13/01/2026
Installation Tip – Inrush Current & MCB Tripping
The HL-S1-SX inrush / surge current suppressor is designed to reduce the high inrush current that occurs when multiple LED drivers power up at the same time.
This situation is very common in LED strip installations where:
• Several drivers are connected on the same circuit
• All drivers are switched ON together from a wall switch
• The circuit is protected by a low-amp MCB or RCBO
Even when each driver is low wattage, the combined inrush current at switch-on can be many times higher than the running load. This can cause nuisance tripping, especially with modern electronic LED drivers.
This issue is frequently seen with:
• LED strip lighting systems
• Multiple IP67 metal drivers
• GU10 LED lamps installed in groups
• Circuits where many drivers energise simultaneously
The HL-S1-SX limits the initial inrush current, allowing multiple drivers to start smoothly without overloading the protective device. This helps prevent unwanted MCB tripping and reduces electrical stress on both the drivers and the circuit protection.
As shown, when used in line with metal IP-rated drivers, the earth conductor must be looped through externally to maintain earth continuity. The suppressor itself is housed in a plastic enclosure and does not require earth.
Installation must always be carried out by a qualified installer in accordance with wiring regulations.
09/01/2026
Hi-Line Lighting inrush current limiters allow multiple high-power PSUs to be powered from a single plug without MCB tripping.
High-power LED drivers have very high inrush current at start-up, which can instantly trip breakers.
Using the Hi-Line inrush current limiter HL-S1-SX, up to four PSUs can be powered safely from one socket with a controlled start-up.
Ideal for large LED installations, signage, and professional lighting applications.
HLS1SX
19/11/2025
Why modern LED dimmers cannot handle larger LED loads
Most LED dimmers today are only designed for small LED lamp loads, typically 50W to 150W. When high-power LED strips or several LED drivers are connected, the limitations become obvious.
⚠️ Flickering
⚠️ Buzzing
⚠️ Dimmer cutting out
⚠️ Lights stepping instead of fading
⚠️ Unstable dimming when multiple drivers are used
Older incandescent dimmers could handle 500W, 800W or even 1000W, but LED dimmers work very differently. They are simply not designed to manage high loads, large drivers or several drivers wired in parallel. As soon as the installation demands more than the dimmer is built for, the performance issues begin.
Hi-Line Lighting has the solution.
Our 600W Phase-Cut Dimming Extension Module allows your existing LED wall dimmer to control larger LED loads safely and smoothly. The dimmer sends the control signal, and the module handles the power. This gives you stable, consistent dimming even with long LED strip runs or multiple LED drivers on the same circuit.
✔️ Supports up to 600W LED load
✔️ Works with leading and trailing edge dimmers
✔️ Smooth, stable dimming
✔️ Ideal for high-power LED strip installations
✔️ Perfect for setups with multiple LED drivers
Hi-Line Lighting specialises in solving real installation problems and provides a full range of professional LED dimming and LED control solutions for demanding projects. If your dimmer cannot keep up with your lighting design, we have you covered.
👉 www.hiline-lighting.co.uk
09/01/2026
19/11/2025