Help for Led Panels needed

abid21 · May 9, 2017

Hi Everyone
Has anyone had any problems with 600x600 panels.
I fitted some for a client and after a couple of days they have started tripping the MCB.They are on the same circuit but 2 switches and sometimes they seem to be fine but at times they would trip the Mcb.
I have tried to isolate the one with the problem but it seems to be changing and I cannot pinpoint which one it is.The client ordered the lights and the drivers do not seem to be a good quality.
any ideas please.
Thankyou

SparkyChick · May 9, 2017

When do they trip the breaker? During startup or when they've been running a while?

Octopus · May 9, 2017

If the client sourced the product, its up to them to deal with the supplier AND to pay for your additional costs......

I'm assuming you've IR'ed the circuit...

westward10 · May 9, 2017

When does it trip when they are switched on or when they are already on.

telectrix · May 9, 2017

how many panels on the circuit? maybe a C type breaker would cure the problem ( Zs permitting ).

SparkyChick · May 9, 2017

telectrix said:
how many panels on the circuit? maybe a C type breaker would cure the problem ( Zs permitting ).

I think that's the route @westward10 and I were heading

westward10 · May 9, 2017

Didn't see your post SC

SparkyChick · May 9, 2017

westward10 said:
Didn't see your post SC

No worries hon

ChrisElectrical88 · May 9, 2017

There are loads of company's who make awful LED panels on the cheap, offering a 5 year warranty when the company hasn't even been around a year.

Best thing is alway pay a bit extra for a reputable make.

The Ghost · May 9, 2017

How many panels have you put on one MCB? and what control gear are you using and what make of panel? This is a well know problem and there are a couple of work-arounds for it. So don't panic-yet anyway.

The Ghost · May 9, 2017

Wheres he gone?

westward10 · May 9, 2017

Annoying isn't it.

dmxtothemax · May 27, 2017

What sort of breaker is it ?
is it just a standard over current breaker ?
Or is it a RCD type breaker ?

telectrix · May 27, 2017

dmxtothemax said:
What sort of breaker is it ?
is it just a standard over current breaker ?
Or is it a RCD type breaker ?

OP disappeared into the woodwork 3 weeks ago.

toplightco · Jun 14, 2017

Vortigern said:
How many panels have you put on one MCB? and what control gear are you using and what make of panel? This is a well know problem and there are a couple of work-arounds for it. So don't panic-yet anyway.

Would love to hear more about this and what 60cm x 60cm panels you would recommend?

buzzlightyear · Jun 14, 2017

abid21 said:
The client ordered the lights and the drivers

toplightco · Jun 14, 2017

Sorry, that was a question for Vortigern...

buzzlightyear · Jun 14, 2017

one word, tuff when a customer supplying c**p and trying to save monies
what do you expect .

The Ghost · Jun 14, 2017

toplightco said:
question for Vortigern

Hi and what would you like to hear about?

toplightco · Jun 14, 2017

Vortigern said:
How many panels have you put on one MCB? and what control gear are you using and what make of panel? This is a well know problem and there are a couple of work-arounds for it. So don't panic-yet anyway.

Would love to hear more about this and what 60cm x 60cm panels you would recommend?

toplightco · Jun 14, 2017

Vortigern said:
Hi and what would you like to hear about?

Vortigern said:
How many panels have you put on one MCB? and what control gear are you using and what make of panel? This is a well know problem and there are a couple of work-arounds for it. So don't panic-yet anyway.

Would love to hear more about this and what 60cm x 60cm panels you would recommend?

The Ghost · Jun 14, 2017

toplightco said:
recommend

Depending on the location spec; JCC for general lighting of offices and toilets/hallways. Very good colour rendering long guarantee and good tech service. For High end Cree very high CRI for special applications such as art studios. We have use others however JCC are quite markedly brighter and truer colour rendering. They have just brought down the wattage and still produce the same lumens so what was a 44w 3000 ish lumens has now dropped to 36w I think. 7 Years commercial guarantee and automatic now you do not have to register it all on the www.

toplightco · Jun 14, 2017

Vortigern said:
Depending on the location spec; JCC for general lighting of offices and toilets/hallways. Very good colour rendering long guarantee and good tech service. For High end Cree very high CRI for special applications such as art studios. We have use others however JCC are quite markedly brighter and truer colour rendering. They have just brought down the wattage and still produce the same lumens so what was a 44w 3000 ish lumens has now dropped to 36w I think. 7 Years commercial guarantee and automatic now you do not have to register it all on the www.

Thanks, that's interesting. There are Soooo many LED Panel suppliers out there some vv cheap indeed and its hard to know at a distance if they are any good. What would you say are the warning signs to look out for?

The Ghost · Jun 14, 2017

I do not look so much for warning signs as compliance with the IET book on code of practice on the application of LED lighting systems. I also check on the ESC site for withdrawn items of all types. There are many LED lamps that have been withdrawn for various safety reasons. The code mentioned requires various BS standards to be confirmed and the parts for the system to be endorsed by the manufacturer in writing. i.e. control gear switches and panels. And I get that in writing! Having said that I have just recently used Denmans £25.00 led panels (Steeple) 2 year guarantee and been surprised at the quality of the light but doubtful about the quality of the construcion materials.
As you may know there are quite a few considerations on compatability in terms of supply and what else is on the system. i.e. mixing LED with old switch start fluourescents can cause problems with transients. So it is more (for me) compatibility and endorsement with guarantees to ensure a solid and durable system is installed for the client, with back up from the manufacturer. I have seen stripdowns of CE (chinese export) showing lack of earths and all sorts of egregious manufacturing techniques which tends to lead me away from just buying any old panel.

toplightco · Jun 14, 2017

Vortigern said:
I do not look so much for warning signs as compliance with the IET book on code of practice on the application of LED lighting systems. I also check on the ESC site for withdrawn items of all types. There are many LED lamps that have been withdrawn for various safety reasons. The code mentioned requires various BS standards to be confirmed and the parts for the system to be endorsed by the manufacturer in writing. i.e. control gear switches and panels. And I get that in writing! Having said that I have just recently used Denmans £25.00 led panels (Steeple) 2 year guarantee and been surprised at the quality of the light but doubtful about the quality of the construcion materials.
As you may know there are quite a few considerations on compatability in terms of supply and what else is on the system. i.e. mixing LED with old switch start fluourescents can cause problems with transients. So it is more (for me) compatibility and endorsement with guarantees to ensure a solid and durable system is installed for the client, with back up from the manufacturer. I have seen stripdowns of CE (chinese export) showing lack of earths and all sorts of egregious manufacturing techniques which tends to lead me away from just buying any old panel.

Such a useful post, many thanks indeed. Your point about manufacturer back up being important is so true and it's something I shall bring up the next time a customer tells me the product I am recommending is too expensive!

The Ghost · Jun 14, 2017

I am happy to give the customer a choice however I will only go so far in terms of quality. And I certainly put it in writing and get the agreement signed by the client. Paper trail at all times!