WHAT IS A RIPPLE?
The low-level signal voltages or ripple control signals injected into the distribution network at various frequencies are used to control off-peak appliances. Mains signaling is also referred to as ripple control signals. The signals are commonly used to switch the metering for hot water and heating systems.
Generally, the power utility will use a specific frequency for a suburb and a different frequency for a neighbouring suburb. The two most common frequencies are 1050Hz and 750Hz. The DRM1050 and DRM750 are filters designed to reduce or eliminate the effects of mains signaling that some power utilities generate.
WHAT DOES THE DRM1050 RIPPLE FILTER DO?
The DRM1050 is a DIN Rail Mount, 10A 230/240V Filter custom designed to specifically reduce or cancel the effects of the 1050Hz ripple frequency.
On some phase cut dimmer modules, the Thor Ripple Filter can provide improvements to dimming range, cold start values, dimming curve, and improve the overall reliability and consistency of the performance of the dimming on your LED lights.
One of the challenges with the inclusion of a ripple filter is that each site is unique and different. The mains supply is affected by distance from substations, voltage, load, and the variation of connected electrical equipment—all of which can contribute to changing the effects of the mains signaling.
This means one site may experience 100% elimination while another in the same or neighbouring suburb may get only a partial improvement. This is not a fault of the filter but rather the result of all the other contributing variables involved.
DID YOU KNOW?
Signaling only used to be an issue at specific times of the day and usually only for a few minutes at a time. The use of the ripple signal has expanded to load shedding, controlling street-lights, air-conditioners, and other similar equipment that are now required to meet new standards.
Equipment controlled by ripple control signals is becoming more common. Signaling can be more evident from early AM to late PM — basically, any time of day or night.
