LUKE LAMP CO
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Driver Guide

Low Voltage Driver Guide

 

All Luke Lamp Co. fixtures require remotely-mounted drivers (also known as transformers, inverters, or ballasts), which convert line voltage to low voltage. These drivers are not integrated or built into the fixture and must be mounted remotely.

Luke Lamp Co. offers a selection of three drivers, which are generally included free of charge with our fixtures: the Universal Remote Driver, SWITCHEX Combined Driver/Dimmer Switch, and the MikroDIM Driver. To learn more about each driver and determine the appropriate one for your installation, please refer to our Driver Specification Guide.

 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes! Once you select the right driver for your order, we will include it at no additional charge.

  • Yes, you are free to source drivers separately if you prefer. Drivers must output 24VDC constant voltage, with sufficient wattage for your fixture. Feel free to send us your driver spec sheet so we can determine compatibility.

  • Refer to the Compatible Dimmers section for each driver in our Driver Specification Guide. If your dimmer or lighting system is not listed, contact us with details about your system so we can determine compatibility.

  • The maximum distance the driver can be mounted from the fixture depends on the fixture's wattage and the wire gauge used. For detailed guidance, please refer to the Voltage Drop Chart.

  • The Universal Remote Driver can accept input voltage from 120V-277VAC and 50/60Hz, so can be used throughout the world. The SWITCHEX and MikroDIM drivers are only compatible with 120VAC input/mains voltage.

    For clients in the EU, in order to comply with CE certification requirements, we cannot supply the drivers. However, your electrician should be able to source compatible constant voltage 24VDC drivers locally. They can reach out to us directly if they have any questions on this! 

  • We are happy to exchange your driver for a different option. Please contact us to discuss alternatives that will work in your space!

  • There can be several different reasons for this depending on the driver and dimmer/control system that you are using. Our Technical Team can walk your electrician through some troubleshooting steps. In the unlikely event that a new driver is needed, we will expedite shipment to ensure it reaches you as quickly as possible - we understand that time is of the essence!

  • If your fixture was connected directly to line voltage (without the driver), the internal LEDs have been damaged and will no longer operate normally.

    After this happens, the LEDs are most likely to be dark. They may also appear very dim, or may be flickering. Some sections may be lit while others are dim or dark.

    When this happens, the LEDs need to be replaced. Please contact your Account Manager or call us at 914-294-2024 so we can get your fixture working again as soon as possible!

 

Voltage Drop Chart

Please utilize this chart to determine the appropriate wire gauge to use based on the wattage of your fixture(s) and the distance between the driver(s) and fixture(s). This is an important step in ensuring that there is no impact to the output of the light (no dimming, flickering, etc.). The fixture wattage can be found on the Shop Drawings for Tracer Loop Layouts, or the tearsheet for other fixtures. If you have any questions your Account Manager can assist!

Step 1 - Calculate the total wattage that will be run on the driver.
Step 2 - Refer to the appropriate column in the chart below, rounding up (so if the total wattage is 35W round up to column 4, 40W).
Step 3 - Determine the approximate distance between the fixture(s) and the driver(s).
Step 4 - Refer to the closest distance in correct column (rounding up) and then cross-reference the corresponding wire gauge on the left hand side of the chart.

Example: You are specifying (2) Shield Sconce 2.1’s, which are 28W each. You determine that they will share (1) Universal Remote Driver (which can power up to 80W).

  1. First, you calculate the total wattage: 28W x 2 = 56W.

  2. Based on this total wattage, you refer to Column 6 (60W).

  3. You determine that the driver will be installed 90ft away from the fixtures.

  4. You conclude that you should use 14AWG wire.

Any Questions?

If you or your electrician have any questions about drivers, we’re here to help!

Reach us at 914-294-2024 (press 2 for Technical Support) or info@lukelampco.com.