What you need to know – ODL Tubular Skylight Solar Powered Dimmer User Manual
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What You Need To Know
REVIEW THIS INFORMATION PRIOR TO BEGINNING INSTALLATION
Caution
For safe installation and use, do not deviate from these
installation instructions.
Safety information:
• Use protective work gloves while handling tube sections
to protect hands from sharp edges.
Pre-Installation Checklist:
• Before installation, carefully survey the attic area
where you plan to install the dimmer. Make sure your
dimmer can avoid any wiring, plumbing, ceiling
mounted registers/fans, etc.
These instructions have been designed to help install your ODL
®
Solar Powered Dimmer easily and safely. We’ve included a parts
list, list of tools required, installation instructions for a variety of ceiling types, handy tips, and safety precautions. Please read these
instructions thoroughly before installing your ODL
®
Solar Powered Dimmer. Pay particular attention to the assembly diagrams,
assembly order, and part names. Identify and organize all parts before assembly. Make a list of the tools and components you will
need for each installation step. Following these instructions carefully will greatly enhance your ability to install your dimmer and
enjoy flawless performance for many years.
Installation Questions
Q: Is it hard to install?
A: No, there is no hard wiring and with just a few simple
steps the ODL Solar Powered Dimmer can be installed in
an existing ODL 10” Tubular Skylight or a newly installed
one.
Q: Will the unit fit other tubular skylight, not just
ODL brand?
A: At this time, the ODL Solar Powered Dimmer will also fit
10” Solatube tubular skylights. There are a few more
steps to the installation, but they are available online at
www.odl.com and through ODL customer service 1-866-
635-4968.
Q: I am installing the Solar Powered Dimmer and it will not
fit into my ceiling trim ring.
A: The rubber gasket that encircles the inside of the trim
ring must be removed prior to installing the dimmer.
Needle nose pliers work best for this.
General Questions
Q: Is there a warranty?
A: Yes, the ODL Solar Powered Dimmer comes with a two-
year limited warranty.
Q: Is there a Solar Powered Dimmer unit for the 14” tube?
A: At this time, there is only a 10” unit.
Q: How many hours of light will I get out of the nightlight
on a single charge?
A: The LED nightlight is designed for intermittent use when
a soft, subtle light is required. However, a full days charge
(about 8 hours) will provide a four hour continuous light.
After four hours of continuous use, the LEDs will shut off
automatically to conserve energy.
Q: My LED’s are flashing on and off, what does this mean?
A: The Solar Powered Dimmer’s rechargeable batteries are
in need of replacement or charging.
Q: Will condensation hurt the fabric?
A: Under certain conditions all tubular skylights occasionally
experience condensation; however, if it does occur, it will
not harm the shade fabric or Solar Powered Dimmer unit.
Usage Questions
Q: How long do the batteries last and how will I know when
to replace them?
A: There are four(4) Ni-MH rechargeable batteries with an
average life span of two(2) years. When they need to be
replaced, the LEDs will blink on and off in a series of
flashes periodically to inform the user that battery life is low.
Q: What is the best room to use the Solar Powered Dimmer in?
A: Media rooms, bedrooms, nurseries and even bathrooms or
hallways.
Q: I have installed my Solar Powered Dimmer and the LEDs
and dimmer do not function.
A: Check to ensure you have installed the batteries and solar
panel correctly and connected them properly. Also, some
units may require 1-2 days of initial charging to reach full
potential for first use.
Q: When I try to operate the dimmer, it will not open
or close and the LEDs flash.
A: The batteries are low and need to be replaced or charged.
Q: Will the solar panel charge well inside the tube?
A: Yes, this has been tested to perform well inside the tube.
Q: My nightlight is too bright/dim.
A: The dimmer fabric is reflective, by closing or opening the
shade, you can control the amount of light output of LEDs.
Q: What can I do if the weather or climate is preventing a full
charge?
A: One solution is to charge your batteries in a plug in
rechargeable battery station and then place them back in
the dimmer. If you choose this option having two sets of
rechargeable batteries is recommended so that one set can be
charging while the other set is powering the dimmer unit.
Q: The LED lights in my dimmer unit will not turn on when it is
light outside.
A: The unit is programmed to allow the LED’s to operate only
when the solar panel reads low light levels. This is to conserve
energy to operate the dimmer shade.
Note: For those climates where the sun shines less, cloudy days
are prevalent, those with long periods of low sun, shaded areas
or non-south facing tubular skylights, the use of the LEDs is
what drains most of the battery power. The dimmer shade can
function up to two weeks on one day of charge, even in the low
light hours of winter.
FAQs & NOTES
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