Lights

Lighting equipment brings together the electrical components that provide automatic control and protection of lighting circuits in low-voltage installations. This family covers dusk-to-dawn switches, modular time switches and modular protective devices sized for lighting loads. All these solutions meet the requirements of the NF C 15-100 standard and mount on DIN rail in panels and electrical enclosures.

Automatic control of lighting circuits

Operation of dusk-to-dawn cells and modular time switches

Dusk-to-dawn switches trigger luminaires on or off according to ambient light level. Our installation feedback confirms their relevance for outdoor lighting of car parks, façades and commercial signage. Modular time switches program operating cycles with precision suited to common areas, offices and building lobbies. Both product families share the same modular DIN-rail format as the associated protective devices.

Integration into electrical panels

We recommend installing these control devices at the head of the circuit, upstream of the dedicated modular protective devices. This architecture simplifies wiring and makes later maintenance easier. Our standard practice favours DIN-rail positioning in enclosures or electrical panels that installers can access without a general shutdown.

Modular protection of lighting circuits

Sizing circuit breakers and residual current devices

Indoor and outdoor lighting circuits require modular protective devices suited to the nature of the load. Thermal-magnetic circuit breakers protect against overloads and short circuits. Residual current circuit breakers complete this protection by detecting insulation faults, mandatory under certain configurations of the NF C 15-100 standard. In the field, we find that correctly sizing this equipment avoids nuisance tripping linked to the harmonics of modern LED luminaires.

Material compatibility and mounting

The polyamide housings of modular components provide the mechanical strength and electrical insulation required in a panel environment. Their standardised DIN-rail fixing allows assembly with the electrical panel's other functions. Feedback from installers confirms that this uniformity of format reduces wiring and commissioning time.

Typical applications of lighting equipment

Indoor lighting and common areas

Offices, shops, residential lobbies and tertiary premises incorporate modular time switches for scheduled lighting management. This automation limits energy consumption and extends the service life of light sources. Our installation experience shows that the time switch/residual-current-circuit-breaker combination meets most of these applications' needs.

Outdoor lighting, signs and signalling

Dusk-to-dawn cells naturally apply to safety lighting, illuminated signs and outdoor architectural lighting. Their adjustable switching threshold adapts to varying environmental conditions. We observe that pairing them with suitable protective circuit breakers guarantees continuity of service for installations exposed to the weather.

Frequently asked questions

Which standard applies to lighting circuits in France?

The NF C 15-100 standard sets the design, protection and control rules for lighting circuits in low-voltage installations. It defines, in particular, conductor sections, protection ratings and residual-current-device requirements according to the type of premises.

Can a dusk-to-dawn switch control several lighting circuits?

Yes, provided the rated current of the dusk-to-dawn cell exceeds the sum of the currents drawn by all the circuits. The contact's switching capacity should be checked, and an intermediate power relay provided if necessary.

Why does a lighting circuit breaker trip with LED luminaires?

LED drivers generate harmonic currents and inrush currents at start-up that can trip an undersized circuit breaker. Our commissioning tests show that a suitable rating and an appropriate curve type (generally curve C) resolve this phenomenon.

Does the polyamide housing withstand outdoor conditions?

The polyamide housing of DIN-rail modular devices provides mechanical protection and insulation within an electrical panel. For installation directly exposed outdoors, the IP protection rating of the complete enclosure or panel should be checked.