Varilight V-PLUS IR User manual

INSTRUCTIONS FOR VARILIGHT
V-PLUS IR DIMMERSWITCHES
OVERVIEW
Thank you for choosing a VARILIGHT V-Plus series
dimmerswitch, designed for all incandescent lighting circuits
(including mains or low voltage halogen). Use only on an
electricity supply of 200-250 volts AC.
V-Plus dimmers are recommended for use with halogen loads.
The soft-start feature gently increases the power supplied to a
lamp when the dimmer is first turned on, allowing the lamp to
warm up gradually, reducing failures caused by stress on
halogen lamps when they are switched on.
IMPORTANT: Read ALL sections below before installing this
dimmerswitch.
This dimmer is suitable for 1-way circuits. For 2-way (or Multi-
Way switching) use this Master Unit with any number of
VARILIGHT Dimming Slaves. N.B. This unit cannot be used in
conjunction with conventional switches in a 2-way circuit.
This dimmerswitch complies with European Safety
Regulations (IEC 669-2-1 or BSEN 60669-2-1) when used in
lighting circuits containing MCBs (minature 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 wire links.
LOADING
Maximum loads for V-Plus IR dimmerswitches;
Dimmer
Series
Lighting
Type
V
-
Plus IR
1-Gang
V
-
Plus IR
2-Gang
Per Gang
V
-
Plus IR
3-Gang
Per Gang
V
-
Plus IR
4-Gang
Per Gang
Incandescent
As per
loading on
dimmer
As per
loading on
dimmer
As per
loading on
dimmer
As per
loading on
dimmer
Main Halogen
Low Voltage
Halogen
Eco Halogen
THIS SWITCH IS SUITABLE FOR
Mains voltage GLS or candle bulbs
Good quality dimmable electronic low voltage transformers
(including those requiring trailing-edge control) [see
“Transformers"]
GU10 or similar HiSpot mains halogen bulbs
THIS SWITCH IS NOT SUITABLE FOR
Fluorescent bulbs and tubes
Wire-wound or toroidal transformers
Electric motors
TRANSFORMERS
Use only on quality dimmable Electronic Transformers. For
optimum performance choose VARILIGHT Transformers*.
To calculate load, add the VA ratings of the transformers (not
the wattage 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 of this dimmer turning down the brightness. 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 instead.
* If a transformer appears as a highly inductive load, e.g. Wire-
wound or toroidal transformers, the dimmer will not work. To
protect itself it will turn off within 1 second. The dimmer will allow
this to happen 3 times before locking further use until it is
disconnected and reconnected to the mains electricity.
LOADING (Continued)
OVERLOADING AND UNDERLOADING
Dimmers must not be overloaded or underloaded. Check the
label on the back of your dimmerswitch for the maximum ratings
of each module and adjust this if necessary according to the
load type (see above). The minimum loads for each are also
shown on the label.
OVERLOAD PROTECTION
As a safety feature, this dimmer is protected against overload
and overheating. (NB. Some types of bulb can draw more
current as they age and overload the dimmer). If the dimmer
becomes too hot, it will attempt to handle the overload by
reducing the brightness of the lamps. If it is unable to do so the
dimmer will automatically turn the lights off until the overload is
removed and the dimmer is switched off and then switched back
on again.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For FAQs, please visit: www.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 which have become defective within 12
months 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 200-250V a.c. power supply.
b) The dimmer module has not been tampered with or taken
apart. However, for your convenience, it is perfectly in order to
remove a faulty dimmer module from multi-gang dimmers by
pulling off the knob and unscrewing the nut under the knob. You
will then still have the remaining modules working whilst we
service your faulty module.
c) The unit is securely packed and safely returned to:-
Service Department, Carylls Lea, Faygate, Horsham, West
Sussex, RH12 4SJ (Tel. [phone]) 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 to 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: 723
www.varilight.co.uk
I_I
Please
record the batch number
printed on the
side of the plastic moulding on the rear of the
product. This will assist us in providing any
technical support you may require. Reg. 723
BATCH NO:
INSTALLERS
– Please leave these instructions with your
customer for future reference.
WARNING: Do not apply products with 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.

FITTING THE SWITCH
Read the instructions below carefully before beginning.
In case of any doubt or difficulty consult a qualified
electrician.
1. Switch off at the mains.
2. 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. Where
there are two or more wires together in the old switch they
must be kept together in the dimmer.
3.
Check that you have a genuine live feed as well as load
wire(s) at the wall box (see wiring diagrams below).
4.
Ensure that any wall box is free of plaster lumps or projecting
screw heads. Use a box with a minimum depth of 35mm for
touch/remote dim
mers in our Ultraflat and Screwless ranges.
For other ranges a box depth of 25mm is sufficient. Please
note, a box having 4 fixing lugs cannot be used without
modifying it. The top and bottom lugs must be broken off or
bent flat.
5. To connect the wiring, re
fer to the diagrams below. Dimmers
with a metal front plate must be earthed by means of the
earthing point on the dimmer. You must ensure that all wires
are sleeved fully and only enough bare wire is showing to
connect to the terminals. Push wires deep int
o terminals and
tighten terminal screws so that wires are held securely. No
bare wires should protrude from the terminals
6.
After connecting the wires, screw the dimmer gently into the
wall box. Do not trap the wiring between the rear of the
dimmer and the back of the wall box.
7. Turn on the mains electricity.
OPERATION OF THE SWITCH
To initialize the dimmer, touch the circular “sensor” on the front
of the plate once for 2 seconds. The dimmer will respond by
making the light(s) brighter. A single touch will
now turn the
light(s) on or off. To dim the lights, keep contact with the sensor
until the desired light level is reached. While contact with the
sensor is maintained, the brightness will cycle up and down. To
change the direction of the dimming cycle, re
move contact and
then touch the sensor again. When the brightness reaches the
level you require, remove contact with the sensor.
1-WAY, 2-WAY OR MULTI-
WAY CIRCUITS
In 1-
way lighting circuits the light(s) are controlled by one switch.
This dimmer should
replace that switch. The live wire must be
connected to the terminal marked "Live
↓" and the "load" wire to
the terminal marked " ". [See Figure 1]
For 2-way or Multi-
way circuits (where the light(s) are controlled
by more than one switch) use this dimmer
and any number of
VARILIGHTdimming slaves (total cable length from the master
to the last slave should be no more than 50m) following the
wiring d
iagrams below. It is not possible to use a conventional
switch in combination with this type of dimmer.
[See F
and 3]
To fit 2, 3 or 4-
gang dimmers treat each group of terminals at the
back of the unit as a separate dimmer, wiring them into the
lighting circuits as above. You may need a short length of wire to
connect together the "Live↓” terminals.
Read the instructions below carefully before beginning.
In case of any doubt or difficulty consult a qualified
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. Where
there are two or more wires together in the old switch they
Check that you have a genuine live feed as well as load
wire(s) at the wall box (see wiring diagrams below).
Ensure that any wall box is free of plaster lumps or projecting
screw heads. Use a box with a minimum depth of 35mm for
mers in our Ultraflat and Screwless ranges.
For other ranges a box depth of 25mm is sufficient. Please
note, a box having 4 fixing lugs cannot be used without
modifying it. The top and bottom lugs must be broken off or
fer to the diagrams below. Dimmers
with a metal front plate must be earthed by means of the
earthing point on the dimmer. You must ensure that all wires
are sleeved fully and only enough bare wire is showing to
o terminals and
tighten terminal screws so that wires are held securely. No
After connecting the wires, screw the dimmer gently into the
wall box. Do not trap the wiring between the rear of the
To initialize the dimmer, touch the circular “sensor” on the front
of the plate once for 2 seconds. The dimmer will respond by
now turn the
light(s) on or off. To dim the lights, keep contact with the sensor
until the desired light level is reached. While contact with the
sensor is maintained, the brightness will cycle up and down. To
move contact and
then touch the sensor again. When the brightness reaches the
WAY CIRCUITS
way lighting circuits the light(s) are controlled by one switch.
replace that switch. The live wire must be
↓" and the "load" wire to
way circuits (where the light(s) are controlled
and any number of
VARILIGHTdimming slaves (total cable length from the master
to the last slave should be no more than 50m) following the
iagrams below. It is not possible to use a conventional
[See F
igure 2
gang dimmers treat each group of terminals at the
back of the unit as a separate dimmer, wiring them into the
lighting circuits as above. You may need a short length of wire to
REMOTE CONTROL HANDSET
Remote Control Dimmers are pre-
programmed to respond to
button 1 and button 8 on the VARILIGHT remote control handset
(YRC8 -
purchased separately). Alternatively, dimmers can be
re-
programmed to respond to any other button (2 to 7) on the
VARILIGHT remote
control handset or a spare button on many
other remote control handsets. [See “Using your own handset”]
If there is a button that you do not currently use then you may be
able to use it to control the dimmer by following these steps
carefully (do not omit step 3):-
1.
To set the dimmer into learning mode, after it is initialized, tap
the sensor 6 times, roughly once per second (each tap causes
the light(s) to turn on or off). After 6 taps on the sensor the
lights will step up and down once and go off.
2. Within
15 seconds and from a distance of less than 1 metre (3
feet) away, pointing directly at the “eye”, press and release
your chosen button on the remote control handset. The
light(s) will turn on and turn off.
3.
To confirm your choice, press and release the s
the remote control handset again. If the programming has
been successful, the light(s) will turn on and turn off. The
lights then step up and down once to confirm. Try controlling
the dimmer with the remote control. If it does not respond,
re
turn to step 1 above and try again. If the problem persists,
try a different button, a different remote control unit or
purchase the dedicated VARILIGHT controller.
4.
You can now use this button on the remote control to operate
the dimmer. As with the touch
sensor, a single touch on the
remote control button will turn the light(s) on and off. Holding
the button down will make the brightness cycle up and down.
To change the direction of the dimming cycle remove contact
and then press the button again. Release
button when the desired light level is reached. The dimmer
can still be operated using the touch sensor.
5. For 2-
gang models, repeat steps 1 to 4 for each sensor,
teaching each one a different button so you can control each
one separately
. You can change your choice of control button
by following steps 1 to 4 again at any time.
USING YOUR OWN REMOTE CONTROL HANDSET
If you have a spare button on an existing remote control handset
then you may be able to use it to control this dimmer. Not all
handsets are compatible with VARILIGHT dimmers but many
are. If you try and program the dimmer using your own handset
and find t
hat it does not respond then you will need to buy a
VARILIGHT handset instead. In some cases the dimmer may
appear to learn the signal from your own handset but then
respond to other handsets as well. In this case please use the
reset function to restore f
actory settings and buy a VARILIGHT
handset instead. For best results, always choose a VARILIGHT
handset.
RESTORE FACTORY SETTINGS
Follow step 1 above. Press and hold the touch button on the
dimmer for at least 4 seconds. The light will then come on and
fade to off to signal that the dimmer has been reset to its factory
settings.
REMOTE CONTROL HANDSET
programmed to respond to
button 1 and button 8 on the VARILIGHT remote control handset
purchased separately). Alternatively, dimmers can be
programmed to respond to any other button (2 to 7) on the
control handset or a spare button on many
other remote control handsets. [See “Using your own handset”]
If there is a button that you do not currently use then you may be
able to use it to control the dimmer by following these steps
To set the dimmer into learning mode, after it is initialized, tap
the sensor 6 times, roughly once per second (each tap causes
the light(s) to turn on or off). After 6 taps on the sensor the
lights will step up and down once and go off.
15 seconds and from a distance of less than 1 metre (3
feet) away, pointing directly at the “eye”, press and release
your chosen button on the remote control handset. The
To confirm your choice, press and release the s
ame button on
the remote control handset again. If the programming has
been successful, the light(s) will turn on and turn off. The
lights then step up and down once to confirm. Try controlling
the dimmer with the remote control. If it does not respond,
turn to step 1 above and try again. If the problem persists,
try a different button, a different remote control unit or
purchase the dedicated VARILIGHT controller.
You can now use this button on the remote control to operate
sensor, a single touch on the
remote control button will turn the light(s) on and off. Holding
the button down will make the brightness cycle up and down.
To change the direction of the dimming cycle remove contact
and then press the button again. Release
contact from the
button when the desired light level is reached. The dimmer
can still be operated using the touch sensor.
gang models, repeat steps 1 to 4 for each sensor,
teaching each one a different button so you can control each
. You can change your choice of control button
by following steps 1 to 4 again at any time.
USING YOUR OWN REMOTE CONTROL HANDSET
If you have a spare button on an existing remote control handset
then you may be able to use it to control this dimmer. Not all
handsets are compatible with VARILIGHT dimmers but many
are. If you try and program the dimmer using your own handset
hat it does not respond then you will need to buy a
VARILIGHT handset instead. In some cases the dimmer may
appear to learn the signal from your own handset but then
respond to other handsets as well. In this case please use the
actory settings and buy a VARILIGHT
handset instead. For best results, always choose a VARILIGHT
Follow step 1 above. Press and hold the touch button on the
dimmer for at least 4 seconds. The light will then come on and
fade to off to signal that the dimmer has been reset to its factory