LED Fixtures and Moving Lights Powered by ETC Dimmers
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If an ETC LED fixture fails while it is plugged into an ETC dimmer set to Switched mode, ETC will warrant the fixture in that case. However, ETC will not cover under warranty any damage to the fixture caused by accidental dimming through improper configuration. To best prevent accidental damage to fixtures, ETC recommends using relay modules or ThruPower modules to power LED fixtures.
No matter what type of dimmer you are using, you must set the dimmer to not regulate the sine wave on the circuit that is providing power to the fixture. To protect tungsten-halogen loads from fluctuating AC power levels, ETC dimmers regulate the output voltage to a consistent level. During voltage regulation, a dimmer will use its SCR to modify the sine wave of the voltage on the line, which causes a great deal of wear to power supplies which expect an unmodified source of power. Most LED and Moving Light fixtures (including those made by ETC) require an un-regulated power source.
Some ETC dimmers can be set to either "Switched" or "Non-Dim" mode in their settings. The “Switched” Control mode will output un-regulated AC voltage - necessary for LED and Moving Light fixtures. The “Non-Dim” Control mode will output regulated AC voltage - desirable for tungsten lamps that only want to be turned on and off but benefit from the consistent voltage that regulation provides.
“Switched” mode is not offered on Unison Legacy Racks and some software versions of SmartPacks, SmartBars, and SmartModules. The only relay-style control mode on these dimmers is "Non-Dim," but it is possible for this to cause damage to equipment and should be only be considered if there are no other options. Using any "Non-Dim" mode with equipment that requires unregulated power is not warranted by ETC. For more information on these two modes, please see this Support Article.
It is important to remember that even in Switched or Non-Dim modes, power passing through an ETC forward-phase dimmer still passes through the dimmer's choke, and therefore, the voltage on the output of the dimmer does not match its input perfectly. While the effect on a switched circuit is marginal, some LED manufacturers consider this unsuitable for use with their fixtures. If using third-party fixtures with ETC dimmers, consult their manufacturer before powering them with Switched mode. See: Dimming Information
Another option on some ETC dimmers is to set a Control mode of “Always-On”. This mode is also un-regulated; however, you will be unable to turn off the dimmer from your console or other DMX controller. If set to “Always-On”, the only way to turn off the power coming from the dimmer would be to turn off the breaker on the module.
In systems with Sensor3 dimmer racks, TR20SAF or “Thru-Power” modules may be used. This is a module combines the abilities of a Sensor D20, R20 and a CC20, all built into one unit. For more information on this module, see this page.
These same options also apply to other loads such as motors, computers and TVs. The best course is to use a Relay module (R20) or constant current module (CC20), or in Sensor3 systems a Thru-Power Module. However, if you must use a dimmable module, make sure it is set to an un-regulated control mode.