The Control4 8-Channel Forward Phase Dimmer (C4-DIN-8FPD-E) is a panelized lighting control module designed to manage up to eight loads within a Control4 smart home system. It utilizes a Cat5 Ethernet connection for communication with the Control4 system and is recommended for use with Control4 OS 3.2.2 or newer for optimal security and performance.

Function Description:

This device primarily controls lighting loads by providing either 100% on/off (Switch Mode) or forward-phase (leading edge) dimming (Dimming Mode). It also supports SSL 7A Mode, which sets dimming parameters compliant with NEMA SSL 7A standards. By default, all channels are set to Switch Mode to prevent accidental dimming of non-dimmable loads. The dimming mode for each channel can be configured directly on the module using its front panel buttons, though once the module is identified in a Composer project, dimming mode configuration must be done via Composer Pro.

Important Technical Specifications:

The device is designed to protect itself and connected loads from various fault conditions, including:

Overtemp Fault: Occurs when the module reaches an unsafe operating temperature, typically indicating it's exceeding its load ratings. All attached loads turn off, and the Channel LED and Module Override LED turn red. The fault clears automatically once a safe temperature is reached, but loads do not automatically turn back on.
Overcurrent Fault: Triggered by a significant current spike on an individual channel, which can be caused by a short circuit, high in-rush current, a burning incandescent bulb, or dimming a non-dimmable load. The faulted load turns off, and the Channel LED turns red. The fault can be cleared by turning the load back on. If the fault reoccurs within 10 seconds, it's considered ongoing and requires addressing the underlying problem before clearing.
Over-Wattage Fault: Occurs if the wattage on an individual channel exceeds 1000W for 10 seconds. The faulted load turns off, and the channel LED turns yellow. The fault can be cleared by turning the load back on.
No Power On Phase Fault: Occurs if no zero cross is detected on Line 2 (L and N), affecting channels 5-8. The channel LEDs turn solid cyan, and the fault cannot be cleared until Line 2 (L and N) are properly connected.

Usage Features:

The front panel of the 8-Channel Forward Phase Dimmer features indicator LEDs and buttons for local control and configuration.

LED Indicators:

Module Override LED (Blue): Indicates normal operation.
Module Override LED (Black): Off.
Module Override LED (Red): Indicates an Overtemp Fault.
Channel LEDs (Blue): Load on.
Channel LEDs (Black): Load off.
Channel LEDs (Red): Overcurrent Fault or Overtemp Fault.
Channel LEDs (Yellow): Over-Wattage Fault.
Channel LEDs (Cyan): No Power On Phase Fault.
Flashing Green (Module Override/Link/Activity): Firmware updating.
Green (Link/Activity): Firmware update complete.
Solid Green (Link/Activity): Link established.
Orange (Link/Activity): Activity.

Button Functionality (Normal Operation):

CH1-CH8 Buttons (Click): Toggles the corresponding load on and off.
CH1-CH8 Buttons (Hold): Ramps/fades the load (if dimmable).
Module Override Button (Click): Toggles between the module override scene and all channels off.
Module Override Button (Hold for 5 seconds): Sets the module override scene to current channel levels. The Module Override LED blinks rapidly to confirm the scene has been saved.

Button Tap Sequences (using CH1 and CH8 buttons):

Identify (4 taps on CH1): Used for device identification within Composer Pro.
Reboot device (15 taps on CH1): Restarts the device.
Factory reset (9 taps on CH1, 4 taps on CH8, 9 taps on CH1): Restores the device to factory settings. This should only be performed under the direction of Control4 Technical Support.

Dimming Mode Configuration (on device):

Press CH1 and CH8 buttons simultaneously.
All channel LEDs indicate their current dimming mode:
- Solid yellow: Switch Mode
- Solid green: Forward Phase Mode
- Solid magenta: SSL 7A Mode
Click each channel button to cycle through the dimming mode.
Once desired modes are set, exit by pressing and holding the Module Override button briefly. This procedure should be repeated if the module is rewired or load types change.

Manual Overrides:

Override Scene: A stored scene within the module that can be activated to set all loads to a predefined state (default is 100% on). This scene can be configured via Composer Pro or the module's buttons.
Module Override Button: Toggles all attached loads between the stored override scene and off.
Auxiliary Override Contacts (Aux In and Aux Out): These terminals allow wiring a standard line-voltage toggle switch for external control. Flipping the switch toggles between the stored override scene and off. Multiple modules can share an auxiliary override switch if on the same electrical phase.
Channel Override Buttons: Provide individual control, toggling loads between a preset level and off, or ramping/fading when held.

Maintenance Features:

Reset Button: A single click of the recessed Reset button (requires a paperclip) is equivalent to power cycling the device. Holding specific buttons while clicking Reset allows for special activities:
- CH7 + Reset: Disables DHCP and forces the IP address to 192.168.1.200.
- CH8 + Reset: Toggles between Enable/Disable DHCP.
- Module Override + Reset: Restores the factory image (use only when directed by Control4 Technical Support).
Troubleshooting: The manual provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues like the module not powering on, loads not turning on/off, or module overheating, with corresponding possible solutions.
Composer Pro Integration: Composer Pro is used to define module properties, location in a panel, and connected loads. It also generates Panel Reports, Module Reports, and Load Schedule Reports, which are crucial for proper installation and wiring verification.
Firmware Updates: Indicated by flashing green LEDs, ensuring the device remains up-to-date with the latest features and bug fixes.

Control 4 C4-DIN-8FPD-E - Page 4

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