Increased wattage capacity for lighting control

Posted on May 21, 2008 by nutznboltz

For all of you X10 and UPB powerline control users, have you ever ran across a situation where the desired use of a dimming fixture module just wouldn’t handle the wattage of a particular load, for example, a large chandelier? Well, provided that there’s a suitable junction box accessible for that load, you can install a wall switch device, minus the rocker if you wish, in place of the dimming fixture module.

A Leviton X10 dimming fixture module, LV6376, is rated for 300 watts. By using a Leviton wall switch, LVHCM061SW, you can now control up to 600 watts.

A Simply Automated UPB dimming fixture module, SAUFD30, is also rated for 300 watts. Swap out the module and install an SAUS1140W, and you’re now up to a 600 watt capacity in a single-gang junction box.

There you go…same junction box, different product, double the capacity.

But, if you have a really LARGE chandelier with a boat-load of lumens, let’s say in the 1500 or 2400 watt range, then take a look at and use these high-wattage UPB products from PulseWorx and HAI, PCWS1D15, PCWS1D24, and HA55A002, HA55A003, respectively. Do note, however, that these units will require installation in a 2-gang box.

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3 Responses to “Increased wattage capacity for lighting control”

  1. fred, on June 4th, 2008 at 1:12 am Said:

    I have a LARGE chandelier (160 x 40w candle base lamps) which I need to dim. I had designed a lighting control system using Lutron Wall Power Modules and informed my client 800w was maximum allowance for all his chandeliers. Surprise Surprise we now have a few oversize chandeliers which he insists on having.
    Any ideas.

  2. nutznboltz, on June 4th, 2008 at 8:20 am Said:

    Hi, Fred,

    That is a very large electrical load!

    I’d try to break that total load down to three, separate2400 watt loads, configured to operate simultaneously. If you can’t break that load down, sorry, I don’t have any suggestions to offer.

  3. hc4u, on June 6th, 2008 at 2:32 pm Said:

    Hey Fred,

    I forwarded your question to one of our manufacturers and they are willing to assist you in your installation.
    However, they have some questions for you:

    –What is actual current draw of the chandelier? They need the intial inrush current and the full ON current values as measured from an ammmeter.

    –Waht is the gauge and length of the wire from the load to the switch?

    Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

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