Technical Bulletins
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Hatch RS-LED Line
Date: 05/03/2011
Subject: Hatch RS-LED Line Not Supported on Lutron Grafik Eye Systems
Hatch Transformers, Inc.'s 12V RS LED products are electronic transformers that supply a high frequency AC voltage that is proportional to the line voltage input. Due to the very wide dimming range of the Grafik Eye system, it is likely that HATCH RS-LED products will supply an AC waveform that is outside of the dimming range of most self-ballasted LED lamps WHEN USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH Lutron Grafik Eye systems in their present configuration. This is NOT a malfunction of the RS12-LED electronic transformers.
As a result, dimming of the RS12-LED line of electronic transformers with the Lutron Grafik Eye system is not supported at this time. Lutron Electronics is aware of the situation and is working to address it. For further information contact Lutron Technical Support at 1-800-523-9466.
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)
Date: 05/17/2010
Subject: Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Compatibility
Arc fault circuit interrupters were developed to reduce the risk of fire due to series and parallel arc faults. Underwriters Laboratories published UL1699 - Standard for Safety for AFCIs - in 1996 to cover a wide variety of conditions to evaluate an AFCI. The standard includes requirements for the following conditions:
- • Humidity
- • Leakage Current
- • Dielectric Strength Testing
- • Abnormal Power Conditions
- • Arc-Fault Detection
- • Operation Inhibition
- • Resistance to Environmental Noise
- • Abnormal Operation
- • Unwanted Tripping
Unwanted, or nuisance tripping is one of the biggest concerns for lighting systems designers.
UL defines four varieties of tests related to an AFCI's ability to resist unwanted tripping.
- • Inrush Current: High current draw devices such as capacitive systems, tungsten filament lamps and capacitor start motors.
- • Normal Arcing: Normal household switches and appliance plugs, brush motors, thermostatic contacts.
- • Non-Sinusoidal Waveforms: Electronic lamp dimmers and transformers, computer switching-mode power supplies and
fluorescent lamps. - • Cross Talk: This test measures trip avoidance for an AFCI when an arc is detected in an adjacent circuit. Only the circuit with the arc should cause the breaker to trip, not another circuit.
Of these the most likely problem category for compatibility with electronic transformer and HID products is inrush current.
Hatch Transformers has conducted testing on transformer and ballast products and found that arc fault circuit interrupters are generally immune to nuisance tripping under normal startup conditions when used in combination with our products and wired in accordance with NEC guidelines. Although Hatch Transformers has conducted extensive laboratory testing, it is not possible to replicate and test every system design and field condition set. Hatch will assist customers should any tripping issues be encountered. This issue is not a failure of our product and therefore is not covered by our warrantee. Please request a copy of our warrantee document which can be sent to you by email.
Remote Mounting of Hatch Electronic HID Ballasts
Date: 9/14/2010
Subject: Remote Mounting and Installation Requirements for Electronic HID Ballasts
To achieve optimal performance with Hatch Transformers Electronic HID Ballasts, remote installation guidelines listed must be followed. Failure to follow the guidelines listed below can result in unacceptable lamp performance and loss of warranty coverage for remote installations.
Installation Guidelines:
1) The mains supply to the ballast should be run separately from the lamp leads, and cables from other electrical systems should not run in the same conduit as, or in close proximity to, the lamp leads. 2) Do not add additional lamp leads from other ballasts to the same conduit 3) Use metal conduit that is a minimum of ½ inch or 20 mm in diameter 4) Maximum recommended remote mounting distance is 25 feet from the ballast to the socket. 5) The following wire types are approved for use as lead wire extensions:
- UL 3321/AWM
- UL 3071/ SEW-2 or SF-2
Use of any other mounting method or wire type could create safety hazards, cause erratic performance, and/or cause permanent damage to ballast components. This can lead to premature field failures and void the ballast warranty. Please contact Hatch for approval of other wire types and with any other question regarding the remote mounting of Hatch Electronic HID Ballasts.
