Metal Halids Run Off Dimmer as Substitute Relay?

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by abg, Feb 11, 2009.

  1. abg

    abg

    Joined:
    Dec 25, 2007
    Messages:
    208
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    Sydney
    Just wondering if there is a problem running 3x400W metal halides off a dimmer (L5504D2U) but not for dimming purposes - just using the dimmer as a substitute relay.

    I have what appears to be a faulty relay and have a spare dimmer which I thought I could use while sorting out the relay problem. There are 3 x 400w lights run through a contactor. If I make sure the channel dimmer is set to max/min 100% would this be ok or are their startup/shutdown issues that might damage the lights?

    Thanks,

    Andrew
     
    abg, Feb 11, 2009
    #1
  2. abg

    ______.

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2008
    Messages:
    91
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    UK - London
    If your running the MH lights through a contactor then you should be ok. The dimmer will always ramp on/off no matter what you do with the min/max settings. You may bet some bouncing on the contactor when it turns on/off, but it should work.

    If your running the lights directly through the dimmer at 3x400W (1200W) you will blow the channel on the dimmer, it can only handle (about 600W)
     
    ______., Feb 11, 2009
    #2
  3. abg

    NickD Moderator

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2004
    Messages:
    1,420
    Likes Received:
    62
    Location:
    Adelaide
    If you're running the lamps through a contactor the minimum load requirement of the L5504D2U might be a problem too.

    Nick
     
    NickD, Feb 11, 2009
    #3
  4. abg

    abg

    Joined:
    Dec 25, 2007
    Messages:
    208
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    Sydney
    Thanks for the feedback. I have two spare dimmers and no spare relays but as it is through a contactor it looks like I should wait for the warranty replacement of the faulty relay which should be on its way soon anyway (he says hopefully) :)
     
    abg, Feb 12, 2009
    #4
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.