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Miniature Trims

Yes they are, visit UL’s website at www.ul.com

2. What is the warranty of these fixtures?

Our product warranty (as with the rest of our products) is one year.

3. What are the differences between the four groups of miniature low voltage halogen recessed lights?

They are ideal for ceilings, shelves, cabinets and displays etc.

5. Can these lights be lit 24 hours a day, and will they overheat?

The life of the lamp will shorten. The unit will not overheat.

6. Can these fixtures be installed in a damp location?

Yes - they are suitable for damp locations (porch or bathroom), but not wet locations (above a shower or outdoors).

7. Are these fixtures suitable for up-lighting?

Yes.

8. How do I determine which housing to use with a HR-232 trim?

The key is to pick the housing with the same prefix as the trim. A HR-232 trim will require a HR-200 or HR-201 or HR-202 housing, depending on the application. We have three basic styles of housings. Each of these styles is available in 3 sizes. The HR-800 is listed for use in cabinets, the HR-806 is listed for ceilings.

9. I can’t find a housing for the HR-305 trim using the guidelines above. How does it stay in the ceiling? Can it be used in New Construction applications?

The HR-305 trim does not require the use of a housing because the housing is part of the fixture. The whole fixture is held in place by strong spring clips in the cut-hole. They are suitable for finished ceilings only.

10. Do any of your trims come weather resistant?

Yes, our style #837 also comes in the weather resistant version, model number WR-837 available in white only. Base metal is brass.

11. Must I use housings with the MR16 miniature trims (i.e. HR-836)?

Yes. Most building codes require use of housing.

12. Can I order frosted lens for the MR16 miniature trims (i.e. HR-837)?

Yes – all of the MR16 miniature trims may be fitted with the LENS-16-FR.

13. Are the MR16 miniature trims adjustable? What about the Miniature Complete Fixtures?

On the MR16 trims, the HR-231, 232, 305, and 837 are adjustable. As for the Complete Fixtures, HR-1135 and HR-1137 are adjustable. For the degree of adjustability, please refer to the catalog. 

14. How do I know when to order sockets, and when not to order sockets?

All housings are equipped with sockets. Some trims require special sockets, in which case you will use the socket supplied with the trim.

15. Please explain the mounting options of a Button Light (i.e. HR-88).

Each button light comes with a shallow back cover, we call a housing. When used as a recessed fixture, you will not need the back cover. The cut-out hole size is 2-3/8". (The box that contains the unit comes with a pop-out template for sizing). If installed as a surface mounted fixture, you will need the back cover.

16. Can I order a frosted lens for the Button Light (i.e. HR-88)?

Yes - LENS-45-FR.

17. Can I use a UV lens with the HR-89 Button Light?

No – our UV lenses are only available in the standard MR16 and MR11 sizes.

18. What is the length of the socket lead wire that comes with the Button Lights?

36". They may be cut to desired length.

19. How many Button Light fixtures will I require on 6’ run under the cabinet?

Generally, from a 2’ height, a Button Light (or any 20W mini fixture) will provide sufficient light for 22" – 25" of space. A 6’ run will require 3 fixtures.

20. Do I need to order a housing (can) for the MR11 (i.e. HR-1136) or Mini Flush Lights (i.e. HR-1138)?

No - they each have a built-in housing as part of the fixture.

21. Is the finish on the HR-1136 and HR-1137 polished brass?

No - it is a 24K gold plated finish.

22. Are the HR-1138 and HR-1139 available with a clear glass cover?

No - just frosted.

23. Are the HR-1138 and HR-1139 available with a black rim?

No - we only have them in white, and gold (24K gold plated finish). The HR-1138 is available with a brushed nickel finish. 

24. Project : Wire 4 Button Lights undercabinet to a dimmer switch. The lights are placed 4' apart.

a. Which W·A·C electronic transformer would I use to wire 4 Button Lights in one continuous run?

Each Button Light takes a 20W lamp. The total load of four lamps is 80W. We carry transformers in 4 sizes - 60W, 75W, 100W and 150W. The most suitable transformer for this project is the EN-12PE (100W). The key is to select the exact or next biggest size. All of our transformers may be loaded to its maximum capacity.

To simplify the wiring of multiple low voltage fixtures to a transformer, use the MTB01. Instead of having a blob of wires to a wire-nut, it can be made much neater and allows better connections to a transformer. The MTB-01 can accommodate up to 6 fixtures only. Please refer to the section on TRANSFORMERS, DIMMERS, MULTI TERMINAL BLOCKS.

b. Where do I place the dimmer switch?

The position of the dimmer switch is to be placed between the 120V power source and the transformer. When used with W.A.C. electronic transformers, regular line voltage incandescent dimmers will usually suffice.

c. Since the Button Lights come with a 36" lead wire, how do I extend it to 4'?

You may use 14 gauge wires to extend it to 4’.

25. The building inspector insists that all 120V connections must be enclosed and separated from the 12V side. How do I do this?

Some local codes do require that. You can use the ETB junction box (which consists of two compartments) to do just that. The ETB houses one EN-12P-AR, EN-12PL-AR, EN-12PE-AR or EN-12PX-AR transformer. A smaller version, the METB, houses the EN-12P-AR, or the EN-12PL-AR.

26. Why do the fixtures flicker on and off from time to time when being dimmed?

Check the distance of the last fixture from the transformer. If the distance is too far for the wire gauge size, they will flicker, (see chart on voltage drop). The further the distance between the fixture and the transformer, the bigger the voltage drop, and this is what causes the fixtures to flicker.

Another possibility is that you are using a transformer that is too large. For example, you may have a total load of 60W (the equivalent of three Button Lights), and you are using a 100W transformer (EN-12PE-AR).

Each transformer has a minimum load*. In this case, the minimum load of the EN-12PE-AR is 60W. When the fixtures are dimmed, the wattage is reduced, therefore it will total less than 60W.

When the minimum load is not met, chances are the lights will flicker. To remedy this situation, you may change the transformer to a 75W unit (EN-12PL-AR).

*For more details, refer to the section on TRANSFORMERS AND DIMMERS.

27. In a low voltage situation (12V) like a motor home or a boat, would I require a transformer for my fixtures?

RV’s and boats operate under 12V. Transformers are not necessary.

28.I am concerned with a voltage drop in my application. Do you have any guidelines on the subject?

To minimize a voltage drop and lessened light output, the transformer should be located as close to the fixture as possible. A drop of 5% or less is generally acceptable. The chart below details the maximum length to keep the drop below 5%.

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