LUKE LAMP CO | Driver Guide
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Driver Guide

Low Voltage Driver Guide

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

About

A driver (also referred to as a transformer or power supply) converts line voltage to low voltage and makes our fixtures compatible with the power source used in your installation. Luke Lamp Co. fixtures are low voltage (24V) and cannot be connected directly to line voltage (120-277V). All of our drivers are external units, meaning they are not built into the fixture.

To choose the correct driver, you must first determine if you can remotely mount it. A remote driver must be installed in an accessible location within ~50-100 feet of the fixture. An access panel, cabinet, utility closet, or attic space are examples of suitable locations. Electrical wiring will travel from the power source to the driver and then to the fixture. We highly recommend that you consult your electrician to confirm whether a remotely mounted driver is feasible in your space. Keep in mind that “remote” does not mean “remote controlled”.

If you CAN remotely mount a driver: We recommend the Universal Remote Driver. This is an industry leading driver that is compatible with the majority of dimming protocols, including phase-cut dimming with Leading Edge (MLV) and Trailing Edge (ELV) dimmers, as well as 0-10V dimming. It also operates with any input voltage between 100-277VAC.

If you CANNOT remotely mount a driver: We offer two alternative options that might be compatible depending on the fixture(s) you are ordering. Please review these carefully and discuss with your Account Manager and your electrician to ensure that you are selecting the correct option.

Alternative 1: The SWITCHEX is a driver and dimmer integrated into one single unit. It fits inside most standard in-wall switch boxes. The max wattage is 80W.

Alternative 2: The MikroDIM driver is ONLY for use with fixtures of 52W or less. This driver can fit inside most standard depth (1.5”) junction boxes. It is compatible with a select few dimmers (sourced separately). Compatible Dimmers: Lutron DVELV-300P, Lutron MAELV-600 & Lutron PD-5NE

 
 
 
 
 

Universal Remote Driver (100-277VAC)

 

Driver Dimensions: 12.1"L x 2.36"W x 1.40"H

This driver is used in the majority of our projects and must be installed remotely in an accessible location (such as a utility closet, access panel, cabinet etc.) per the manufacturer’s instructions. This versatile driver features smooth flicker free dimming down to 1% using one of three different dimming protocols all offered in one driver: Phase-cut dimming with Leading Edge (MLV) and Trailing Edge (ELV) dimmers, as well as 0-10V dimming. The input voltage is universal (120-277VAC). This driver is IP66 rated for dry or wet locations.

  • Forward & Reverse Phase-Cut Dimming or 0-10V Dimming

  • Smooth Flicker-Free Dimming, Down To 1%

  • Universal Input Voltage – 100 to 277VAC

  • UL Listed Enclosure – With Built-In Junction Boxes

  • IP66 – For Both Indoor & Outdoor Use

  • Class 2, Class P

  • Hiccup Mode Protection For Short Circuit & Over-Temperature

  • Overload Protection

Illustration is for demonstration purposes only. On-site driver installation may vary. Consult your electrician to inquire about the best way to install your driver. 

Illustration is for demonstration purposes only. On-site driver installation may vary. Consult your electrician to inquire about the best way to install your driver. 

The below video is just an example. Installation process and complexity will vary based on the space and the dimming system used. Consult with a qualified electrician for additional guidance.

 
 

Please utilize the below chart to determine the appropriate wire gauge to use based on the wattage of your fixture(s) and the distance between the driver(s) and fixture(s) This is an important step in ensuring that there is no impact to the output of the light (no dimming, flickering, etc.). The wattage can always be found on the fixture’s tearsheet. If you have any questions your Account Manager can assist!

Step 1 - Calculate the total wattage that will be run on the driver.
Step 2 - Refer to the appropriate column in the chart below, rounding up (so if the total wattage is 35W round up to column 4, 40W).
Step 3 - Determine the approximate distance between the fixture(s) and the driver(s).
Step 4 - Refer to the closest distance in correct column (rounding up) and then cross-reference the corresponding wire gauge on the left hand side of the chart.

Example: You are specifying (2) Shield Sconce 2.1’s, which are 28W each. You determine that they will share (1) Universal Remote Driver (which can power up to 80W).

  1. First, you calculate the total wattage at 56W (28W x 2)

  2. Based on this you refer to Column 6 (60W)

  3. You determine that the access panel where the driver will be installed is ~40ft away from the fixtures. Based on this, you conclude that you should use 14AWG wire.

 
 

SWITCHEX Integrated Driver/Dimmer Switch (120VAC Only)

 

Driver Dimensions: 4.1"L x 2.1"W x 1.40"H

The SWITCHEX combines an LED dimmer switch and a LED driver into a single integrated unit. This option fits inside a standard electrical box. This option is well suited for single-fixture installations where the electrician is unable to install the Universal Remote Driver. It also eliminates the need to source a dimmer switch separately since the dimmer is integral.

 
 

MikroDIM Electronic Dimmable Driver (120VAC Only)

 

Driver Dimensions: 3.05"L x 1.36"W x 1.03"H

The MikroDim driver fits inside of most standard depth junction boxes (1.5” deep) and is compatible with a limited number of dimmers (see below).

Important Notes:

This driver can only be used for fixtures with a total wattage of 52W or less (the fixture wattage can be found on the fixture’s tearsheet). If you are unsure, please contact us to confirm whether the fixture wattage is within the allowable limit.

The MikroDIM requires a standard depth (or deeper) junction box. If you are unsure, we recommend consulting with your electrician. If the j-box is too shallow, we can provide a deeper canopy (1.5") that the driver can fit within. This would need to be confirmed at the time of ordering.

 
 
 
 

FAQ

  • Yes! Once you select the right driver for your order, we will include it at no additional charge.

  • The maximum distance that the driver can be mounted away from the fixture depends on the fixture wattage and the wire gauge used. Please refer to the Voltage Drop Chart for more information on this.

  • There are several factors that will impact this answer, including the type of driver you wish to use, the wattages of the fixtures you’re ordering, and the fixture locations in your space in relation to one another. In some cases you may be able to utilize a single driver with multiple fixtures. For example, if you order two 20W sconces and plan to use the Universal Remote Driver, it's likely that both can share a single driver assuming they will be located in the same vicinity (for example, on either side of a bed or mirror). Your Account Manager will advise you on your options during the ordering process.

  • You are free to source drivers separately if preferred. It must be a constant voltage, 24VDC driver at the appropriate wattage. We are happy to talk directly to your electrician if they have any questions.

  • The Universal Remote Driver is universal voltage (meaning it works with line voltage from 100V-277V) so it should be compatible throughout the world. The SWITCHEX and MikroDIM drivers are only compatible with 120V input/mains voltage.

    For clients in the EU, in order to comply with CE certification requirements, we cannot supply the drivers. However, your electrician should be able to source compatible constant voltage 24VDC drivers locally. They can reach out to us directly if they have any questions on this! 

  • Yes, we do ask that you select the driver in order for us to begin production to avoid any delays. However, we are more than happy to swap out your driver for another option if you determine that the one you selected won’t work. Keep in mind that for some fixtures, only the Universal Remote Driver is compatible. Your Account Manager will discuss your options during the ordering process.

  • The Universal Remote Driver has the widest range of dimming compatibility and is likely compatible with your control system. If unsure, please provide the specs of the system you're using and we can confirm compatibility with the driver manufacturer. If you are using the SWITCHEX, keep in mind that this option will not be compatible with any control system as it has an integrated dimmer. The MikroDIM has limited compatibility so please review the options below and/or discuss with your Account Manager if you are unsure.

  • Please contact us right away and we can discuss your options! We might have an alternative option that will work in your space. You can reach us at 914-294-2024 (press 2 for Technical Assistance). Please have your Invoice Number available so we can look up your order.

  • There can be several different reasons for this depending on the driver and dimmer/control system that you are using. Our Technical Team can walk your electrician through some troubleshooting steps. In the unlikely event that a new driver is needed, we will expedite shipment to ensure it reaches you as quickly as possible - we understand that time is of the essence!

  • If your fixture is connected directly to line voltage (without using the driver), it will immediately damage the internal LED modules and will no longer be operable. Some ways you can tell that this happened is if: (1) The light appears very dim, (2) the LEDs are flickering, (3) some sections appear lit while others are dim or dark, (4) the light isn’t turning on at all. When this happens the LEDs need to be replaced by us. Please contact us at 914-294-2024 (or contact your Account Manager directly) to discuss the next steps in the replacement process. We will resolve this as quickly and painlessly as possible!

 

Voltage Drop Chart

 

Please utilize this chart to determine the appropriate wire gauge to use based on the wattage of your fixture(s) and the distance between the driver(s) and fixture(s) This is an important step in ensuring that there is no impact to the output of the light (no dimming, flickering, etc.). The wattage can always be found on the fixture’s tearsheet. If you have any questions your Account Manager can assist!

Step 1 - Calculate the total wattage that will be run on the driver.
Step 2 - Refer to the appropriate column in the chart below, rounding up (so if the total wattage is 35W round up to column 4, 40W).
Step 3 - Determine the approximate distance between the fixture(s) and the driver(s).
Step 4 - Refer to the closest distance in correct column (rounding up) and then cross-reference the corresponding wire gauge on the left hand side of the chart.

Example: You are specifying (2) Shield Sconce 2.1’s, which are 28W each. You determine that they will share (1) Universal Remote Driver (which can power up to 80W).

  1. First, you calculate the total wattage at 56W (28W x 2)

  2. Based on this you refer to Column 6 (60W)

  3. You determine that the access panel where the driver will be installed is ~40ft away from the fixtures. Based on this, you conclude that you should use 14AWG wire.

 
 
 

Any Questions?

We are here to help! If you have any questions about drivers don’t hesitate to reach out or put your electrician in touch with us directly! You can reach us at 914-294-2024 (press 2 for Technical Support) or by email at info@lukelampco.com.