Fixture Driver

[Alwayslearningelec]

Looking for some help with qty. driver needed. Driver spec sheet says 100W. Fixture I’m installing are downlights that are 8 watts each. One driver handles 100W of fixture?

 

[LarryFine]

Correct. 12 x 8 = 96 watts, so 12 lights.

 

[ramsy]

Correct. 12 x 8 = 96 watts, so 12 lights.

Inspector may be enforcing NEC 220.18(B)

Further discussion at bottom of this post:

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

Correct. 12 x 8 = 96 watts, so 12 lights.

What is the 12?

 

[ramsy]

Larry points out each lightning driver listed @ 100 Watts can run twleve 8-Watt LED's.

220.18(B) also wants that driver listed in Amps to size branch circuit loads, and adjust x (1.25) for continuous operation.

Beware of LED drivers not listed in Amps for the branch load calc.

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

Larry points out each lightning driver listed @ 100 Watts can run twleve 8-Watt LED's.

220.18(B) also wants that driver listed in Amps to size branch circuit loads, and adjust x (1.25) for continuous operation.

Beware of LED drivers not listed in Amps for the branch load calc.

Thanks How would one claculate driver amps? Simple watts to amps calc. per voltage?

 

[infinity]

Larry points out each lightning driver listed @ 100 Watts can run twleve 8-Watt LED's.

220.18(B) also wants that driver listed in Amps to size branch circuit loads, and adjust x (1.25) for continuous operation.

Beware of LED drivers not listed in Amps for the branch load calc.

Not sure how that would apply to these branch circuits as long as he's following the manufacturer's instructions.

 

[ramsy]

Not sure how that would apply to these branch circuits as long as he's following the manufacturer's instructions.

Ballasts or LED drivers missing nameplate and spec sheet Amps are in violation of listing standards, and NFPA-70 Article 220.18(B).

Components ripped out of a listed assembly, or worse unlisted, untested, or unlabeled knock offs, may have no instructions.

Counterfeit equipment like this subjects installers to Joint and Several liability for all causes of failure, including warranties.

Such equipment should be returned with prejudice, not installed in buildings.

 

[ramsy]

Thanks How would one claculate driver amps? Simple watts to amps calc. per voltage?

Equipment safety standards require manufactures to calculate ballast or driver power factors, and efficiency losses, to determine total amps on specs or nameplates.

I thought the proper engineering formula for standalone drivers or light fixtures missing Amps would be a No-Go, and rejection.

 

[Little Bill]

Larry points out each lightning driver listed @ 100 Watts can run twleve 8-Watt LED's.

220.18(B) also wants that driver listed in Amps to size branch circuit loads, and adjust x (1.25) for continuous operation.

Beware of LED drivers not listed in Amps for the branch load calc.

220.18(B) is not saying the driver can't be listed in watts. It is saying to use the amp rating of the driver and not the total watts of the lamps. You can figure the amp rating from the watts on the driver.

 

[ramsy]

If LED drivers don't show amps there's a problem. Notice the UL standard below for product markings that are not optional.

Here's part of the standard requirements from UL White Book

DRIVERS FOR LIGHT-EMITTING-ARRAYS, MODULES AND CONTROLLERS
(FKSZ)
...
PRODUCT MARKINGS
LED drivers are marked with:
a) Input voltage, either the supply (line) voltage or a low voltage (ac or dc)
b) Input current
c) Input wattage, power factor or both (optional)
d) Output maximum voltage
e) Output current (the maximum current that could be supplied by the driver)
f) Output volt-amperes or wattage
...
REQUIREMENTS
The basic standard used to investigate products in this category is ANSI/UL 8750, ‘‘Light Emitting Diode (LED) Equipment for Use in Lighting Products.’’

UL MARK
The Certification Mark of UL on the product is the only method provided by UL to identify products manufactured under its Certification and Follow-Up Service. The Certification Mark for these products includes the UL symbol, the words ‘‘CERTIFIED’’ and ‘‘SAFETY,’’ the geographic identifier(s), and a file number.

Alternate UL Mark
The Listing Mark of UL on the product is the only method provided by UL to identify products manufactured under its Listing and Follow-Up Service. The Listing Mark for these products includes the UL symbol (as illustrated in the Introduction of this Directory) together with the word ″LISTED,″ a control number, and the product name ‘‘LED Driver.’
...