PRG Controlling VARI-LITE Equipment Using DMX 512 - Manual (Page 30)

DMX512 R EFERENCE G UIDE
2 2 02.3004.0300.54
Current Requirements
Current calculations are required to ensure that the system has adequate circuit breaker
safety control. The AC line disconnect has a 200A circuit breaker to handle the Series 300
Modular Racks and Series 200 ACS racks. Depending on the quantity and type of
luminaires and the voltage used, the current varies. Although the maximum operating limit
for the AC line disconnect is 200A, we recommend that continuous operating current does
not exceed 150A. This will avoid tripping the circuit breaker. Systems drawing power in
excess of 150A will require multiple modular racks, ACS racks and AC line disconnects.
The same is true for the 30A mini-ACS line disconnect. We recommend that continuous
operating current does not exceed 20A.
Equipment current requirements vary with the AC line voltage available. Linear voltage
regulators dissipate more power at higher line voltages and consume more current.
Switch-mode regulators maintain constant power into a load and consume more power at
lower line voltages. Some power is lost in long cable runs, resulting in lower line voltages
at the equipment, with the corresponding impact on current requirements. Two factors
determine the current requirements of a system: output voltage of the modular rack and
ACS rack and number and type of luminaires in the system.
Current Calculation
The current requirements for VARI ❋LITE® equipment are provided here. For Series 300
luminaires, the current requirement is expressed as the current draw on a Smart Repeater
unit that is fully loaded with six luminaires with each luminaire operating all motors (a
maximum power draw scenario). All VARI
❋LITE® Series 200/300 AC voltage selector
boards are designed to operate the equipment within one of three voltage ranges: 80 to 130
VAC, 170 to 260 VAC, or 80-260 VAC.
Because of the complexities of calculating three-phase power requirements, this data will
never be 100% accurate, and is intended for guidance only. It is recommended that a 20%
headroom allowance be added to the final phase figures to allow for imbalances.
CAUTION: Only 50 VL2B and VL2C luminaires may be connected to a Series 200 ACS
rack and only nine may be connected to a mini-ACS rack due to the current requirements.
CAUTION: To avoid damage to equipment and to ensure proper equipment operation,
consult with local staff regarding power concerns.