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FAQs

  • Emergency Lighting Products

    • Can IOTA Emergency LED Drivers be installed in the field?

      Yes, most of IOTA’s “Constant Power” Emergency LED Drivers are UL Listed for field or factory installation. This will be noted on the product specifications.

    • Which Emergency LED Drivers are “Constant Power”?

      IOTA’s Constant Power Emergency LED Drivers are easily distinguished by the presence of “CP” in the model name.

    • What is “True Constant Power”?

      IOTA’s patented Constant Power design allows IOTA “CP” Emergency LED Drivers to deliver a constant wattage to the LED array, providing non-diminishing light output for the full emergency runtime. Despite claims to the contrary, not all “Constant Power” emergency LED drivers from other manufacturers deliver constant power output. Some classify the output as “regulated” which means the output power is only constant for a limited amount of time but is then reduced to protect battery discharge. Refer closely to emergency driver specifications – if the amperage of the emergency driver states a single value, then it is impossible for the output wattage to remain constant.

    • Are 3D Files Available?

      Many of IOTA’s product webpages include downloadable 3D STEP files in the “Technical Files” section. If a STEP file is not available for a particular product, contact IOTA Tech Support and they would be happy to generate one for you.

    • Which emergency solutions provide full light output?

      IOTA’s IIS Inverters are designed to supply AC voltage to the luminaire and therefore will enable full light output in emergency conditions.

    • Do I still need to keep written test records when using Self-Diagnostic products?

      Depending on the type of Self-Diagnostic product, written test records are still necessary to meet emergency lighting code requirements. Many Self-Diagnostic products, such as emergency LED drivers, use their illuminated test switch/indicator to display the status of monthly or annual tests. However, these units will not generate a written record of the test’s completion. It is the responsibility of the facility manager to periodically inspect the test switch to record the operating status of the unit. That being said, IOTA does offer Central Inverter products that both test the emergency function and log the test results.

    • Can I find the lumen performance of an IOTA Emergency LED Driver?

      IOTA’s Constant Power design allows lumen performance to be calculated by multiplying the output rating of the IOTA Emergency LED Driver (ex: 5 watts) by the fixture’s lumen efficacy (ie: lumens/watt). For example, a 5-watt emergency LED Driver installed in a luminaire with an efficacy of 100 lumens/watt will provide 500 lumens in emergency conditions (5 watts * 100 lumens/watt = 500 lumens in emergency).

    • I cannot find a wiring diagram for my application. Can you provide one?

      IOTA’s Tech Support team will be happy to provide a wiring diagram to suit your particular application if one cannot be found online.

    • How can I find out which Top Mount Kit (KIT TMK) or Remote Test Kit (KIT RTK) is appropriate for my model?

      IOTA’s Customer Support or Tech Support team will happily determine which TMK or RTK is appropriate for your IOTA Emergency Ballast or Emergency LED Driver.

    • What is an “ALCR Device”? How is it different than a transfer switch?

      ALCR stands for “Automatic Load Control Relay” and ALCR devices differ from a transfer switch in how they manage power in emergency conditions. A UL 1008 transfer switch is designed to switch between utility power and an emergency power source during emergency conditions. An ALCR device does not switch between power sources, but instead senses the presence of utility (normal) power and “passes through” emergency power to a luminaire, regardless of the position of a wall switch or other on-off control device. IOTA’s ETS Series Emergency Control Devices are UL 924 listed as an ALCR device.

  • DLS Power Converters / Battery Chargers

    • What is the correct voltage for charging batteries?

      To fully charge up a wet cell battery, most battery manufacturers suggest 2.35 volts per cell or 14.1 volts (for a 12V system). However, this varies depending on the manufacturer, type of battery, temperature, and if the battery is a wet cell, gel cell, or dry cell battery.

    • How long will it take the DLS Charger to charge my batteries?

      The amount of time it takes the battery to charge is dependent on many factors, ranging from the capacity of the battery, the amount the battery has been discharged, which DLS model is being used, and the gauge of wire connecting the DLS to the battery. Taking into account the many variables, charge time can range anywhere from two to twenty-four hours.

    • What is Dual Voltage?

      Dual Voltage allows selectable charging capability, offering a standard 13.6V "float" charge and a stepped-up 14.2V "bulk" charge for 12V systems. Increasing from the float charge to the bulk charge allows for faster charging of the battery. Refer to the specifications in the DLS owner's manual for the high-stage and normal-stage charging voltages.

    • What causes a battery to "boil" and "gas" and how can I prevent it?

      Whenever a 12V battery has reached 13.8 to 14.1 VDC and remains there for any length of time, it will "gas". Some gassing is good, but if left in this condition for a long period of time, it can actually boil, start bulging, and, before long, the battery is ruined. A short in one of the battery cells as well as an old battery with a very high leak inductance can cause the charger to put full current into the battery, causing the battery to boil and become a safety hazard. When plugged into the shoreline or grid power for long periods of time, the best way to maintain your batteries is to have a charger that will "float" your batteries at an appropriate level (13.4 to 13.8 volts for 12V batteries).

    • Will an IQ4 Smart Charger help me?

      The IQ4 Smart Charger is an additional accessory that manages the charging voltage of the DLS charger. The IQ4 uses four different charging modes to decrease charge times, ensure a full charge, and maintain the charge at all times while minimizing gassing and boiling. The IQ4 controller is also ideal for batteries that are not in use for months at at time by providing a charge cycle approximately every seven days. This promotes longer life of the battery by reducing "sulfating" of the plates.

    • Why isn't the IQ4 a standard feature on the DLS?

      A DLS Series unit is essentially two products in one. It can serve as either a battery charger or a power converter for running a DC load from an AC supply. In power converter applications, multi-stage charging is not needed and therefore is not included with every unit. Additionally, some battery owners prefer to manually control the battery charging voltage by plugging and unplugging the Dual Voltage Jack or inserting an external IQ4 pendant. For these reasons, the IQ4 remains an optional addition to the DLS unit, however most DLS Series chargers are available with IQ4 charging control built into the unit for those who want the benefits of multi-stage charging at all times.

    • Is the fan on the DLS going to run at all times?

      No. DLS units feature "proportional fan control," meaning the fan will run only when needed and at the speed necessary to cool the unit. This enables the fan to start and stop slowly, reducing overall fan noise.

    • Does my DLS unit work on 220-240V?

      220-240V systems require a DLS model specifically designed for that system's voltage. 220-240V DLS units are clearly identified on the label as 220-240V and are available in a variety of amperages.

    • What are the fuses on the DLS for?

      The fuses on the DLS provide Reverse Polarity Protection in the event that the DLS is connected to the battery incorrectly. If the fuses are blown, verify proper battery installation before replacing the fuses. Always replace the fuses with the same type and rating fuse.

    • How does cold and heat affect my battery?

      The optimum temperature for batteries is 78 degrees F. High temperatures cause the battery to self discharge faster. Cold temperatures slow down the self discharge, but decrease the output capacity of the battery. At 0 degrees F., a battery will only have 50% of its capacity at nominal temperature (78 degrees F). Also, a battery that has been 80% discharged will freeze and burst at 18 degrees F.

    • How does the temperature affect battery charging?

      Cold temperatures necessitate a higher voltage to charge the battery up to the 100% level. Battery charging voltages should adjust according to the ambient battery temperature to insure a full charge and to insure that the battery does not overcharge in higher temperatures.

    • Should I use a volt meter or hydrometer when checking my battery level?

      Hydrometers can give you an accurate reading of the state of charge of each battery cell, however, remember you are handling extremely caustic acid. In addition, the battery is chemically sensitive - each time you open the caps, you run the risk of contamination, which will shorten the life of the battery. A good digital volt meter can safely give you an accurate reading of the battery state of charge. The following is a gauge you can use to check your battery in a rested state.
      • 12.63 - 100%
      • 12.45 - 80%
      • 12.27 - 60%
      • 12.09 - 40%
      • 11.91 - 20%

      You should never let your batteries get below the 20% capacity level.

      NOTE: To test a battery at rested state, disconnect the positive lead from the battery for approximately 20 to 24 hours.

    • Why do I read less voltage at the battery than I do at the battery charger?

      Because of losses caused by wire length, loose connections, or battery isolators, the voltage that reaches the battery may not be as high as what the charger / converter is delivering. Keep all wiring connections tight and keep wiring distances to a minimum.

    • What is Series and Parallel Charging?

      IOTA DLS Battery Chargers have the ability to work in conjunction with other DLS chargers to achieve 'Series' or 'Parallel' charging. By combining multiple DLS units together, you can increase either the output voltage or the amperage of the DLS units.

      Charging in Series multiplies the output voltage of the DLS unit by the number of chargers you are using. For example: Two DLS chargers with an output voltage of 13.4VDC connected in series would provide an output voltage of 26.8VDC with no affect on amperage.

      Parallel combines the amperages of the DLS units with no affect on output voltage. For example, two 15A 13.4V DLS chargers connected in parallel, would provide 30 amps at a continued 13.4VDC output.

      Follow the links below for Series and Parallel Wiring Diagrams:
      Series Connections for DLS Battery Chargers
      Parallel Connections for DLS Battery Chargers