Post by hanshi on Jan 24, 2014 18:41:54 GMT -5
With the release of the RRD-6CL hardware this month, and the subsequent release of the 7.0 software to support the hardware release which should be available in the next couple of days, this should help to bring even more happiness to the world of controlling LEDs with dimmers in RadioRA 2. I also realize that it also might add confusion. So, let me alleviate the confusion using a format of question and answer (me assuming what the major questions are of course)…
What is the 6CL?
The 6CL dimmer is a two wire symmetric forward phase triac based dimmer that is now available as part of the RadioRA 2 product family. Notice the words “two wire.” No neutral connection is required in the wallbox. It is a two wire dimmer similar to a 6D or 10D.
What load types does the 6CL control?
As a symmetric forward phase triac based dimmer, it can control incandescent, halogen, and magnetic low voltage loads. It is also UL listed to have the ability to control approved/recommended CFL and LED loads, hence the CL part of the model number. The 6 indicates a 600W max rating for resistive load control. Its UL listed max wattage rating for LEDs is 150W. The minimum load of the dimmer is 10W or 1 LED lamp.
As LED and CFL are part of the model number, should I use this dimmer for all CFL and LED dimming applications on a RadioRA 2 job?
No. No. No. As with anything, it depends on the fixture/lamp/driver being controlled. To see what is compatible refer to www.lutron.com/leds for more info or contact our Center of Excellence (leds@lutron.com).
This dimmer is made to control line voltage phase controlled LEDs and CFLs, typically LEDi or CFLi which are lamps with integrated or built-in drivers made to replace your standard screw-in incandescent lamp. Depending on the lamp/fixture, the 6NA, 10ND, Grafik Eye QS, or Wallbox Power Module may prove to be the best performing control solution. The 6CL is not the end all, be all of LED dimming control. It is better viewed as another tool in the tool box to help you better meet more applications in the field.
Ok, well then what is so special about this dimmer?
It is a two wire dimmer that is capable and listed to control LEDs and CFLs. It has a lower minimum load than the other two wire dimmers. The list price is the same as the 6D. The fact that it is a two wire dimmer with the capability of LED control is the most important aspect of the dimmer.
What will happen to the 6D?
In the future, the 6CL will become the 6D so to speak. The 6D will no longer be sold and the 6CL will be used in its place. It controls the same load types plus LEDs and CFLs. LEDs and control of LEDs is the unavoidable future.
What version of the RadioRA 2 programming software is needed to use the 6CL?
7.0 will be required to use the 6CL.
There is a standalone Maestro version of the CL dimmer that has an approved list on the Lutron LED website. Is that approved list the same for the RA2 version?
No. From a circuit level perspective, the dimmers are different. For example, the RadioRA 2 version contains an RF circuit which raises the leakage current in standby which subsequently affects how the dimmer could perform with certain CFL and LED lamps. The 6CL for RadioRA 2 will have its own approved list and own report card entries.
If you have any more questions that I didn’t address, feel free to ask them and I shall answer them for you. Hopefully this helps clear up any confusion.
What is the 6CL?
The 6CL dimmer is a two wire symmetric forward phase triac based dimmer that is now available as part of the RadioRA 2 product family. Notice the words “two wire.” No neutral connection is required in the wallbox. It is a two wire dimmer similar to a 6D or 10D.
What load types does the 6CL control?
As a symmetric forward phase triac based dimmer, it can control incandescent, halogen, and magnetic low voltage loads. It is also UL listed to have the ability to control approved/recommended CFL and LED loads, hence the CL part of the model number. The 6 indicates a 600W max rating for resistive load control. Its UL listed max wattage rating for LEDs is 150W. The minimum load of the dimmer is 10W or 1 LED lamp.
As LED and CFL are part of the model number, should I use this dimmer for all CFL and LED dimming applications on a RadioRA 2 job?
No. No. No. As with anything, it depends on the fixture/lamp/driver being controlled. To see what is compatible refer to www.lutron.com/leds for more info or contact our Center of Excellence (leds@lutron.com).
This dimmer is made to control line voltage phase controlled LEDs and CFLs, typically LEDi or CFLi which are lamps with integrated or built-in drivers made to replace your standard screw-in incandescent lamp. Depending on the lamp/fixture, the 6NA, 10ND, Grafik Eye QS, or Wallbox Power Module may prove to be the best performing control solution. The 6CL is not the end all, be all of LED dimming control. It is better viewed as another tool in the tool box to help you better meet more applications in the field.
Ok, well then what is so special about this dimmer?
It is a two wire dimmer that is capable and listed to control LEDs and CFLs. It has a lower minimum load than the other two wire dimmers. The list price is the same as the 6D. The fact that it is a two wire dimmer with the capability of LED control is the most important aspect of the dimmer.
What will happen to the 6D?
In the future, the 6CL will become the 6D so to speak. The 6D will no longer be sold and the 6CL will be used in its place. It controls the same load types plus LEDs and CFLs. LEDs and control of LEDs is the unavoidable future.
What version of the RadioRA 2 programming software is needed to use the 6CL?
7.0 will be required to use the 6CL.
There is a standalone Maestro version of the CL dimmer that has an approved list on the Lutron LED website. Is that approved list the same for the RA2 version?
No. From a circuit level perspective, the dimmers are different. For example, the RadioRA 2 version contains an RF circuit which raises the leakage current in standby which subsequently affects how the dimmer could perform with certain CFL and LED lamps. The 6CL for RadioRA 2 will have its own approved list and own report card entries.
If you have any more questions that I didn’t address, feel free to ask them and I shall answer them for you. Hopefully this helps clear up any confusion.