Prevalent across office layouts, open ceiling designs have no drop ceilings. Instead, traditionally covered ceiling structures, HVAC systems and electrical are exposed to offer a distinct industrial design. Plus, the removed ceiling increases the height of the room to make it feel more spacious.

However, the exposed structure also presents a unique set of design challenges. While the goal is to create a modern, unfinished aesthetic, visible wiring and junction boxes can make an open ceiling look inadvertently messy if executed poorly. In addition, higher ceilings can make lighting more difficult as light must travel a further distance to the work surface. That’s where the DCC Cylinder comes in.

Custom Length

With dozens of options and over a million configurations, the DCC Cylinder is DMF’s most versatile product. One of the most popular options is customizing the length of the suspended pendants to match whatever your project needs. Available as a Stem or Cord Mount, the suspended cylinder length is among the longest in industry at up to 156″, illuminating even the tallest of spaces.

Junction Box Covers

In an open ceiling layout, the network of conduit powering the suspended cylinders is completely visible. And depending on the lighting layout, each cylinder can feature anywhere between one and four conduit branches. While the solid metal conduit and elbow connections can add to the industrial design, the junction boxes usually do not. So instead of unsightly junction boxes ruining an open ceiling, designers can opt to utilize junction box covers.

Compatible with octagon and square boxes, each junction box cover features interchangeable open and closed knockouts that can be configured to match the desired lighting layout. Available in the same finishes as the Cylinder itself, the junction box covers complete the look for Cylinders in open ceilings.

Emergency Lighting

In addition to junction box covers, the DCC Cylinder’s entire suite of features remain available in open ceiling applications, even Emergency Lighting. Featuring two ceiling mounted remote drivers, the EM cylinder illuminates and dims identically in standard operation. When the emergency LED driver detects the loss of normal power, it switches control to battery power in emergency mode.

Learn more about these and other options for the DCC Cylinder System.

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With a host of moisture protection options, including a gasket and protective lens, the DCC Cylinder System has always featured a UL Listed Wet Location option. These protections allow the Cylinder to install in high moisture areas such as restrooms or covered patios. Now, even more safe guards make it compatible with even wetter areas, including outdoors.

Enhanced Water Protection, Same Design

When our engineers set out to improve the DCC’s moisture rating, it was imperative that any modifications not compromise they Cylinder’s sleek, modern design. The new rubber gasket and water-tight wall connector remain completely hidden, while the added cap only shows as a subtle lip near the top of the Surface Mount Cylinder.

These enhancements underwent rigorous water testing, even going beyond what third-party accreditation organizations conduct. We let water pool on the surface of the Cylinder and even submerged them underwater. All this to ensure they continue to meet DMF’s highest standards.

IP65

In addition to UL Listed for Wet Locations, all of our Wet Rated Cylinders are now IP65 rated as well. Administered by the IEC, an IP65 rating equates to the highest protection against solid foreign objects and low pressure water jets from all angles.

As always, Wet Rated is available for the Surface, Stem and Wall Mount Cylinders. The new IP65 rating is being added to our existing UL Wet Rated Cylinders. No changes to ordering or pricing — you’ll now simply receive the new and improved Wet Rated Cylinders.

Learn more about these and other options for the DCC Cylinder System.

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We developed our own UL certified support system that adds strength while limiting light loss. The unique propeller design channels the cord from the connector to the module, while delivering a shadowless stream of light.

The addition of a pendant uplight allows the DCC Cylinder to reach new heights. Combining glare-free illumination with the ability to highlight architectural elements replaces the need for unsightly troffers or linear fixtures.

And while linear fixtures efficiently provide direct and indirect lighting, pendants can be arranged in a less restrictive manner. This gives designers freedom to arrange fixtures and customize the space.

Ideal for high or exposed ceilings, the DCC Cord Mount Cylinder is a revolutionary solution for general and accent lighting from one light source.

Learn more about the DCC Cylinder.

DMF Lighting’s latest DRD Series Modules offer industry leading performance and guaranteed dimming compatibility thanks to our proprietary T2 and O1 LED Drivers. Designed and developed in-house, the Drivers provide 1% flicker free dimming, smooth fading and compatibility with either forward or reverse phase dimmers.

Fully integrated into the modules for simplified installation and maintenance, we’ve tested and finely tuned our drivers to be compatible with a broad range of dimmers from various manufacturers, including Lutron, Leviton, Eaton and Legrand. While we stand confidently behind the DRD2 and DRD4 performance under all conditions, customers often request guidance when selecting a suitable dimming system.

What to consider when selecting a dimmer

Aside from user functionality and aesthetic preferences, here are three things to consider when selecting a dimmer for a DRD Series Module in order to maximize performance.

Neutral Wire Connection

We recommend a dimmer with a direct neutral wire connection. This ensures internal power supply regulation and is especially needed for smart dimmers or very light circuits, such as only one or two fixtures connected to a dimmer.

Dimming Protocol

Reverse phase or ELV dimming are the recommended protocols for the DRD Series. Reverse phase or ELV dimming eliminate any potential audible buzzing from the dimmer or fixture.

An adaptive dimmer capable of reverse or forward phase dimming can be utilized to maximize flexibility. The default setting for adaptive dimmers is reverse phase to ensure best operation for LED lamps.

Minimum Level Trimming

The minimum setting for a dimmer can output a different voltage. The DRD Series Modules dim to 1% brightness when the dimmers output is 17V. Most dimmers will dim down to this level. For dimmers that do not dim down to this level, the light output of a fully dimmed fixture may not meet expectations.

Some dimmers can output significantly below this level. For these, the modules may dim less than 1% brightness, but may result in inconsistency between the fixtures. For example, some fixture may turn off while others remain dimly lit. To correct this, many dimmers offer some form of trimming to adjust the minimum level up or down. This can establish consistency between fixtures and is recommend for all dimmers. Please refer to the dimmers specification or installation sheet for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you recommend the best dimmer to use with my DRD2 or DRD4 Modules?

Performance is guaranteed for a wide variety of dimmer manufacturers. However, our testing shows that the Lutron PRO series of dimmers provide exceptional dimming performance and flexibility. Models within the PRO series include the Maestro MA-PRO, RadioRA3 RRST-PRO and Caseta PD-10NXD.

I am using a Caseta PD-6WCL dimmer. It does not have a neutral wire connection and is rated for Incandescent/CFL/LED. Will this dimmer work well with the DRD2 or DRD4 Modules?

Yes. The Caseta dimmer provides excellent dimming performance when used with the DRD Series Modules. Refer to the Caseta instruction manual for details on trimming the minimum level if required.

Can I use my DRD2 and DRD4 Modules with a centralized dimming panel?

Yes. The DRD Series Modules have excellent performance when using a dimming panel from various vendors including Lutron, Crestron, Savant and Control4.

How many DRD2 or DRD4  Modules can I connect to my dimmer?

Dimmers rated specifically for LEDs will have a max load rating which can be used without any further derating to calculate the maximum number of fixtures.

If the dimmer does not have a published LED rating, the circuit should be limited to 50% of its normal rating, so a 600W dimmer should be limited to 300W LED load or 24 DRD2 modules rated at 12.5W each.

Can I connect a single DRD2 or DRD4  Module to my dimmer?

A single DRD2 or DRD4 Module will provide sufficient load for the dimmer to operate. When possible, a dimmer with a neutral wire connection should be used in this application to avoid any potential dimmer issues.

Still Have a Question?

If you’re still having dimmer compatibility issues, our highly-trained and experienced Customer Solutions is here to help. Simply complete our Contact form and a member will reply back via phone or email.

Located in our Los Angeles Headquarters, the Customer Solutions Team has direct access to our in-house engineers, guaranteeing you expert level trouble shooting.

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