Power Issue

[Trevor]

During fade (100% to 0%), amperage seems to increase on one controller, tripping the breaker.  It is the ONLY controller plugged into the outlet, connected to a 15 amp breaker on a sub-panel.  Everything has been working perfectly up until tonight.  When this occurs, as the fade progresses, the sub-panel begins to 'hum' louder as the fade gets dimmer, until breaker trips.  No hum when controller in question is turned off; other 6 working as intended.  Would upgrading to a 20 amp breaker help this issue?  Is it perhaps a weather related issue?  We are experiencing the coldest temps of this year, 0-10 degrees F.

Note:  Using incandescent mini lights, strands of 100.  200 amp house service; 50 amp sub-panel.

Any Help??

[rrowan]

When the LE is at 100% with all channels, what is you current draw?
Did you install two power leads or one on the LE?

If you don't have one of those watt/current meters then you can estimate .33 amps per 100ct mini lights

Cheers

Rick R.

[tbone321]

Do you have an inductive load on that controller?  Inductive loads don't like to be dimmed and some will actually draw more current when being dimmed.  I would remove all of the devices from the controller and then dim it and see what happens.  If all is ok with the Express unloaded then begin connecting devices and dim it after each device is conected to see what is causing the issue.

[Trevor]

UPDATE: I went ahead and got an AMP reader and it seems that I was drawing 17 amps. JUST enough to trip the breaker. So I went ahead and added a 20amp to all breakers and have had no issues as of yet. I think for next year im just going to go ahead and add a 60amp sub-panel for the "Just in case" moments. Thanks for all your support!

[RJ]

Glad thats all it was. good to know the circuit breaker was working.


RJ

[n1ist]

Just make sure the wiring fed by that 20A breaker is #12 or larger...
/mike

[Trevor]

Just make sure the wiring fed by that 20A breaker is #12 or larger...
/mike

Yep..I have a electrician in the family who did the sub panel and if im not mistaken was already wired with heavier wire since he knew that I would be adding more to it the following year. I will most likely have him add the circuits and what not again this year just for the fact that I know it will be done correctly. 

Thanks for the tip!