TRILUMIS
Technology

Inrush current: low power, brief high pulse

Connected wattage alone is not enough to plan simultaneous switching of multiple LED drivers.

When electronic drivers start, current can briefly exceed the normal operating current by a substantial amount. Pulse magnitude, duration and the number of devices starting together all matter. Low running consumption therefore does not automatically mean modest demands on switching equipment.

Electrical design considers manufacturer data for drivers alongside the proposed switching and protective devices. Maximum device counts apply only to their stated conditions. Different drivers or equipment combinations should not be treated as equivalent simply because their wattage matches.

Have the responsible electrical contractor assess grouping. Coordinated components, suitable inrush limitation or a different switching concept may be needed. Changing protection or installation is not a user adjustment. For larger groups, a documented simultaneous-start test helps verify the designed arrangement, including recovery after an interruption.

What to clarify for your project

  • Provide driver pulse magnitude and duration data.
  • Include simultaneous restart in the design.
  • Have switching and protection coordinated by the contractor.

Remember: Assess operating current and starting behaviour separately.