Varilight V-Com User manual

INSTRUCTIONS FOR VARILIGHT
V-COM DIMMERSWITCHES
OVERVIEW
Thank you for choosing a VARILIGHT V-Com intelligent programmable
dimmers itch. Use only on an electricity supply of 230V 50Hz AC.
IMPORTANT: Read ALL sections belo before installing this
dimmers itch.
V-Com dimmers are leading-edge and designed to control TRIAC dimmable
LED lighting. To optimise the dimming performance ith LED lighting see
“Programming” overleaf. For information on compatibility ith other types of
lighting please see “Loading” overleaf.
This product complies ith European Safety Regulations (IEC 669-2-1 or
BSEN 60669-2-1) hen used in lighting circuits containing MCBs (miniature
circuit breakers). These can 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 ire links.
LOADING
Always obser e the recommended minimum and maximum loads
stated on the dimmer. For mixed loads, follo the LED rating.
Please see www. arilight.co.uk/dimmers/ -com.html for the latest
loading guidance.
Lighting
Type
V
-
Com
Grid Dimmer
Push On/Off
V-Com Standard Dimmer
Push On/Off
Multi Gang
Per Gang
1-Gang 2-Gang
Per Gang
3-Gang
Per Gang
4-Gang
Per Gang
GLS
As per
rating on
dimmer
As per
rating on
dimmer
As per
rating on
dimmer
As per
rating on
dimmer
As per
rating on
dimmer
Main
Halogen
Lo Voltage
Halogen
Eco Halogen
Dimmable
LEDs
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
.varilight.co.uk/leds
THIS SWITCH IS RECOMMENDED FOR
 LED Lighting Requiring TRIAC dimming
THIS SWITCH IS ALSO COMPATIBLE WITH
 Good quality dimmable lo voltage transformers [see “Transformers"]
 GU10 or similar good quality mains halogen bulbs; [Choose V-Plus
Series Dimmers for the best performance ith halogen lighting]
 Mains voltage incandescent GLS or candle-shaped bulbs
THIS SWITCH IS NOT SUITABLE FOR
 Fluorescent bulbs and tubes
 Electric motors
OVERLOAD PROTECTION
This dimmers itch is protected against overheating and overload. If an
overload occurs the dimmer ill turn off. In this case, s itch off the dimmer,
remove the overload and s itch back on again. Ho ever, if the
dimmers itch receives a total short-circuit it may be damaged beyond
repair.
TRANSFORMERS
Use only ith quality dimmable transformers. For optimum performance
choose VARILIGHT transformers.
To calculate load, add the VA ratings of the transformers
(not the attage of the bulbs). Choose transformers ith a maximum rating
close to their lamp load (e.g. Use a 50VA, 60VA or 70VA transformer to
control a 50W lo voltage bulb).
N.B. Certain transformers may not behave according to their po er rating
hen used ith a dimmer. An overload ill result in the safety features
s itching 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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For FAQs, please visit: .varilight.co.uk/faqs
GUARANTEE
In case of any defect, return the dimmer to our service department. Varilight
undertakes to repair or replace, at its discretion, goods hich have become
defective ithin 10 years of purchase, solely as a result of faulty materials
and orkmanship, provided that:-
a) The unit has been correctly fitted according to the instructions and has
not been used ith an incompatible load, fluorescent tubes, or overloaded
beyond its rating, and has only been used on a 230V 50Hz AC po er
supply.
b) The dimmer module has not been tampered ith or taken apart.
c) The unit is securely packed and safely returned to Service Department,
Carylls Lea, Faygate, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 4SJ (Tel. (01293)
223333) together ith a letter stating the guarantee registration number
belo , the date and place of purchase, the type and attage of the lighting
or other load being controlled and the details of the fault. This guarantee
states Varilight’s entire liability, hich does not extend to cover
consequential loss or damage or installation costs arising from a defective
product. The guarantee does not apply to problems arising from any
incompatibility bet een your lamps and the dimmer s itch. This guarantee
does not in any ay affect the statutory rights of the purchaser and is
offered so that you may have the benefit of our technical facilities.
GUARANTEE REGISTRATION NUMBER K007.
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. S itch off at the mains, then remove the existing s itch and disconnect
the iring from the s itch terminals at the rear, taking note of the present
iring of the s itch and the marking on the
terminals. Where there are t o or more ires together in the old s itch,
they must be kept together in the dimmers itch.
2. Ensure that any all box is free of plaster lumps or projecting scre
heads.
3. Dimmers itches on single-sized plates can be fitted to all boxes having
60.3mm scre fixing centres and those ith double-sized plates to all
boxes ith 120.6mm fixing centres. Most models can be fitted into a box
ith a minimum depth of 25mm. A box having 4 fixing lugs cannot be used
ithout modifying it. The top and bottom lugs must be broken off or bent
flat.
4. To connect the iring for 1- ay or 2- ay circuits refer to the diagrams
overleaf under the heading "1-Way, 2-Way and Multi-Way Circuits". Take
care that no bare ires project out of the terminals.
Keep ires together in a terminal if they ere together in your old s itch.
5. Dimmers itches having a metal front plate must be earthed by means of
the earthing point on the dimmer.
6. After connecting the ires scre the dimmers itch gently into the all
box so that the front plate is not distorted or cracked. Do not trap the iring
bet een the rear of the dimmer and the back of the all box.
7. Once installation is complete. S itch on the mains supply and s itch 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 dimmers itch is suitable for 1- ay or 2-
ay lighting circuits. It has a push on/push off action to s itch and a rotary
action to dim. There are 3 scre terminals per module.
1-WAY CIRCUITS
In 1- ay lighting circuits each light is controlled by one s itch.
Your dimmers itch should replace this s itch. See Figure 1. Remove your
old s itch and copy the iring configuration for your dimmers itch.
Connect ires either ay round to the 'C' terminal and one of the 'L'
terminals. The other 'L' terminal is not used in a 1- ay circuit. (P.T.O)
.varilight.co.uk
K_P
Please
record the batch number
printed on the side of
the plastic moulding on the rear of the product. This ill
assist us in providing any technical support you may
require.
Reg. K007
BATCH NO:
INSTALLERS – Please leave these instructions ith your customer for
future reference.
WARNING
: Do not apply products ith metal faceplates directly to
freshly plastered or damp surfaces as product may tarnish. If in doubt,
use polythene as a temporary gasket to protect the product. Do not
use masking tape on metal faceplates.

1-WAY, 2-WAY & MULTI-WAY CIRCUITS (CONTINUED)
2-WAY CIRCUITS
2- ay lighting circuits have t o s itches 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 s itches ith a dimmers itch or the lights ill
flicker. See Figures 2 and 3 hich sho typical 2- ay circuits. Remove your
old s itch and copy the iring configuration for the dimmer.
The ire(s) fitted in the "common" terminal of the old s itch should be fitted
into the "C" terminal of the dimmers itch. The ires fitted into the other t o
terminals of the old s itch should be fitted either ay round into terminals
"L1" and "L2" of the dimmers itch.
MULTI-GANG DIMMERSWITCHES
To fit 2 gang (or 3 or 4 gang) dimmers itches treat each group of terminals
at the back of the unit as a separate dimmers itch iring them into the
lighting circuits as described above. If required, one terminal from each
dimmer module may be joined together ith a short length of ire to copy
the iring configuration of the old s itch.
PROGRAMMING
OPTIMISING THE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR DIMMERSWITCH
When you first install the dimmer s itch it ill 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” belo .] You can al ays 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 follo s.
ADJUSTING THE MINIMUM BRIGHTNESS
If your lights are flickering hen they are dimmed to a lo level you can
increase the minimum brightness setting of the dimmer, hich may prevent
this from happening. If the lights are brighter than you ould like hen the
dimmer is set to minimum, you can try reducing the minimum brightness
setting of the dimmer.
1. S itch on and set the dimmer knob to the MINIMUM position (turn fully
anti-clock ise).
2. Press to turn the lights off and back on again at least 3 times [OFF–ON x
3], leaving approximately one second bet een presses.
3. The lights ill step up and do n in brightness, and stay at a lo light
level or go off, to sho that the dimmer is in CONFIGURATION MODE.
4. Turn the knob fully clock ise. The lights ill come on and allo you to
adjust the minimum brightness.
5. Adjust the brightness that you are happy ith as the minimum. Leave the
dimmer in this position.
6. After 3 seconds the dimmer ill notice that you have stopped adjusting
the minimum. The lights ill step up and do n in brightness to sho that
the dimmer has returned to normal operation.
7. Continue to use the dimmer as normal.
ADJUSTING THE MAXIMUM BRIGHTNESS
If your lights are flickering hen they are set to a high brightness level you
can decrease the maximum brightness setting of the dimmer, hich may
prevent this from happening. If the lights are not as bright as you ould like
hen the dimmer is set to maximum, you can try increasing the maximum
brightness setting of the dimmer.
1. S itch off and set the dimmer knob to the MAXIMUM position (turn
fully clock ise).
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
anticlock ise).
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 clock ise).
6. Turn the lights on.
7. The lights ill step up and do n in brightness to sho that the dimmer
is in CONFIGURATION MODE, then either stay at a lo light level or
go off.
8. Turn the knob fully anticlock ise. The lights ill come on and allo
you to adjust the maximum brightness.
9. Adjust the brightness that you are happy ith as the maximum. Leave
the dimmer in this position.
10. After 3 seconds the dimmer ill notice that you have stopped
adjusting the maximum. The lights ill step up and do n in
brightness to sho that the dimmer has returned to normal operation.
11. Continue to use the dimmer as normal, ith your ne 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. S itch on and set the dimmer knob to the MAXIMUM position (turn fully
clock ise).
2. Press to turn the lights off and back on again at least 3 times [OFF–ON x
3], leaving approximately one second bet een presses.
PROGRAMMING (CONTINUED)
3. The lights ill step up and do n in brightness to sho that the dimmer is
in CONFIGURATION MODE, then stay at a lo light level or go off.
4. To select MODE 2, turn the knob fully anti-clock ise or to select MODE
3, first turn the knob fully anti-clock ise then fully clock ise.
5. The lights ill FLASH 2 or 3 TIMES to sho hich mode the dimmer is
in.
6. The dimmer can no be operated normally in the ne mode.
To return the dimmer to MODE 1 follo the same procedure. In this case,
both options in step 4 ill 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 po er to come on and so do not
illuminate at lo brightness levels. This dimmer is equipped ith a DRIVE
function to cater for LED lights that require more po er at start-up. To
enable the DRIVE function
1. S itch off and set the dimmer knob to the MINIMUM position (turn fully
anticlock ise).
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 clock ise)
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 anticlock ise)
6. Turn the lights on.
7. The lights ill step up and do n in brightness to sho that the dimmer is
in CONFIGURATION MODE, then either stay at a lo light level or go off.
8. Turn the knob fully clock ise to s itch on the DRIVE function. The lights
ill flash once.
9. Continue to use the dimmer as normal ith your ne maximum
brightness.
To disable the DRIVE function, repeat the above but omit step 8.
RESETTING THE DIMMER
If you change your lights e recommend you reset the dimmer to the
factory default settings.
1. S itch 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 bet een presses.
3. Wait for the dimmer to step the lights up and do n. Then press to turn
the lights off and back on again at least 3 more times [OFF–ON x 3],
leaving approximately one second bet een presses.
4. The dimmer ill reset all its settings to factory defaults. The lights ill
come on, then fade a ay to off.
5. Continue to use the dimmer as normal
CHILD LOCK
You can prevent your dimmer from accidentally going into programming
mode by follo ing these instructions. To enable the Child Lock feature
1. S itch off the dimmer and set the dimmer knob to the MAXIMUM
position (turn fully clock ise).
2. Turn the lights on and back off again t ice. ON – OFF – ON – OFF,
roughly once per second.
3. Set the dimmer knob to the MINIMUM position (turn fully anticlock ise).
4. Turn the lights on and back off again t ice. ON – OFF – ON – OFF,
roughly once per second.
5. Set the dimmer knob to the MAXIMUM position (turn fully clock ise).
6. Turn the lights ON – OFF – ON, roughly once per second.
7. The lights ill step up and do n in brightness to sho that the dimmer
has returned to normal operation.
8. Continue to use the dimmer as normal, ith your ne Child Lock setting.
9. To disable Child Lock, repeat the hole procedure again.
NB. It has been noted that some LEDs do not sho the programming as
ell as others. If you are having difficulty seeing the programming steps,
you can replace one LED lamp ith a halogen one for the duration of the
programming in order to see the steps more clearly.