GB2421366A

GB2421366A - Electronic dimmer control through two-way switching

Info

Publication number: GB2421366A
Application number: GB0427602A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Henry Charles Horton
Original assignee: Get PLC
Current assignee: Get PLC
Priority date: 2004-12-16
Filing date: 2004-12-16
Publication date: 2006-06-21
Anticipated expiration: 2024-12-16
Also published as: GB2421366B; GB0427602D0

Abstract

An electronic dimmer 11 for lighting that includes a programmable means 12 associated with a dimmer circuit. The programmable means 12 to dim associated lighting is operated by a remote control 10 connected via conventional two-way wiring 14. One or more remote controls 10 may be connected to the dimmer 11 in parallel. The dimmer 11 can then be controlled from multiple locations using existing wiring 14. A rectifier diode 16 may be connected in series with the remote controls 10 to prevent capacitive coupling to earth.

Description

ELECTRONIC DIMMER FOR LIGHTING The present invention relates to an electronic dimmer for lighting. The invention is suitable for installation in buildings, particularly in lighting circuits where control from more than one control position (i.e. on/off switch) is desirable and where connection to a neutral side of a mains supply is not required. It is common for lighting (single lamps or groups of lamps) in a building to be controlled from more than,one switch. For example, in a room with two entry points, a light switch may be installed adjacent to each entry point for turning the lights on and off. A two-way switching circuit can achieve this. Additional switching locations may also be added by the use of "intermediate" changeover switches. According to common installation practice, the neutral side of the mains supply is not extended to any of these switch locations (see Figure 1). When a light dimming function is required in such a circuit, one of the two-way switches is usually replaced with a two-way dimmer switch. In other words the dimming function can only be installed at one location. If two dimmer switches were to be fitted, the respective dimming functions would be in conflict. A conventional two-way dimmer switch comprises the following functional elements: A mechanical two-way switch A dimming circuit capable of varying the waveform fed to the lamp and not requiring a connection to the neutral side of the mains supply A user control means to operate the dimming circuit, e.g. a rotary control knob physically connected to a potentiometer inside the dimmer. In more advanced dimmer circuits the control means may include one or more switch buttons or touch sensors. Buttons/sensors can be touched momentarily or held in various combinations or sequences to provide signals that operate the dimmer circuit. Electronic control may be via a programmable integrated circuit (PIC) programmed to provide an output for desired dimming or switching effects according to the timing, sequence or combination of buttons/sensors selected. The electronics (control means/dimmer circuit) are usually an integral part of the dimmer switch, sometimes with the provision for further remote switch buttons or touch sensors to be located elsewhere. Such remote switching is conventionally by way of specially installed wires or infra red/radio communication between units. Accordingly, installing such dimming circuits with more than one control location in existing buildings can be expensive and inconvenient. It is an object of the present invention to overcome shortcomings in the prior art as described above. Preferably, the present invention seeks to use existing or conventional two-way mains wiring to allow controlling connections in a dimmer circuit. In one broad aspect the present invention provides an electronic dimmer for lighting including a programmable means associated with a dimmer circuit, said programmable means being operable by a remote control means connected via two (or more) way mains wiring. Preferably a semiconductor device is included, in series with the remote control. Preferably the semiconductor device is a semiconductor rectifier diode. Preferably the remote control includes a switch. Preferably that switch is biased to an open position. In one form a plurality of remote control means are provided. Preferably a local control is provided with the programmable means. The programmable means preferably includes the functions of controlling on/off switching and dimming a light and/or other sequences of light control. In a second broad aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing an electronic dimmer control for lighting including installing a dimmer circuit with local programmable means to perform a light dimming function and installing a remote.control means to communicate with the programmable means via two-way mains wiring. In one form of the method, the existing two-way mains wiring of a lighting circuit in a building is utilised by replacing a first two-way switch with the dimmer circuit and a second twoway switch with the remote control means. Preferably a diode is placed in series with the remote control means. The electronic dimmer for lighting according to the present invention is described by reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:- Figure 1 is a wiring diagram showing a typical conventional two-way lighting circuit, Figure 2 is a wiring diagram showing a lighting circuit including an electronic dimmer according to the present invention, and Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of a complete electronic dimmer for lighting according to the present invention. The present invention teaches a means for utilising standard two-way mains wiring as shown in Figure 1 to implement an electronic dimmer for lighting as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows a remote control means or "remote switch" 10 for connection to an electronic dimmer 11. There may be one or more remote switches 10 according to the present invention for connection to the dimmer 11 in parallel. A programmable means (PIC) 12 within the dimmer 11 is programmed to respond to an external signal (or sequence) applied to the remote switch 10. In Figure 2 the remote switch 10 is operated by tapping or holding the switch closed to make a connection only for the duration it is held. A spring 13 prevents continuous connection to a live supply wire 14 when in an unused state (note connection to live supply 14 is not made in Figure 2). In accordance with Wiring Regulations all metal parts of the switch 10 and its enclosure are earthed via wire 17. The switch 10 is permanently connected to terminal 3 of the dimmer 11 by "SW" connection 18 as is common practice in the art. The response of the programmable means to a signal is to provide an output to the dimming circuit (reference numeral 15, Figure 3). A desired dimming or switching function is performed according to the applied signal. For example, the user input to remote switch 10 may be in the form of the following commands: Tap switch once Switch light ON Hold switch closed Continuously cycle through entire dimming range until desired dimming level reached (then release switch) Tap switch once more Switch light OFF Other sequences of commands may be employed, such as tap once for ON, twice for OFF. Any number of remotely located switch buttons 10 or touch sensors may be connected to dimmer 11 in a parallel arrangement (remote switches do not affect each other because in an unused state they remain "open"). Control from multiple locations is therefore possible. The present invention is able to utilise existing mains wiring from two (or more) way switch installations. However, in many countries (including the United Kingdom) existing wiring is required to- include an earth conductor (17). Conventionally all wiring is provided in a single cable. As such, a significant capacitance exists between the conductors resulting in an a.c. electrical path to earth that, in all but the shortest of cable lengths is sufficient to effectively disable the remote switch 10 communicating with the programmable means 12. In the present invention this problem is overcome by including a semiconductor rectifier diode 16 in series with each remote switch input (reference numeral 3 in Figure 2). In this way an a.c. coupling is prevented enabling a remote switch 10 to be operable with any length of wiring. The electronic dimmer for lighting according to the present invention can be implemented using generally known componentry or with components that can be designed for the purpose (i.e. the programmable means (PIC) 12). However, the advantage is that existing wiring installations can be used to achieve multiple point dimming control, without the need for expensive new wiring installations or other signal communication methods. The attached Appendix A includes draft installation and operating instructions that generally provide a skilled man with details of the intended use situation. However, the invention should not be considered limited to the parameters specified. Appendix "A

Installation and Operating Instructions Electronic Dimmers GUGEDIM*** & GRLEDIM** 1. General Installation Safety Instructions. Read these instructions fully before starting work and keep for future reference This products must be installed indoors in dry, dust free conditions and in accordance with the current edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and all current Statutory Instruments. In the Republic of Ireland the installation must comply the ETCI National Rules for Electrical Installations (ET 101) Electncal installations and in particular 2 way and multi-way lighting circuits may be wired in different ways IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF THE CONNECTIONS, OR HOW to PROCEED, CONSULTA COMPETENT ELECTRICIAN. Switch OFF the mains supply before starting work Ensure that the supply cannot be inadvertently reconnected by anyone else. Use a lock if necessary If replacing an existing switch, remove it and ensure wall box is free from dust and debris Ensure the heads of any fixing screws do not protrude into the box. Installations must be wired using solid cored sheathed installation cable Ensure the outer sheath extends fully into every wall box, junction box and ceiling rose. DO NOT use stranded flex All metal plate wiring accessories and metal wall boxes must be earthed and the earthing wires fully sheathed with green & yellow sleeving 2. UK and Eire Installation Colour Codes. As from Apnl 2004, new installations in the UK could be wired using the EU harmonized colour code for supply conductors: Harmonised Colour Code: Old Colour Code BROWN = Live RED = Live BLUE = Neutral BLACK = Neutral GREEN & YELLOW = Earth GREEN & YELLOW = Earth The old colour code will cease to be used from Apnl 2006. In the Republic of Ireland, the Harmonised colour code is currently in force. 3. Specific Instructions for Grid Frame Mounting Dimmers. These products are compatible with all GET LV Lighting Transformers Gnd frame modules require a wall mounting box of at least 35mm depth. Wall boxes with 4 lugs must have the top and bottom lugs removed. Carefully remove Screwless Cover Plate by inserting a flat bladed screwdnver into one of the slots in the side of the clear frame surround Clip Module into Grid Frame. Ensure the total connected load is within limits detailed in Technical Specification (Page 4) Install according to wiring instructions on page 2 or 3.

. DO NOT DISCARD THE CLEAR PLASTIC MOUNTING FRAME. Screw to wall box using screws provided and replace cover plate For 2 Way or Multi-Way installations, Separate Retractive Push switches are required. Any existing 2 way or intermediate switches MUST be replaced The following GET products are suitable. ROCCA: GRL102R" with matching Cover Plate GRLS01G" GRID: GUG102R'" with matching Cover Plate: GUG01G (White moulded) or GUG01G" (Metal) See GET Catalogue for details of available finishes DO NOT connect to fluorescent or energy saving lamps

6. User Operating Instructions.

Operation of 2 Way And Multi-Way Retractive Press Switch

7. General Product Care Switch off mains before attempting clean the dimmer. The front buttons of the dimmer may be cleaned using a lint free cotton cloth, very lightly moistened with a diluted detergent such as washmg up liquid. This detergent MUST be diluted with water before use. DO NOT allow any water to enter the dimmer module DO NOT use concentrated detergents, spray cleaners, solvents or abrasive cleaners Dry thoroughly before reconnecting the mains If water is allowed to enter the dimmer module, DO NOT reconnect the mains supply Consult a competent electncian 8. Technical Specifications. . Rated Voltage: 200 - 240V ac 50 60 Hz (NOT Compatible with 110-125V supplies) . Product Standards BSEN 60669-2-1 & BSEN 55015 . Maximum Load: 400W / VA. De-rate to 320W NA with Mains Halogen and Low Voltage lighting transformers Maximum Loads W I VAfor Multiple Dimmers in a Single Enclosure Front plate gang size 2 3 4 6 8 9 12 15 18 20 24 Per Row - GLS Lamps 400 480 480 480 480 480 480 480 480 480 480 Per Row - Mains Halogen 320 380 380 380 380 380 380 380 380 380 380 or LV Transformer Total Plate - GLS Lamps 400 480 480 740 740 940 940 1440 1440 1800 1800 Total Plate - Mains Halogen 320 380 380 600 600 750 750 1155 1155 1440 1440 or LV Transformer 9. Guarantee This product is guaranteed for 25 years from the date of purchase against faulty materials or workmanship, provided the product: Is returned to GET, with proof of purchase, via the company which originally supplied the product. Has been used for its intended purpose and within the ratings stated above. Has been installed and used in accordance with these instructions . Has not been opened or tampered with This guarantee does not extend to wear and tear to decorative finishes and does not affect your statutory nghts other than those expressly set out above and does not cover claims for consequential loss or damage.

GET pic

Key Point 3 - 17 High Street Potters Bar EN6 5AJ England Helpline Telephone +44 (0)121 565 7770 ARCN102

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. An electronic dimmer for lighting including a programmable means associated with a dimmer circuit, said programmable means being operable by a remote control means connected via two (or more) way wiring.

2. The electronic dimmer of claim 1 wherein a semiconductor device is included, in series with the remote control.

3. The electronic dimmer of claim 2 wherein the semiconductor device is a semiconductor rectifier diode.

4. The electronic dimmer of any preceding claim wherein there are a plurality of remote control means are provided.

5. The electronic dimmer of any preceding claim wherein a local control is provided with the programmable means.

6. The electronic dimmer of any preceding claim wherein the programmable means responds to signals from the remote control means to perform on/off switching and/or light dimming functions.

7. The electronic dimmer of any preceding claim wherein the remote control includes a switch.

8. The electronic dimmer of claim 7 wherein the switch is biased to an open position.

9. A method of installing an electronic dimmer control for lighting including installing a dimmer circuit with local programmable means to perform a light dimming function and installing a remote control means to communicate with the programmable means via two-way mains wiring.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein existing two-way mains wiring of a lighting circuit in a building is utilised by replacing a first two-way switch with the dimmer circuit and a second two-way switch with the remote control means.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10 wherein a diode is placed in series with the remote control means.

12. An electronic dimmer for lighting substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.

13. A method of installing an electronic dimmer control for lighting substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.