Fixture with LD048H-CU12042-M48E driver lists PD-5NE as incompatible

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01-16-2022, 03:14 PM
emdav

Fixture with LD048H-CU12042-M48E driver lists PD-5NE as incompatible

We recently installed a dimmable light fixture that specifically lists the Lutron PD-5NE as incompatible (E30640-MW.pdf (et2online.com)). We're not sure what the reason for the incompatibility is and haven't been able to find much info on the fixture's driver (LD048H-CU12042-M48E) to figure out why. We suspect that the PD-5NE could actually work with it if we reverse the phase, but if that doesn't work and the fixture breaks because of it, then the warranty is void. It seems like an expensive risk to take so I'd like to better understand whether there's some fundamental incompatibility or if it's just an idiot-proofing advisory in the manual.
01-17-2022, 12:14 AM
randyc

Google couldn't find anything on that driver and the et2 webpage is no help at all. I would contact the company and ask why they don't want to use the 5NE. The DVELV is a reverse phase dimmer as is the 5NE. The 5NE was designed in this century and with LEDs in mind. The DVELV was not. I don't believe Lutron recommends it for LED use. The DVRP is the updated version of the DVELV.

Compatibility could mean they didn't like the performance. It may have flickered, didn't dim very low, etc.
01-19-2022, 09:25 AM
Jonathan K.

RE: Fixture with LD048H-CU12042-M48E driver lists PD-5NE as incompatible

Quote:

Originally Posted by emdav

We recently installed a dimmable light fixture that specifically lists the Lutron PD-5NE as incompatible (E30640-MW.pdf (et2online.com)). We're not sure what the reason for the incompatibility is and haven't been able to find much info on the fixture's driver (LD048H-CU12042-M48E) to figure out why. We suspect that the PD-5NE could actually work with it if we reverse the phase, but if that doesn't work and the fixture breaks because of it, then the warranty is void. It seems like an expensive risk to take so I'd like to better understand whether there's some fundamental incompatibility or if it's just an idiot-proofing advisory in the manual.

Unfortunately, the lighting OEM does not list any test results with their compatibility chart. It is possible, as previously mentioned, that the combination of that fixture and the PD-5NE could have caused the LEDs to flicker, generate noise, or have poor dimming performance. It may be worth contacting ET-2 as to why they do not recommend the PD-5NE and if they have any additional insight into the compatibility test results.