In July 2018 Helvar released the LC35SE-CC-350-850-LOOP, a looping version of its 35 W constant current LC35SE-CC-350-850. It adds integrated strain reliefs, screwless clamps and double connectors, so the mains can be looped from one driver to the next on site instead of through a separate junction box.
Why a loop version
When drivers sit outside the luminaire, in a ceiling void or above a cove, the electrician has to clamp every cable and usually run a spur to each one. The LOOP housing does that job itself: cables clamp under the covers, terminals take wire without screws, and the doubled mains terminals carry the supply on to the next driver. Helvar published a short wiring video for the LOOP drivers at launch showing the sequence.
The driver is Class I and suits luminaire parts of Class I, II and III (SELV) in independent installation, which is what the strain reliefs are for.
Setting the output current
Output current is set between 350 mA and 850 mA with LED-Iset resistors, which are LEDset compatible. Without a resistor the driver delivers a fixed 600 mA straight from its connectors, which covers many common modules without any extra part.
Key figures
| Specification | LC35SE-CC-350-850-LOOP |
|---|---|
| Maximum output power | 35 W |
| Output current | 350 to 850 mA (LED-Iset), 600 mA fixed default |
| LED voltage | 25 to 54 V, 60 V max output (SELV) |
| Efficiency | up to 88 % |
| Power factor at full load | 0.98 |
| Mains / DC input | 198 to 264 V AC / 176 to 280 V DC |
| Dimensions | 207.8 x 30 x 79 mm |
| Lifetime | up to 100,000 h |
With double or reinforced insulation and an output capped at 60 V, the driver meets SELV requirements. At launch Helvar quoted current ripple below 1 % in line with IEEE 1789, and the current product data still lists IEEE 1789-2015 compliance. It is a non-dimmable, on/off driver, and its DC input range makes it suitable for central battery emergency systems.
Still in the range
The LOOP driver is still listed by Helvar Components, alongside the plain LC35SE-CC-350-850 for luminaires that do not need independent mounting. Data and documents are on Helvar Components' page and our LC35SE-CC-350-850-LOOP page. For a driver schedule on a project with remote gear, get in touch.