FAQ

Unless specified in writing and in consideration of the ongoing upgrade in technology and operating standards, SAL is unable to confirm performance compatibility with third party control devices. It is the responsibility of the installer to confirm performance compatibility, (inclusive of control and function limits) before installation.

YES, AS/NZS6058 test procedures stipulate the type of insulated material composition covering an IC-4 rated product being equivalent to formed insulation, where 200mm is equivalent to an R1 4.0 classification in accordance with AS/NZ4859.1.

Unless the product is provided with a designated IC rating, (which would typically be located on the product rating label); the answer is NO.

This instruction would also apply to any associated LED driver supplied with the panel.

Allowing for the impact (if any) and suitable drainage of water, the product has been designed and approved for installation in an exposed, vertical wall mount orientation only.

Mounting the product in a horizontal orientation voids the designated IP rating of the product, hence installation in such an orientation must not be exposed to any water ingress whatsoever.

No - Dimmers are designed with a minimum load requirement, hence when a sensor turns off the light, the load detected by the dimmer will be insufficient to maintain the control.

NO, The SDF30 dimmer control uses a 1-10V channel for dimming and when connected with another SDF30 in a multi-way circuit configuration, the dimming commands are controlled only by one device, hence multi-way control in not achievable.

This event is not a safety issue and typically occurs when the LED Strip load falls below the threshold of the driver design limit, which will result in a minor capacitive discharge in the form of the LED strip momentarily "blinking" or "flickering" when the power is turned off. When cutting LED strips KITS, it is always important to calculate the remaining LED load to reconfirm its compatibility with the existing driver, as driver changes may be required with moderate reduction in loads.

As there is no global performance standard for dimming devices (other than safety and EMC) it is important to consulate with your supplier the compatibility of the devices you propose to install. Minimum loads and dimming performance limits are critical ratings that must be considered when using such devices.

Yes, inrush current occurs with the lighting circuit switch is activated, resulting in current values several times higher than the nominal line current over a short period, typical < 10 ms, which may engage some circuit safety devices.

It is important to check the product installation instructions for the TYPE (A, B or C) and RATING of the MCB and the maximum value of lights to be installed, to ensure tripping of the lighting protection device does not occur, in particular when using large LED loads such as floodlights or highbays. Typically TYPE C is required for these types of applications.

YES, Try the Premier, Punnet, Unifit, Wash, Europa, Bento or Ecostar ranges, web link https://www.sal.net.au/products/interior-led-lighting/led-downlights

Luminous Efficacy is a measure of how well a light source produces visible light ie: the ratio of luminous flux to power. The value is recorded as lumens per watt (lm/W).

Where Efficiency of a luminaire is the ratio of the light output from the fixture over the light output of the (light) source eg: LED lamp or LED chips. The value is recorded as a percentage (%).

The flickerGUARD system responds to both visual and non-visual harmonic induced flicker.

NO, unless the driver has an equally IC rated label. It is important to read the manufacturers installation instructions for the placement of the driver in IC rated installations, which generally prohibit the driver from being covered by thermal insulation.

The replacement or removal of a factory fitted plug or lead does not void a products warranty, conditional the task has been completed by a qualified installer in accordance with all relevant Australian standards.

Simple answer is NO. Although documented as “hours” Lumen maintenance with LED products is calculated through the combination of LM79, LM80 and TM21 reporting methodologies and reflects as a guide “useful” time duration of the light source. Rated life on the other-hand (when stated) denotes the rated average LED failures over a given time, shown typically shown as rated survival hours. Now don't get this subject confused with PRODUCT WARRANTY, for SAL product warranty offer, check out the warranty statement found here and on the product installation sheet.

Yes, in accordance with AS/NZS 2293, a minimum of 16 hours charging time is required before conducting the emergency lighting duration test. In the event the product fails to achieve the recommended battery discharge test, batteries (if replaced) should be with the same brand/type.
 

Yes, always turn the mains power OFF before making any selectable CCT or Power selections to avoid damage to the components.

Yes, only with the use of a SAL PIXIE Multifunction control or Multiway switch in the circuit. The SAL SMF/BTAS can achieve up to 9 way control, where the S2W/BTAS is limited to a maximum of 3 way control, with a maximum of 2-5 SFI downlights in the circuit.


 

Yes

Three (3) models are currently available, a rippleSHIELD dimmer, Ecogem and Unifit downlights complete with comprehensive selection of trim accessories and colours, perfect for any residential installation.

Yes

1% with smooth dimming performance and soft ON and soft OFF performance.

The rippleSHIELDsystem eliminates the nuisance flicker observed during hot water ripple injection signals between 750 - 1050Hz , typically found in the regions of NSW and QLD. 

The dimming function will not operate and the flicker elimination will not occur.


 

The dimming function will not operate and the flicker elimination will not occur.


 

No the system, which consists of a rippleSHIELD dimmer AND rippleSHIELD driver are required to eliminate the observed flicker and will only eliminate the flicker on the connected rippleSHIELD luminaire. All lights on the circuit connected to the dimmer must be replaced, NOT just the one/s where the flicker was visible.

Humidity can play havoc with electronic circuits (more commonly known in light as LED’s) This data can be found on SAL installation sheets and should be considered before installation of equipment.

Microwave sensors detect motion by projecting microwaves, which bounce off surfaces and returns the signal to the controlling sensor; IR sensors emit in order to identify heat or movement of an object measuring only infrared radiation and a PIR sensor measures infrared light radiating from objects in its field of view

IP (or Ingress and Protection) are an international standard reference which defines how well an electrical product seals itself against the intrusion of foreign bodies and moisture. The first digit I stands for intrusion of a solid object and the second digit P stands for the protection against moisture. In brief the higher the rating the more secure the product is against these elements.

As a guide IP20 is suitable for basic interior spaces eg: office areas, where IP55 and above would be suitable for exterior equipment such as floodlights.

For more information please refer to AS 60529. 
 

For the digital LED world L70 is simply a measure of time that the light source will be reduced to 70% of its original (or initial) output. You will also see documented L90, which represents the measure of time where the product is reduced to 90% of its original (or initial output).

corridorSTANDBY what does it mean?

The SAL corridorSTANDBY function is a sensor designed for use in products such as bulkheads or weatherproofs for underground carparks and battens for commercial interior spaces to identify activity within the space, thus providing a set value of illumination for a determined amount of time.

In detail; the SAL corridorSTANDBY function allows the user to set the device to detect movement in the space, which then signals the product to switch to full brightness and then hold for a predetermined time, then when movement is NOT detected, the signal then reduces the lighting level to a predetermined value and allows function for a predetermined duration.

The SAL corridorSTANDBY function is ideal for commercial interior and underground carpark spaces, looking for an energy efficient lighting solution without compromising safety and security.

In street terms LM79 is a set of methodologies for laboratory testing of solid state luminaires, which will result in CCT, CRI, system power, luminous flux and distribution being reported.

In street terms LM80 is the test method for measuring lumen maintenance for a LED light source at the actual component level ie the LED.

(thermal ambient) is the recommended maximum environmental thermal limit for the safe continued operation of an electrical device. The ta rating can be found on the rating label and installation sheet, which is located on the relevant product web page. Typically, you will find ta ratings of 25 degree C for Interior products, where ta ratings of up to 50 degree C can be found for exterior products. Operating products beyond their designed ta limit is not recommended as it will stress the product components beyond their rated limits, resulting in reduced product performance or premature failure.

In street terms TM21 is a method to extrapolate the LM80 lumen maintenance data beyond the actual test duration and determine a projection of lumen maintenance as referenced by L70 or L90 (70% or 90% of the initial light source output).

An IK rating of a lighting product is covered by EN 62262 and is a measure of the impact resistance of a product. In brief the test process measures a products mechanical impact (impact energy joules) limits against a known mass and varied distances. As a guide the higher the IK rating (limit 10) the higher the products ability to withstand impact force.

High IK rated products (IK10) would be seen used in environments such as vandal prone installations, prisons as a guide.
 

Earth leakage current is an important electrical safety measurement and care should be considered when calculating earth leakage values. This data can be found on SAL installation sheets or for more details on the calculating method go to AS/NZ 60598.1.2013 table 10.3.

Like traditional HID circuits, LED despite the smaller electrical loads has its own limits when it comes to in-rush currents, which must be considered with all electrical circuits. This data can be found on SAL installation sheets.

LED flicker, what a nuisance and why does it occur?

Well let's start with the TYPES of “flicker” in LEDs and then let’s discuss the CAUSES, and the SOLUTIONS.

Firstly, there is visual flicker and as the definition states, the bare eye can see the LED flicker directly at various times. Then there is Non-visual flicker, which is harder to detect as the flicker experience typically can only be seen with the use of a smart phone, camera, or persons that are sensitive to artificial light sources and in some cases the flicker can be observed only via your peripheral vision.

There are many causes of flicker, however, the consistent causes that arise are typically:

(1) poor luminaire construction and or low quality LED components,
(2) compatibility of the light source and a connected dimmer device, remember there is no international performance standard for the combination of dimming and LED devices, hence compatibility issues can sometimes be a challenge
(3) connected inductive loads within the electrical circuit eg: fans, air conditioners, which can disrupt the circuit harmonics
(4) ripple induced circuits, typically found in QLD and NSW, where the electrical provider sends a signal through the electrical system to control the off-peak hot water functions and
(5) the use of off-grid power (diesel) supplies and or solar supply sources, which can cause harmonic distortion if the system is not filtered correctly.

So, what are the SAL solutions?

For commercial panel and commercial downlight applications, the selection of a premium control gear system, such as the SAL flickerCONTROLLED series will respond to non-visual created flicker.

Examples of SAL product solutions are - PANELS   DOWNLIGHTS   INTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL  EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL

For residential applications, the key is to identify the source of the flicker and then respond with a suitable flicker-controlled solution.

For ripple induced flicker the SAL (premium) solution is the rippleSHIELD series, which uses a combination of a dedicated dimmer and downlight to completely eliminate ANY flicker experience. This system has no equal and has been proven to address all flicker influences, whether it be mains connected ripple induced or inductive load supplies. Examples of SAL rippleSHIELD product solutions are.

Now for non-visual and visual harmonic induced flicker, the SAL solution is the flickerGUARD series, which uses an advanced circuit design, responding to both visual and non-visual harmonic induced flicker experiences. Unlike the rippleSHIELD system, this solution utilizes the existing dimming device, which naturally carry third party design tolerances. Examples of SAL flickerGUARD product solutions are .

(CRI) in street talk is a measure of how an illuminated object appears to the eye.  As a guide the higher the CRI rating >85, the closer the illuminated object is when compared to standardized daylight. Typical CRI value available are: CRI70 for outdoor recreational sports, CRI80 for interior task areas, >CRI90 clinical observation tasks.

Si (K) denotes the correlated colour temperature (CCT) of a light source referenced against a black body radiator.

In street terms colour temperature is how warm or cool you see the light source.

eg : warm colours are typically 2700-3000K, which would generally be used in residential interior spaces.

cool colours are typically around 4000K, which would generally be used in office interior spaces.

cold colours (daylight) are typically 5000-6000K, which would generally be used in exterior spaces.

Lumen (lumen lm) is the total light out of a light source measured as (initial lumens) representing the base or NEW lamp source lumens. (Rated lumens) is then measured after 100 hours usage for traditional lamp sources and LED sources are represented by L70 or L90 ratings.

 

Lux (lx) is the unit measure for how much luminous flux (lumens lm), which in street terms is LIGHT falling on a given surface. Lux can be accurately measured by a calibrated Light meter

Unfortunately NO. SAL understands the importance of product compliance and such, maintain all products sold comply with all mandatory Australian, International safety, EMC and performance standards, which typically capture the use of lighting products connected to a traditional 240V / 415V 50Hz Electrical reticulation system.