At Zano, we live and breathe LED dimming, so it often catches us by surprise how overlooked the capabilities of off-the-shelf lighting control are.
Gone are the days when the only way you could dim from one point was with expensive lighting control, but often it can feel far from that simple. Working out what product you pair with what lamp can often feel like a minefield. Factor in problematic drivers and volatile fittings and it can feel even harder.
When the ZBARLED first came onto the scene back in 2015, it was revolutionary. The first product of its kind to enable LED dimming up to 1000W/VA (and even more if you need, by using more than one ZBARLED) and also offer the functionality to dim from up to 32 points on a single circuit.
What made the product so extraordinary is that it is a simple-to-install dimming pack that is easy to plan into a project, as you don’t need to rewire or use a complicated programming system. The beauty is you can also install it retrospectively. For example, if you were at the decorative finish stage with no idea how you were going to dim the fittings you just installed with an off-the-shelf dimmer because it is just not working (probably due to the size of the wattage), the ZBARLED could save the day and did frequently.
One of the things we are really proud of at Zano, is that the ZBARLED is still the only off-the-shelf product available to buy in the UK that can dim up to 1000W/VA and deliver dimming from more than one point. It has often been referred to as the ‘get out of trouble’ product and it is not hard to see why. There are so many instances where a job has stalled, and the only solution to fix it is the ZBARLED.
One of the features that makes the ZBARLED extraordinary is its dimming capabilities. It is one of the few products that can dim LED panels or LED strip lighting and can also handle a job such as changing tungsten to dimmable LEDs in a chandelier.
The ZBARLED got us thinking about multi-point dimming, and how important it was to have something other than two-way switching where you could only dim from one point. So, we worked hard in R&D and developed the ZSMARTLED.
The ZSMARTLED can be bought as either a 2-point or 3-point kit, depending on whether you want to dim from two points in a room or three. Because the ZSMARTLED looks like any other dimmer, its install requirements are the same - it’s just the capabilities of the product that sets it apart.
The ease of installation makes the ZSMARTLED perfect for retrofit projects where customers want to dim from more than one point with existing wiring. It also comes into its own when planned into projects and is extremely versatile, it dims between 5-150W/VA and it is not limited to 10 lamps. This product range is also available in module, grid or plated versions.
We have rounded up 4 latest installs, which demonstrate the ease and flexibility of both products and can help you envisage when they can support your projects and transform what you can offer your customers.
Multi-point dimming in the master bedroom of a loft conversion on an end-of-terrace Victorian house in Brighton.
Total number of circuits: 1
Dimming products installed: 1 ZMOMW150-3P, consisting of:
1 ZMOMW150 – offset multi way module only 150W (master)
2 ZMOMWCR – offset rotary controller module only (slave)
Lamps and fittings: 5 Aurora Enlite 8W Fixed Dimmable Integrated Downlight Fire Rated IP65 White
Link to install.
A dressing room for a high-end client in Belgravia, seeking a lower-level lighting adjustment for their LED strip lighting.
Wholesaler: CEF
Total number of circuits: 1
Dimming products installed: 1 ZBARLED1000
Lamps and fittings: LED strip lighting
Wiring: Wired in parallel, fed to the first joinery unit where the ZBARLED1000 was located, then linked around to each driver location – and a 2 core and earth wired to the switch.
Link to install.
Ballroom lighting conversion in Hopetoun House, Edinburgh, for a client seeking LED lighting control for three 18th-century chandeliers.
Wholesaler: YESSS Electrical Livingston
Total number of circuits: 6 (3 chandeliers, 2 circuits on each)
Products installed: 1 ZBARLED1000 and 1 ZMOBARCR
Lamps: 90 BELL LED 4W LED 35mm Dimmable Candle Clear - SBC, 2700K full load is 648 W/VA
Lamps/wattage per dimmer: Up to 1000W/VA per ZBARLED1000 dimmer
Wiring: SWA cable
Link to install.
A complete lighting overhaul, specifying low-level, multi-point dimming at Vipassana Meditation Centre, Suffolk.
Client contact: Piers Messum
Total number of circuits: 2
Products installed: 1 ZSMARTLED (grid version), 2 ZGRIDMW150-2P (two masters and two slaves), 2 gang plates and 4 knobs.
Lamps: 8 Philips LED Warm Glow E27 Edison Screw Dimmable Light Bulb 8.5W (with inrush the full load is 122.4W).
Lamps/wattage per dimmer: Up to 150W/VA per ZSMARTLED dimmer
Wiring: Existing twin & earth cabling; no need to rewire
Link to install.
If you have an upcoming project that would work perfectly with the ZSMARTLED or ZBARLED but you haven’t used either before, give us a call and we can talk about the project, and what you need and make it seamless for you.
Just give us a call 0345 519 5858 or send us an email to sales@zanocontrols.co.uk
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