The ELCU-200 Emergency Lighting Control Unit is a critical component in ensuring emergency lighting systems function correctly during power outages. Designed for commercial applications, this device allows standard lighting controls to operate emergency lighting alongside normal lighting. The ELCU-200 is manufactured by Wattstopper, a division of Legrand, and is designed for installation in ceiling-mounted junction boxes. This guide provides detailed installation procedures, operational features, and compatibility considerations based on official technical documentation and manufacturer specifications.
Overview of the ELCU-200
The ELCU-200 is a self-contained emergency lighting control unit that ensures emergency lighting remains on when normal power fails. It allows the use of standard lighting control devices—such as occupancy sensors, dimmers, and wall switches—to manage emergency lighting in conjunction with normal lighting. The device integrates with fire alarm systems and security systems and includes a watchdog feature that allows emergency lighting to be controlled in tandem with normal power loads.
Key features include: - Push-to-test button for initiating emergency mode for testing purposes. - Zero cross switching technology to increase reliability and extend the life of the unit. - Compatibility with Wattstopper occupancy sensors, daylighting controls, lighting control panels, and dimmers. - Remote activation capability through the EMTS-100 Remote Test Switch or other inputs. - UL 924, NEC, OSHA, NFPA 101, and UL 2043 compliance, ensuring adherence to safety and electrical standards.
The ELCU-200 is available in a red and white color scheme and has a 5-year warranty. It is designed for installation above the ceiling and is manufactured in either the United States or China, depending on the product variant. The device weighs 0.3 pounds and has dimensions of 1.9 inches in depth, 3.0 inches in height, and 2.2 inches in width.
Installation Requirements and Safety Considerations
Before installing the ELCU-200, it is essential to understand the safety precautions and installation requirements outlined in the manufacturer’s documentation. These guidelines are crucial for ensuring the safe and effective operation of the device.
Safety Precautions
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker before installation. The manufacturer explicitly warns that only qualified electricians should handle the installation of the ELCU-200.
- Mount the device in an approved electrical enclosure. The ELCU-200 must be installed in a manner that prevents tampering by unauthorized personnel and avoids exposure to heat sources such as gas or electric heaters.
- Use only manufacturer-recommended accessories. The use of non-approved equipment may create unsafe conditions.
- Install the device in a location and at a height that minimizes the risk of unauthorized access. This helps to prevent tampering and ensures the unit remains secure and operational.
Installation Procedure
The ELCU-200 is designed for KO (keyhole) mounting and must be secured to a junction box or electrical enclosure. The installation process involves the following steps:
Mounting the Unit:
- Remove the locking nut from the ELCU-200 and insert the unit’s threaded nipple through the appropriate knockout in the junction box or enclosure.
- Tighten the locking nut to secure the unit in place.
Connecting Emergency Lighting:
- Connect the ELCU-200 to the emergency lighting system for the area it controls.
- The emergency power leads must be connected in series with the emergency lighting load, following the wiring diagram provided in the manufacturer’s documentation.
- Connect the emergency neutral wire to the appropriate lead on the ELCU-200, as indicated in the wiring diagram.
Connecting Normal Power and Control Devices:
- Connect the ELCU-200 to the normal lighting circuit using the normal wiring leads.
- The normal power sense connection must be made to the line side of the control device that serves the same area as the emergency lighting. This ensures that emergency lighting is activated during localized power failures, such as a tripped branch circuit breaker.
Optional Remote Activation Device:
- If a remote test switch (such as the EMTS-100) is to be used, it must be installed and connected to the ELCU-200 according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Wiring Configuration and Circuit Considerations
The ELCU-200 supports both standard switch control and dimmer bypass configurations for emergency lighting. The wiring must be carefully planned to ensure the device functions correctly in both normal and emergency conditions.
Standard Switch Control
In a standard configuration, the ELCU-200 allows emergency lighting to be controlled by a device such as an occupancy sensor, relay, or wall switch. The device ensures that emergency lighting remains on when normal power to the controlled circuit is interrupted.
Wiring specifications for standard switch control include: - Emergency Power In: 12 AWG black wire - Emergency Neutral: 18 AWG gray wire - Emergency Power Out: 12 AWG red wire - Normal Power Sense: 18 AWG black wire - Normal Neutral: 18 AWG white wire - Normal Switch Sense: 18 AWG red wire
Dimmer Bypass Configuration
For applications where a phase dimmer is used, the ELCU-200 can be configured in a dimmer bypass mode. In this configuration, the emergency lighting bypasses the dimmer during power failures to ensure full illumination. The manufacturer emphasizes that phase dimmers used on the emergency circuit must be approved for this application by the manufacturer to ensure compatibility and safety.
Operational Features and Testing
The ELCU-200 includes several operational features that enhance its functionality and ease of use in emergency lighting systems.
Push-to-Test Function
The ELCU-200 is equipped with an integrated push-to-test button that allows users to initiate emergency mode for testing purposes. This feature is essential for verifying the correct operation of the emergency lighting system without waiting for an actual power failure. When the button is pressed, the device simulates a power outage, activating the emergency lighting for a test condition.
Remote Test Switch Compatibility
The ELCU-200 can be connected to the EMTS-100 Remote Test Switch or other compatible input devices. This allows emergency lighting to be activated from a remote location, which is particularly useful in large commercial buildings where manual testing of each ELCU-200 unit may be impractical.
Watchdog Feature
The watchdog feature ensures that emergency lighting is controlled in tandem with normal power loads. This means that the emergency lighting will remain on or be turned on when power to the control device is lost. The feature helps to prevent energy waste by ensuring that emergency lighting is only activated when necessary.
Compatibility and Application Considerations
The ELCU-200 is designed to work with a wide range of lighting control devices, including occupancy sensors, dimmers, and control panels. However, compatibility with specific lighting fixtures and control systems must be verified to ensure proper operation.
TLED Lamp Compatibility
The ELCU-200 is compatible with TLED (thin LED) lamps, provided that the control system and drivers are designed to work with the emergency lighting configuration. The device’s ability to interface with various control devices makes it a flexible solution for different lighting applications.
Multi-Volt Fixtures
The ELCU-200 is rated for use with both 120V and 277V AC systems. This allows the device to be used in applications where emergency and normal power voltages differ. However, the manufacturer emphasizes that the polarity and wiring must be correctly configured to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Fire Alarm System Integration
The ELCU-200 can be integrated with fire alarm systems, allowing emergency lighting to be activated in response to fire alarm signals. The device includes a test loop wire that can be cut and connected to other ELCU-200 units on the same floor, ensuring synchronized emergency lighting during a fire emergency.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
Despite its robust design and reliability, the ELCU-200 may encounter issues during installation or operation. Common problems and solutions include:
Emergency Lighting Not Activating
If emergency lighting fails to activate during a power outage, the following checks should be performed: - Ensure that the normal power sense wire is connected to the line side of the control device. - Verify that the emergency power and neutral wires are properly connected in series with the emergency lighting load. - Check for any loose or damaged wiring connections.
All LEDs Lit but No Response
If all three LEDs on the ELCU-200 are lit but the emergency lighting does not respond, it may indicate a fault in the control circuit or the emergency lighting load. In such cases, the following steps should be taken: - Verify that the control device (e.g., occupancy sensor) is functioning correctly. - Check for any short circuits or open circuits in the wiring. - Ensure that the ELCU-200 is properly powered and that the control signal is being received.
Remote Activation Issues
If the ELCU-200 does not respond to the remote test switch or other input devices, the following troubleshooting steps should be followed: - Verify that the remote test switch is correctly connected to the ELCU-200. - Check for any polarity issues in the wiring. - Ensure that the remote test switch is compatible with the ELCU-200 and is functioning correctly.
Incompatibility with Dimmers
If the ELCU-200 is used with a phase dimmer, it is essential to ensure that the dimmer is approved for use in emergency lighting applications. Using an incompatible dimmer may prevent the emergency lighting from functioning correctly during a power failure.
Conclusion
The ELCU-200 Emergency Lighting Control Unit is a reliable and versatile device for managing emergency lighting in commercial applications. Its ability to interface with a wide range of control devices, including occupancy sensors, dimmers, and fire alarm systems, makes it a valuable component in any emergency lighting system. Proper installation, wiring, and configuration are essential for ensuring the device functions correctly during power outages. By following the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety precautions, users can ensure that their emergency lighting systems remain operational and compliant with industry standards.