LVS Frequently Asked Questions

General

• Are LVS products LED compatible?

  All LVS products are designed and tested for use with all LED loads. Additionally, LVS products may be used with fluorescent, incandescent, halogen, induction loads. Most LVS products are not recommended for use with HID or Sodium lamps. However, you may contact LVS to discuss your application.

• What is the LVS Warranty and LVS Terms and Conditions?

  LVS Warranty and Terms & Conditions are provided in this document: LVS Warranty / Repair Conditions.

Emergency Lighting Control

• Which Emergency Lighting Control is appropriate for my project?

  > View Table

• What is an Emergency Lighting Control (EPC)?

  In the past, all emergency lights had to be on 24 hours a day to meet safety codes. Now a UL924 listed emergency power control can convert & control up to 20A of normal lighting into approved emergency lighting. When utility power is available, LVS UL924 listed emergency power controls (EPC’s) allow designated emergency lights to be switched or dimmed using the same control as regular lights in the same area. Upon loss of power, EPC’s will switch designated emergency luminaires on, at full brightness, regardless of switch or dimmer position, until utility power is restored.

• What are the advantages of using Emergency Lighting Controls?

  There are many advantages to using Emergency Power Controls. EPCs allows emergency lighting and regular lighting to be consistently controlled from the same switching or dimming device. They also provide peace of mind and ensure code compliance. Lastly, they allow for substantial energy savings when compared with traditional 24/7 night light/emergency light systems.

• What are some differences between LVS Emergency Lighting Controls and other similar devices on the market?

  LVS is the leading manufacturer of UL924 listed lighting controls and offers the widest selection of models. You can be sure that you will have the right equipment for your project every time. LVS offers several unique features including patented automatic testing, a wide range of flush and plenum mounting, and the smallest footprint. LVS works with customers of all sizes and can offer custom features and settings upon request.

  There are also some internal construction differences which are discussed in more detail in this document and this document (***gdocs link not working)

• What is the difference between a UL1008 Transfer Switch and a UL924 control?

  LVS is the leading manufacturer of UL924 listed lighting controls and offers the widest selection of models. You can be sure that you will have the right equipment for your project every time. LVS offers several unique features including patented automatic testing, a wide range of flush and plenum mounting, and the smallest footprint. LVS works with customers of all sizes and can offer custom features and settings upon request.

  Due to recent code changes, we often receive questions related to this topic. A brief summary is discussed in this technical document. More information can be requested from our engineers.

• Does LVS offer a 347V EPC?

  Yes, please see our model EPC-1-D-HV-347V.

Emergency Lighting Inverters

• What is an inverter?

  At its most basic level, an inverter is an electrical component which converts DC power (for example, a battery) to AC power (which can be used by traditional appliances and lighting loads). A UL924 Listed inverter belongs to this family of devices but is a fully functional system including other components such as batteries, battery charger, utility power sensing relay, transfer switch, overcurrent protection, and metal enclosure. UL924 inverters are a popular backup source for buildings which do not already have a generator.

• What are some of the advantages of using an inverter instead of unit battery packs?

  Central inverters have numerous advantages over battery packs. Please see the table below for more information.

  View Table

• What are some unique features of LVS inverters?

  LVS Inverters are built using a modular construction principle. This enhances reliability and improves field service ability over our competitors. LVS Inverters are generally 20-40% smaller in physical size than the competition.

• What is inrush current and why is it important to consider when specifying an inverter?

  All lighting loads suffer from a phenomenon known as inrush current. However, LED loads can draw exceptionally high inrush currents.

  Inrush current can cause inverters to think they are overloaded and trip their overcurrent protection devices. LVS inverters include several unique features to deal with inrush current. Additionally, LVS recommends derating all inverter nominal wattages by 15% or more for trouble free operation.

• When are Emergency Power Controls required with an inverter?

  Emergency Power Controls are a valuable tool to use with an inverter. Generally speaking, if only a single switching zone is used for an entire inverter, then an EPC may not be required. Additionally, if the inverter lights are used as night lights (Normally-On Loads), an EPC is not required. However, if multiple switch legs are connected to a single inverter, EPC’s are required. This document provides examples and exercises for different scenarios.

• Does LVS offer custom inverters (Voltage, Frequency, Time Delay, etc.)?

  Yes, LVS offers a quick turnaround custom inverter build service. Depending on the size and requirements of your application, we can offer custom voltage (220, 230, 240), frequency (50/60 HZ) and a wide range of other features. Past custom inverter customers include embassies, large school districts, national accounts, and more. Contact LVS for more details.

Load Shedding

• Which LVS products allow 0-10V load shedding?

  The RTS-0-10V, EPC-D-F-LS, and select mini/micro inverters (25W,50W, 125W,250W) have 0-10V load shedding functionality.

• What is load shedding?

  Load shedding is the automatic reduction of energy consumption through disconnecting or dimming connected loads. Load shedding is desirable in circumstances where power is limited such as during a utility power interruption or during peak demand when power is more expensive.

Low Voltage Switching Relays (CR & TR)

• What is the proper method to install this closet relay for double doors?

  In order to properly install the CR-120 you must first determine whether you have a N/O or N/C contact (see question below). Once you have determined this, see the CR-120 installation instructions for wiring instructions.

• Is my magnetic switch normally open or normally closed?

  In order to determine if your magnetic switch is N/O or N/C, you would need a continuity tester. Before installing the magnetic switch, take the magnetic switch in your hand and measure continuity between the two wire leads or terminals. If the continuity tester beeps or lights up, you have a N/C magnetic switch. If it does not, you have a N/O magnetic switch. Please note this test should be performed with the magnetic switch not hooked up to anything and not nearby the magnet.

• What is the maximum distance that the CR-120 can be installed from the low voltage magnetic contact?

  The CR-1-120 is recommended for residential installations for closet and cabinet lighting. For maximum reliability, we recommend distances not greater than 20 feet. If longer distances are required, please see model TR-100. The TR-100 can function at distances of greater than 1000 feet.

• Is the TR-A, TR-B, and TR-C still available?`

  No, these models are discontinued. For TR-A replacement, TR-100. For TR-C, see TR-150. For TR-B, use 2x TR-100s.

• When should I use a TR-100 instead of a CR-1-120?

  You should use the TR-100 for high current applications, long distance low voltage wiring, parallel applications, and commercial installation. Generally speaking, the TR-100 is suitable for a much wider range of applications, but is also slightly more expensive.