Specification Sheet

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Appendix | Glossary
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
LEDs are an energy efficient light source. They have
up to 50,000 hour life, are substantially cooler to the
touch, and provide more direct light, which equates to
less wasted energy. White LEDs are commonly used
in commercial and residential projects, while Red,
Green, Blue (RGB) LEDs are used in signage, traffic
lights, and multi-colored lighting effects.
For detailed information on LEDs, go to
www.lutron.com/led.
LED Driver
Auxiliary device(s) needed to operate LED lamps.
They operate by regulating both the voltage and
current power that the LED's source. There are
both dimming and non-dimming types.
Linear Slide Dimmer
A Lutron dimmer that controls the light level by sliding
a knob up or down to the selected light level.
Locator Light
A small indicator light on some dimmers and
accessory controls that remains illuminated to
help a user locate the control in a dark space.
Magnetic Low-Voltage (MLV)
A low-voltage incandescent lighting source that uses
a magnetic transformer to step down the incoming
line voltage to that required by the lamp (typically
12 V). Track and recessed lights can be magnetic
low-voltage. Magnetic low-voltage transformers tend
to be larger and heavier than electronic low-voltage
(ELV) transformers, and their power consumption
must be counted towards dimmer load.
Mechanical (General Purpose) Switch
The common wall switch that is used to turn on/
off lighting or other loads. A general-purpose switch
typically comes in single pole, 3-way and 4-way
varieties, and sometimes will include a locator light
that is either an LED or neon indicator lamp.
Mechanical switches typically do not need to be
derated when ganged.
Multi-Location Dimming
The ability to provide dimming of a lighting load from
two or more locations. A multi-location capable
dimmer must be used with specific companion
dimmers or accessory dimmers. Standard 3-way/
4-way wiring can be used.
Neon/Cold Cathode (NCC)
Tubular shaped lamps that are typically less than
an inch in diameter. They are used for decorative
lighting or signage, and are custom shaped to fit
into coves, wrap around columns, or shaped into
letters (i.e., outdoor signs). Neon lamps are typically
thinner diameter and filled with neon or argon gas,
and come in a wide range of color. Cold Cathode
lamps used in architectural lighting are 1/2” to an
inch in diameter, and filled with mercury. These
lamps are typically white, but available in a range
of color temperature. NCC lamps operate similar to
fluorescent lamps. The neon, argon or mercury is
ionized by a high voltage applied to the lamp. The
ionized gas causes a phosphor coating on the inside
of the lamp to produce light. A transformer/ballast is
required to start and operate NCC lamps. Many NCC
transformers are dimmable. Dimmer type must be
matched to transformer type.
No Fins Broken (NFB)
Dimmers with no fins broken require additional gangs
of backboxes and larger wallplates. They are able to
utilize the full wattage capacity of dimmers. Also see
Fins Broken.
Non-Dimmed Load (Switched Load)
A load that can only be turned on/off and not set
at any intermediate lighting level or motor speed.
This term can refer to a lighting load, a fan or
motor load.
Occupancy Sensor
A device that detects the presence/absence of
people in a space, and provides automatic switching
or dimming of lighting. The primary purpose is to
automatically turn lighting off when an area is not
occupied, to ensure energy savings. An occupancy
sensor will also turn lighting on automatically when
it detects a person (Auto On/Auto Off). Also see
Vacancy Sensor.
For more detailed glossary of terms, go to
www.lutron.com/glossaryofterms.