Specific to NERO-DIM

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After rigorous power quality testing across multiple locations in Australia including collaboration with state energy suppliers and power analytics companies, we can confirm findings which highlight that harmonics being fed to and through certain properties in Australia, may have an effect on the performance of the NERO-DIM.

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While NERO-DIM meets all regulatory standards required for sale on the Australian market, NER (National Electrical Rules): Article, AS/NZS 61000 3.6, states that levels of THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) must comply within 8% LV (Low Voltage, i.e. 216V and 264V), being the acceptable for electrical equipment in this category. However, these tested circumstances and sites proved readings of harmonics in excess of 2 to 3 times higher than what should be expected for a standard 240v supply from the grid.

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This environmental issue has now been confirmed to damage phase cut dimming technology. Exhibiting symptoms such as flashing lights, lights staying on, lights remaining off, as well as some units locking up preventing the lights from being functional from both the switch or software.

The Lighting Council of Australia has also tabled its concerns on reliable dimming to both manufacture and energy provider alike with the knowledge of harmonic environmental issues.

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Schneider Electric has invested heavily into time and resources evaluating wireless and wired phase cut dimming technologies from around the world, including dimmers from multiple manufactures. Schneider Electric can confirm that similar issues arise within the same circumstance and location where a NERO-DIM had already been installed. NOTE* No manufacturing changes have occurred since the inception of distribution of NERO by Schneider Electric.

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As a result of these findings, we are taking proactive measures with our suppliers and manufacturers to accurately analyse the data we’ve invested in, providing ongoing development of the NERO-DIM product ultimately for the best outcomes to our valued customers.

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POSITIVES:

• Of the many thousands of NERO-DIMs which have been installed in the field, this has affected less than 2% of those numbers. (Testing has shown isolated areas only).

• NERO-RELAY and all other devices in the range have NOT exhibited these same symptoms. Even if installed in the same sites and locations within that site as a reported affected NERODIM.

• The entire range of NERO including the NERO-DIM is available for sale for trained and certified customers.

• We are treating this as an extremely urgent matter and working closely with our suppliers and manufacturers.

• Schneider Electric’s ability to invest heavily into R&D means that we able to move quickly and precisely to the needs and requirements of our customers, ensuring consistent best in class performance of our products.

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OUTCOMES:

• If environmental power conditions on a project cause inconsistency in performance, consider the installation of a NERO-RELAY coupled with a manual pot dimmer retaining dimming capability. This solution still ensures that App based lighting control is possible.

• Returning stock of NERO-DIM and sourcing a comparative product for an effected project will not, as certified in the testing mentioned above, result in a different or any beneficial outcome.

• There are known and effective products available on the Australian market that have been positively reviewed to mitigate the issues of harmonics. Top manufacturers incude:

GayRad: http://www.gayrad.com.au/filters.html

Cabac: http://www.cabac.com.au/products/domestic-lighting/ripple-filters

Zellweger: https://onlinelighting.com.au/zellweger-tone-filter-unit.html

• When in doubt seek the assistance of a professional power analyzing company. They are able to audit the site and provide useful data to any environmental power issues prior to an installation being carried out.