All the lights work normally for the first few minutes, after which only the first one ‘flashes’. Why is that?
One of the connections after the first light appears to be causing a short circuit. You should check that none of the nails or screws have pierced the cable. All connection points should be checked again.
The downlights gradually go out after a few hours. Why is that?
All electrical transformers are fitted with a power-limiting device or a temperature monitor, which means that, for safety reasons, they switch off once a certain level of heat build-up is reached and switch on again once they have cooled down. Here, it is necessary to check whether heat build-up is occurring due to insulation materials lying on top of the transformer, or whether there is none of a continuous, ventilated cavity.
Can downlights be connected in series?
Modern LED downlights are usually powered by 230V. They are wired in series using a parallel connection.
Can Paulmann downlights be fitted into wooden beams with a hole in them?
To ensure a long lifetime, the LED light bulb should have sufficient space around it to allow for cooling. In addition to the minimum installation depth, we recommend leaving a clearance of approximately 15 cm all round.
Do 3-step dimmable downlights have a memory function?
As a general rule, we do not offer a memory function for downlights with a 3-step dimming function. This is due to synchronisation issues when several lights are operated together.
Are there any downlights with motion detectors?
We do not currently stock any downlights with motion detectors in our range. One option would be to fit any motion detector in the 230V supply line to the lights. In this case, the lights should not be fitted with any dimming circuitry.
Can a recessed furniture light be installed in a blind hole?
Our recessed furniture lights should have adequate ventilation, for example via a continuous cavity. There are recessed wall lights that do not require a cavity and are suitable for use in cavity wall boxes, equipment boxes, etc.
Can downlights also be used in bathrooms or damp rooms?
Downlights can also be used in the bathroom. In this case, lamps with a minimum IP44 rating should be used. Special die-cast aluminium-zinc lights (corrosion-resistant) are available for damp rooms.
Can downlights be used outdoors?
In outdoor areas, care must be taken to ensure that lights with a minimum IP23 rating (protection against splashing water) are used. Due to the potential exposure to moisture, it is advisable to use corrosion-resistant downlights made of die-cast aluminium-zinc or plastic.
Salt-laden air near the coast may cause a build-up of deposits, which can be removed using standard cleaning products.
What type of cable should be used to install Paulmann downlights?
As a rule, a NYM cable with a cross-section of 3 × 1.5 square millimetres is used for this type of installation. Depending on the scope and lengths involved, a smaller cable cross-section may also be sufficient. Please consult your local installer.
Under which regulation is the small cable cross-section between the connection box and the Coin light bulb permitted?
There are two standards relating to this:
DIN EN 60598-1: 2015 Lights: General requirements
DIN EN 60598-2-2: 2012 Downlights
Will the transformer fit through the opening of a downlight?
Downlights specify a minimum installation height for the respective type of downlight. If the ceiling has not been suspended sufficiently, the following situation arises:
Although the transformer fits through the installation hole in terms of its height and width, its length means it gets stuck when attempting to push it into the hole. The transformer must be installed elsewhere, but in such a way that it remains accessible. Our range includes special transformers sized for easy installation in hollow ceilings.
Can the Nova mini downlights also be switched and dimmable using Zigbee?
Dimmable lights from the Nova mini range are all equipped with the Easy-Dim function, which is operated using a standard two-way switch. Only the non-dimmable lights can be integrated into a smart home via an upstream Zigbee controller, without the dimming function.
When is it permissible to use spacers with Paulmann downlights?
Paulmann’s range includes spacers for downlights whose LEDs do not exceed a power rating of 28W. This ensures a safe distance between the LED and the vapour barrier film with insulation material.
Please note: If the ambient temperature near the LED rises above 30°C for a prolonged time, this can significantly reduce its lifetime. We recommend installation in a suspended ceiling with a continuous cavity to ensure optimum ventilation of the LED.
Why do the Nova Coin downlights only state IP20?
The individual components of the Coin downlights have an IP20 protection rating only.
If the light bulb and downlight frame are fitted correctly together into the suspended ceiling, the resulting protection rating will be IP23, IP44 or IP65, depending on the frame type.
Why do the recessed lighting modules only say ‘IP20’?
The light modules, when installed individually with their 230V connection boxes, do not offer any protection against moisture – provided they are not installed in a suspended ceiling.
After the installation in the appropriate cut-out, the space behind the ceiling is sealed, providing protection against water spray (IP23) or splashing water (IP44).
What is Zamac?
Our range includes various styles of die-cast luminaires. An aluminium-zinc alloy (Zamac) is used as the base material. These materials are more corrosion-resistant than steel and are therefore also suitable for use in bathrooms.
Which downlights are suitable for installation in a concrete ceiling?
All Paulmann downlights with a power rating of up to 28W can also be installed in concrete ceilings.
Please note: If the ambient temperature near the LED rises above 30°C for a prolonged time, this can significantly reduce its lifetime. We recommend installation in a suspended ceiling with a continuous cavity to ensure optimum ventilation of the LED.
Which downlights are suitable for Kaiser sockets (HaloX/ThermoX)?
All Paulmann downlights with a power rating of up to 28W can also be fitted into Kaiser boxes (HaloX/ThermoX). Please note: If the ambient temperature near the LED rises above 30°C for a prolonged period, this may significantly reduce its lifetime.We recommend installation in a suspended ceiling with a continuous cavity to ensure optimum ventilation of the LED.
Which light bulbs with Zigbee control are compatible with downlights?
What is the thickness of the rings on the downlights, or how many millimetres does a downlight protrude from the surface?
Our downlights are 2–3 mm thick; for a model with IP65 protection and the connected additional rubber ring, the total thickness is approximately 5 mm.
What are the connectors on low-voltage downlights called?
In our DC LED and constant-current systems, we use JST and AMP plugs and sockets to ensure simple, reverse-polarity-protected connections between components.
How do I reset lights using Easy Dim?
Easy Dim lights revert to the set preset (factory setting 100%) when switched off and on again.
This can be set individually by operating the light switch as follows:
1. Switch the light on, then switch it off and on again within three seconds (the light will now begin to dim slowly)
2. Once the desired brightness is reached, switch the light off and on again briefly (the brightness will remain the same)
3. To save the set value, switch the light off and on three times (the new preset is set)
Easy Dim lights can be reset by switching them off and on five times.
How should the quick-release clamps on Paulmann lights be used?
Our terminal blocks are designed as quick-connect terminals for solid wire. Such a wire locks into place automatically when inserted. If a flexible cable is to be used, a ferrule must always be fitted.
When inserting the flexible cable into the terminal, the lever must first be used to open the clasp and then released once the cable is in place. We therefore recommend using a NYM cable with a cross-section of 1.5 mm².
Is the Coin light bulb covered under the 5-year guarantee?
Replaceable light bulbs are covered by a limited 12-month warranty. When installing downlights, please ensure that the installation requirements are met (a continuous cavity with the minimum dimensions specified on the product) to ensure a long lifetime for the LEDs.
