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Version 2021.2
Electrical Recommendations
MCB example
MCBS (MINIATURE CIRCUIT BREAKERS)
ICL (INRUSH CURRENT LIMITER)
An ICL can help avoid nuisance MCB tripping and can be installed between the MCB
and the load. It also enables an increase the luminaire quantity up to the maximum
RMS current limit of the Inrush Current Limiter.
ICL example
Valoya only recommend using MCB’s with “Type C” trip characteristics according to EN 60898.
MCB
TYPE
Rating
(A)
Relative
quantity
(%)
B
10
37
16
60
20
75
INRUSH CURRENT
This is the initial current surge drawn during product start-up. Total inrush current rises as the circuit load
increases and is one factor that can contribute to nuisance tripping of circuit breakers (MCB’s).
Practical performance will be affected by the MCB load, MCB tripping characteristics, site wiring impedance,
and the angle of the AC mainscycle at the specific moment power is applied.
Nuisance tripping issues may be improved by:
•
Reducing the quantity of LED drivers connected to a single MCB.
•
Re-distributing the load over multiple mains phases.
•
Using an MCB with Type C (EN 60898) tripping characteristics.
•
Installing additional inrush current limiting devices.
•
Installing a zero crossing relay for powering up the LED drivers.
The maximum quantity of Valoya products recommended for a 16A Type C MCB is stated on the product’s
technical specifications datasheet (e.g installation guide). This quantity is used as the 100% reference in the
table below. The table is provided as a tool to enable calculation of the approximate maximum load for different
MCB types and ratings. Installation wiring rating, impedances and mains switch-on angle variations may also
influence the actual practical limit.
MCB
TYPE
Rating
(A)
Relative
quantity
(%)
C
10
62
16
100 (Ref.)
20
125
Example of a typical inrush current
graph
20A branch circuit is the maximum allowed per UL certification
according to LED Drivers UL Conditions of Acceptability.
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