Recently, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) published NEMA SSL 7A-2013 Phase Cut Dimming for Solid State Lighting: Basic Compatibility. This standard is a forward-looking document with the intention to be used to design and qualify dimmers and SSL products. It would not make sense to try to apply SSL-7 to the installed base of dimmer, which would be mainly phase cut dimmers. According to THIS RELEASE by NEMA: “The requirements do not limit its use to any specific lighting product type or application. The standard was developed with input from global participants and includes requirements for a range of supply voltages and frequencies, making it suitable for global use. For the purposes of this standard, “compatibility” means:
- The reliability of the dimmer and LLE are not affected by combining them.
- Dimming behavior meets or exceeds the behavior specified in the standard.”
View the contents and scope of NEMA SSL 7A-2013. A hard or electronic copy may be purchased for $54 by visiting global.ihs.com, or contacting IHS by phone at 800-854-7179 (U.S. only) or 303-397-7956 (international).