Installation-related power reduction
In addition to the basic compatibility of the lamps and, if necessary, of the ballasts, the planned installation position must also be taken into account.
As dimmers develop a higher power loss than relays, particular attention must be paid to the occurring heat for the power loss. The occurring heat must be reliably dissipated to prevent damage. The heat is usually dissipated into the wall via the support plate. If this is not possible because the dimmer is installed, for example, in a surface-mounted box or in a cavity wall box in plasterboard stud frame, the rated load must be reduced.
With increased ambient temperature
Reduction by 10 percent for every 5 °C the ambient temperature exceeds 25 °C.
Example:
installation of a 500-watt dimmer in an ambient temperature of 40 °C
40 °C – 25 °C = 15 °C
15 °C / 5 °C = 3
3 × 10 percent = 30 percent
Reduction of the nominal load by 30 percent
The 500 W dimmer may only be loaded with 70 percent of the specified nominal power, i.e. with 350 W.
For installation in cavity, plasterboard or wooden wall, for installation in furniture
Reduction by 15 percent.
Example:
Installation of a dimmer with 500 watt in a cabinet wall.
Reduction of the nominal load by 15 percent
The 500 W dimmer may only be loaded with 85 percent of the specified nominal power, i.e. with 425 W.
For installation of multiple dimmers above or next to each other
Reduction for the outer devices by 10 percent and by 20 percent for the inner devices
Example:
installation of 3 dimmers, each with 500 watts, in a multiple combination
Reduction of the nominal load by 10 percent or 20 percent
The two outside 500 W dimmers may only have a load of 90 percent of the specified nominal power, i.e. with 450 W.
The inside 500 W dimmers may only have a load of 80 percent of the specified nominal power, i.e. with 400 W.
If several of these conditions occur together in an installation, the rated power must be further reduced accordingly.