Specification Sheet

201
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Appendix | Glossary
Status Light
A light that is bright to indicate when a device is on,
and dim when the device is off.
Surge Protection
Circuitry that protects Lutron products against a
surge of 6000 volts, 3000 amps, as recommended
by the ANSI/IEEE standard c62.41.
Tap Switch
An activator of a Lutron dimmer or electronic switch
with a flat mechanical button that, when pressed,
allows the lights to turn on to a desired preset level,
and to turn off when pressed a second time. Dimmer
versions have a small slider or rocker that allows the
user to adjust the lighting level.
Toggle (On/Off)
A switch or keypad button that alternates between
two states (typically on/off) with each activation.
Transformer
A device that changes voltage supply from line
voltage (120 V or 277 V) to 24 V, 12 V or 6 V needed
for “low voltage” sources. It can be integral to the
lighting fixture for low voltage lamps (e.g., MR-16 or
Par 36). Standalone remote transformers can supply
multiple lamps or luminaires (e.g., for a low voltage
lighting strip in a ceiling cove). They can be electronic
or magnetic, and dimmers must be matched to
either type.
Triac
The electronic component responsible for the
dimming function in many Lutron dimmers.
This component reduces the power to a light by
switching on/off very rapidly (120 times-per-second).
Lutron products use triacs that are tested to last
over ten years.
Tungsten-Halogen Lamp
See halogen lamp.
Vacancy Sensor
A device that detects the presence 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. A vacancy sensor relies on
a person operating a manual switch to turn lighting
on (manual on/auto off). Also see Occupancy Sensor.
Voltage
The electrical potential, measured in Volts (V),
supplied by an electrical system. In the US, the
standard voltage systems operate at a 60Hz
frequency. In residential applications, the standard
service is referred to as 120/240 V, commonly known
as a single-phase system. Commercial buildings have
two common service types. In smaller buildings, it
is 120/208 V, known as a three phase service. The
interior lighting in these applications generally uses
120 V feeds. In larger buildings, the primary service
is 277/480 V, which is also known as three phase
service. The interior lighting in these applications
generally uses 277 V feeds.
Voltage Compensation
Special circuitry that maintains consistent
power delivered to the lamp, in the event
of line-voltage variations.
Wallplate
A decorative faceplate that covers a dimmer or
lighting control by attaching to the front of the unit.
Lutron wallplates have no visible screws and are
available in up to 6-gang, with seamless appearance,
in a wide variety of colors and finishes.
Watt (W)
Basic unit of measurement for electrical power.
Zone
A lighting fixture or group of fixtures that are
controlled simultaneously. An example would be
two wall sconces wired together and controlled with
one dimmer. Window shades can also be grouped
together as zones.
For more detailed glossary of terms, go to
www.lutron.com/glossaryofterms.