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3-Way Dimming: Dimming control from multiple locations.
Air-Gap Switch: A mechanical switch or relay that disconnects power to a load by physically separating two contacts, resulting in an air gap betweenthe contacts. The air-gap switch can be conveniently activated without removing the wall plate. When switch is in the Air Gap Position, power is completely removed from the device's load circuit.
Amplifier: A signal strength booster.
Ballast: An electrical device used in fluorescent and HID fixtures. It furnishes the necessary starting and operating characteristics to the lamp for proper performance.
Branch Circuit: The circuit conductors between the final over current device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s). See NEC Article 100.
Canadian Standards Association (CSA): An organization that provides testing and certification services for manufacturers that wish to use the CSA markon products that conform to the appropriate CSA standard.
Channel: See definition of Zone.
Derating: Reducing the wattage capacity of a dimmer when metal fins (sidetabs) are removed.
Dimmer: An electronic or manual switch that increases or reduces the amountof voltage that reaches the lamp.
Electronic Low-Voltage: Electronic low-voltage lighting uses an electronic (solid-state technology) transformer to convert normal line voltage (120 VAC) to low voltage (typically 12 VAC). This lower voltage is then used to power an incandescent low-voltage lamp. Only use a dimmer-amplifier specifically designed for an electronic low-voltage transformer.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): The constant rise and fall of alternating current creating an electromagnetic field around the wire. This field can induce current and voltage in wires placed next to it disrupting the accuracy or the communication signal.
Fade Override: The ability to temporarily set fade times to zero for all lighting scenes.
Fade Rate: The time it takes each lighting zone to arrive at it preset light level.
Filter: An electrical circuit which is intended to reduce radio frequency interference, electromagnetic interference and lamp buzz.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt (GFCI): A type of device, e.g. circuit breaker or receptacle, which detects an abnormal current flow to ground and opens the circuit preventing a hazardous situation.
Hand-Held Remote: An infrared transmitter that fits in your hand and controls either the lights in a room or preset scenes throughout the house.
Home Automation: Term used to describe the industry of automating control including; lighting, HVAC, security and audio in a home.
House Code: The first half of an X-10 address comprised of letters A-P.
LED: Light Emitting Diode.
Low-Noise Lamp: A specially constructed lamp designed to produce less audible noise in dimming applications. See Rough Service Lamp.
Macro Strings: The sequence of commands that are sent from a keypad to a group of dimmers causing the whole-house or room to change in unison from one lighting scene to another.
Magnetic Low-Voltage: Magnetic low-voltage lighting uses a magnetic (core and coil) transformer to convert normal line voltage (120 VAC) to low voltage (typically 12 VAC). This lower voltage is then used to power an incandescent low-voltage lamp. Only use a dimmer specifically designed for a magnetic low-voltage transformer.
Multi-Gang: Two or more controls mounted side-by-side in a series of connected wall boxes.
Multi-Location Dimming: Allows full-range dimming from unlimited locations.
Noise: RFI or EMI caused by electrical or mechanical interference that may block communications signals. Often viewed as lines on a television or an audible hum over a stereo.
Phase Coupler: A device designed to couple (bridge) the A and B 120V phases coming into a house creating a path for commands sent on one line to reach the other.
Power Failure Memory: Circuitry that ensures that the lights will return to their last state when the power is restored.
Preset Scene: The lighting "look" created in any room by raising/lowering zones of light to the desired intensity.
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI): An audible buzz or noise in some sensitive audio and radio equipment caused by the dimmer's rapid current switching in conjunction with sharp current rise.
Raise/Lower Controls: A button, slider, rocker, toggle, paddle, etc. which when touched increases or decreases the intensity of light controlled.
Repeater: A device that repeats incoming communication signals to all other lighting circuits inside the system.
Room Code: The second half of an X-10 address comprised of numbers from 1-16.
Room Master Keypad: A six-button or eight-button Ellipse series button station that controls a group of dimmers that share its same address.
Rough Service Lamp: A lamp with extra filament support, which can help reduce lamp buzz.
Single Gang: One control mounted in a single wall box.
Single-Pole Dimmer: Provides full-range dimming from one location only.
Square Law Dimming: Dimming with direct correlation between the position of the slider and the light perceived by the eye is known as Square Law Dimming. With Square Law Dimming, gradual raise/lower of the dimmer results in a proportional change in the perceived lighting level allowing for easy, precise adjustment of the light setting.
UL Listed: A product adhering to standards of Underwriters Laboratories, an independent, non-profit testing laboratory organized for the purpose of investigating products and materials with respect to hazards affecting life and property.
Voltage Compensation: Reduces changes in lighting levels that occur when air conditioners, refrigerators and other electrical appliances switch on/off.
Wallbox Dimmer: A self-contained dimmer that fits into a wallbox.
Whole-House Keypad: A six-button or eight-button Ellipse series button station, without an address, that controls whole-house scenes, individual rooms or triggers a instant on condition.
X-10 Address: A unique identifier for a keypad dimmer or a group of dimmers comprised of two sections, a house code (see House Code for definition) and a room code (see Room Code for definition).
Zone: A light or a group of lights that are controlled together or as a group.
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