Constant Current (CC) Fixtures--Troubleshooting Missing Colors, Reversed Colors and Other LED Output Issues.
Troubleshooting
See this document for standard wiring practices that should be followed (before turning on your system) in order to avoid the type of issues summarized within this Article.
Please review this troubleshooting guide for determining issues related to problems with light output on constant current fixtures.
- CC Type 1 Failure. Missing Single Color on all fixtures (connected to the same ILC-4x0 device).
This is a problem that occurs when a dealer-installed interconnect wire corresponding to the missing output color is broken, missing or ajar/raised from its intended connector/receptacle on any of the hardware from the head-end ILC-4x0 controller to the last fixture on the chain. Alternatively, the End-of-Line (EOL) plug that is required on the OUT port on the last fixture in the chain may have a broken wire/jumper missing corresponding to that missing color. See the silkscreen markings on all connectors to identify LED colors that are supported. Review and correct if necessary.
- CC Type 2 Failure. Missing Multiple Color on all fixtures (connected to the same ILC-4x0 device).
This is a problem related to CC Type 1 above that occurs when multiple dealer-installed interconnect wires corresponding to missing output colors are broken, missing or ajar from their intended OUT connector/receptacle on any of the hardware from the head-end ILC-4x0 to the last fixture on the chain. Typically, if the strain relief on the fixture was not utilized, then there is really nothing to hold tightly the 8-pin connector to the fixture itself. Therefore, make sure that the strain relief is properly installed and utilized. The ILC-4xx does not have room for a a strain relief so you need to make sure that the connection the ILC-4xx is intact. Alternatively, the mandatory End-of-Line (EOL) plug that needs to be inserted into the last OUT port on the last fixture in the chain may have multiple broken wires/jumpers pins corresponding to the missing colors. See the silkscreen markings on all connectors to identify LED colors that are supported. Review and correct if necessary.
- CC Type 3 Failure. All LED colors work on at least one connected fixture, but one or more connected fixture(s) connected to the same ILC-4x0 show no sign of any LED color light output.
The information that at least one fixture is working helps identify the issues here. We know the EOL terminator is at present and wired correctly. Secondly, we know that all wiring is correct especially if the last fixture on the chain shows the correct colors. Typically, if one or more fixtures in the chain are totally non-operational, it may be case that the fixture has been damaged. To test this concept, simply swap the suspect fixture with the first fixture on the chain and install the EOL plug on that new first fixture (thereby removing all other downstream fixtures from the chain). If the suspect fixture now works, this suggests other issues. Contact Converging Systems for more assistance.
- CC Type 4 Failure. The light output on all connected fixtures (to the same ILC-4x0) appears dim or certain color do not illuminate on any of the fixture.
This situation typically results from an improper or malfunctioning power supply. See the table below for instances where this problem may occur (i.e., you are using a power supply rated less than that required for the number of fixtures connected to the single ILC-4x0). Review and correct if necessary.
Fixture Type Min/Max Fixtures Supported Case 1: # Fixtures/Recommended PSU Case 2: # Fixtures/Recommended PSU PAR 16 Min-1: Max-4 fixtures 1-2 fixtures/24v 96watt PSU 3-4 fixtures/48v 96watt PSU PAR 20 Min-1: Max-2 fixtures 1 fixture/24v 96watt PSU 2 fixtures/48v 96watt PSU PAR 30 Min-1: Max-1 fixture 1 fixture/48v 96watt PSU 1 fixtures/48v 96watt PSU PAR 8 Min-1: Max-10 fixtures 5 fixtures/24v 96watt PSU 6-10 fixtures/48v 96watt PSU - CC Type 5 Failure. Smoke or a strange/loud noise comes out of the ILC-xx0 at power up when connected to an LED strip.
This is a serious condition where an error in wiring has occurred where a + wire for one color has been inadvertently connected to the + terminal for another color (therefore not a complete loop from the ILC-4x0 to a color). Specifically, the + and - from the ILC-4x0 for one color (say RED) is split to odd connections of a + to one color and the - running to another color. Although there is protection circuitry within the ILC4x0 to prevent damage here, the possibility exists that an internal fuse/component might have blown when power is turned onto the ILC-4x0 when this type of faulty wire is encountered. This is not a field-repairable condition, contact Converging Systems for more assistance.