmable output current range. Architectural-grade drivers offer true 1% dimming which means the 1% dimming spec is available across the driver’s entire programmable output current range. This capability supports design flexibility and enables fixture manufacturers to guarantee the spec can be met.

For example, a 20W LED driver sold on today’s market is programmable across an output current range of 100-700mA, and touts 1% dimming. However, upon closer look at the datasheet, the minimum output current that the driver can provide is 4mA. This means that 1% dimming is only available if the driver’s nominal output current setting is on or above 400mA. The range of 100-399mA does not offer a 1% dimming option. Even though the product claims 1% dimming, this spec is not achievable across the entire programmable output current range.

Smooth Transition from Dim to OFF

DIM-to-OFF is a lighting effect that provides a smooth transition between ON and OFF controlled via the dimming interface. It is becoming a requirement for architectural lighting design projects and is even included in some building codes. DIM-to-OFF provides a more favorable occupant experience than light levels that turn fully ON or OFF suddenly. Yet many traditional LED drivers do not have this functionality.

Select architectural-grade LED drivers also have a programmable AUX output that extends the DIM-to-OFF capability to fixture-integrated sensors and controls. The driver can power and control these smart components with no additional power pack thus reducing cost and simplifying the wiring while providing design flexibility and integrated smart capabilities.

Protection from Failures in the Field

Failed fixtures caused by miswiring during installation are commonplace because 277V neutral wires can be gray, as can 0-10V control wires. Not only does miswiring the dimming interface to AC line voltage during field installation result in a non-working luminaire, often the driver needs replacement.

Architectural-grade LED drivers have a self-protect feature against this type of miswiring. In addition, these drivers provide a visual warning that this type of miswiring has occurred. The luminaire’s light output level remains fixed at approximately 30% and is unresponsive to 0-10V control signals until the miswiring is corrected. Once miswiring is rectified, the fixture is fully operational.

Source

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • RENO Lighting Announces New Vice President of Sales

    RENO Lighting Announces New Vice President of Sales

    It is with great excitement that RENO Lighting introduces Jean-Claude Lespérance as Vice President of Sales at RENO Lighting. With over 35 years of experience in the Canadian electrical industry, Jean-Claude brings extensive knowledge of the market and strong relationships with key industry stakeholders, suppliers, and customers. Holding a college diploma in Electrodynamics and a… Read More…

  • Contact Delage Announces New Partnership with Zilux

    Contact Delage: New Representation Agreement – Zilux

    Contact Delage is pleased to announce a new partnership with Zilux for the representation of their products in the regions of Montreal, Laval, Estrie, Lanaudière, Laurentides, and Montérégie. Specializing in the design of aluminum lighting and urban furniture, Zilux, a Quebec-based manufacturer, combines innovation and durability to enhance your outdoor design projects. Their expertise in… Read More…


Design

  • Light ARchitect Is Revolutionizing Lighting Design for Architects & Designers

    Light ARchitect Is Revolutionizing Lighting Design for Architects & Designers

    Traditionally, lighting design could be a tedious process, often involving physical mockups, time-consuming calculations, and static renderings using multiple software tools. With advancing technology, these traditional methods are giving way to more sophisticated tools that enhance precision, speed, and visualization. On the downside, many of the new tools are not particularly intuitive and the learning… Read More…

  • Project Story: Sainte-Thérèse High School Outdoor Lighting Upgrade

    Project Story: Sainte-Thérèse High School Outdoor Lighting Upgrade

    August 6, 2024 Built in 1980, the building that houses Sainte-Thérèse high school, in Quebec Canada, was looking a little worse for the wear. Renovation work began with two major projects: introducing a multidisciplinary sports centre, as well as redesigning the parking lots.  The employee and visitor parking lots were completely reconfigured during phase 1… Read More…


New Products

  • Amico: Lunar Night Light – Behavioral Series

    Amico: Lunar Night Light – Behavioral Series

    Behavioral Health Lunar Series Night Lights bring a soft, low-level illumination to the patient room allowing clinical staff and patients to navigate safely in the dark, evening hours. The unique faceplate has minimal protrusion from the wall and provides even light distribution for optimal sight. For ultimate convenience, the Lunar Night Light is available with… Read More…

  • Barbican: Aerie Acoustic Pendant Luminaire

    Barbican: Aerie Acoustic Pendant Luminaire

    With its design aesthetic paying tribute to the large nest of a bird of prey, typically built high in a tree or on a cliff, the Aerie fixture is a variation of our Drum luminaire, one of the most popular and versatile options from Barbican. Aerie helps to add some silence as well as aesthetic… Read More…