Is the dimmer specialist always right?
Singapore, 27th August 2014
I keep on talking about this issue as it has really dominated this week’s proceedings. Inevitably it came to a head collision today during the site meeting as the cat came out of the bag. Only a few days from handover and the dimming system is not performing as it should because of many issues, predominantly the fact that the dimming system does not have enough capacity. There are some other (minor issues typical to E27 LED lamps) but the circuit overload is the main thing. Basically and simply said the system design is insufficient to handle the quantity of lamps.
The meeting today was to put everything on the table and while the intent was not really to blame but find solutions, it was inevitable that some people wanted to cover their buts by washing their hands of the issue…it was n’t them. To me with all the facts known now it is clear and simple. It was known to all parties which lamp was being used and the quantities that need to be controlled. The actual circuit design and dimming equipment specification was derived from our control schedules and lighting layout plans that show the groupings. The dimming specialist is the one who had all the knowledge and expertise to address this and advise the team about the requirements. However somehow they have been sleeping or lulled into a false belief that they could sort it out because at no time did anyone from their company flag the issue that they had insufficient capacity.
The reality is that they probably realised when it was too late and all equipment already installed and when the dimming problems started and tried every trick from the book to blame it on others. The problem for us is that the dimming technology for LED is very complex and you need some sort of degree to really comprehend everything so we heavily rely on their expertise to lead and direct us. Because they talk the jargon we are led to believe they know everything and they are right , so when they start to blame the lamp for all the problems everyone believes them, as happened today. And while their certainly may be better lamps on the market the truth is that the dimming system should be designed to suit the lamp and putting the blame on the lamp is an unprofessional way to solve a problem.
Light watch 5-142: Some more…
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