Anyone installing LED lighting will eventually come across the problem of inrush current. This sudden surge of electricity at switch-on is a hidden but very common cause of MCBs tripping, dimmers failing, and LED drivers wearing out sooner than expected. Understanding inrush current and how to deal with it is essential for a reliable and professional installation.
The HL-S1-SX surge current suppressor has been designed to solve this problem. By limiting inrush current at startup, it keeps installations stable and protects both dimmers and drivers.
What is Inrush Current
Inrush current is the very high peak of current drawn for a fraction of a second when a device is first powered on. Although LED drivers and dimmable lamps consume relatively low current during normal operation, at the moment of switch-on they can demand many times their rated current.
This is why a circuit with drivers that should only draw a few amps in normal use can suddenly demand fifty or even one hundred amps during the first milliseconds. That spike can be enough to trip a breaker, flash a dimmer, or create long-term stress on components.
Inrush Current is Not Just About Dimmers
It is easy to assume that inrush current only matters when using triac dimmers and mains dimmable LED drivers. While dimmers are particularly vulnerable, the reality is that every type of LED driver can generate inrush current.
For example, imagine a simple setup with four constant voltage LED drivers on the same circuit. Each driver might work perfectly on its own, but when all four switch on together, their combined inrush can spike high enough to trip an MCB instantly.
This can be frustrating for installers and end users who wonder why a breaker trips even though the total operating load is well within the rated limits. The answer is that the surge at startup, not the steady current, is responsible.
How the HL-S1-SX Helps
The HL-S1-SX suppressor sits in series with the mains supply. On switch-on it temporarily routes the current through high-power resistors, limiting the inrush. Within about 40 milliseconds, a relay bypasses the resistors and restores the full feed. The connected drivers or lamps then run normally, but the damaging startup surge has already been removed.
To put the effect into numbers, a 220V LED system without suppression can produce a surge of 100 amps. With the HL-S1-SX in place, the same surge is reduced to around 17 amps. This difference prevents breakers from tripping and keeps dimmers, drivers, and lamps from being exposed to damaging stress.
Where and When to Use It
The HL-S1-SX is valuable wherever inrush current is a problem. It can be used with GU10s and other mains dimmable lamps, with triac dimmable drivers feeding LED strips, or with non-dimmable constant voltage LED drivers that are installed in multiples.
The important point is that inrush current happens every time drivers or lamps are switched on, dimmer or not. The more drivers or lamps are switched together, the higher the combined surge will be. This is why a circuit with several drivers, even when they are not dimmable, can trip an MCB at startup. Adding the HL-S1-SX suppressor ensures that these surges stay under control.
Installation Guidance
The device is compact and is installed in series with the live and neutral feed. It is suitable for both small and large installations. While a single small driver may not need protection, larger drivers or multiple units switched together will always benefit. For stable performance over the long term, it is recommended to keep the total load comfortably below the maximum rating of 1920W or 8A. Full wiring diagrams are available in the attachments tab on the product page.
Why It Matters
Without inrush suppression, even a carefully designed LED installation can suffer from nuisance tripping and premature equipment failures. With the HL-S1-SX in place, the surge is limited, the breakers stay stable, and the dimmers and drivers operate in a safer range.
It is a simple and cost-effective device that solves one of the most frustrating problems in modern LED lighting: inrush current.
