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ARC Area Controller

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ARC Area Controller

Area-level lighting power, control and connectivity

The SmartDC ARC Area Controller combines programmable LED drivers, intelligent lighting control and Ethernet connectivity in one compact platform.

Available as the ARC 121 and ARC 8141, the controller provides 12 independently configurable lighting channels. Each channel can support constant-current, constant-voltage or constant-power operation.

By moving LED drivers and controls out of individual luminaires and into an accessible, networked controller, the ARC simplifies installation, configuration, maintenance and future system changes.

ARC 121 | ARC 8141
ARC Area Controller_Detailed_Product_Views

One Controller for Power and Control

Each ARC provides up to 1,200 W of total output power, with up to 100 W per channel. Every output can be configured independently to match the connected lighting load.

The ARC supports smooth 16-bit dimming with dim-to-dark capability, allowing precise lighting control across a wide range of applications.
Key Features
  • 12 independently configurable lighting channels
  • Constant-current, constant-voltage or constant-power operation
  • Up to 100 W per channel
  • Up to 1,200 W total output
  • Programmable 12–55 VDC output voltage range
  • Programmable output current up to 4 A in 100 mA increments
  • LED output current tolerance of ±1%
  • 16-bit dimming with 0.01% dim-to-dark capability
  • Automatic-resetting overload and short-circuit protection
  • Connectivity for sensors, wall stations, controls, power packs and other SDCnet devices
  • 10/100 Ethernet connectivity
  • RESTful API for third-party integration
  • Compatible with SmartDC EdgeLink supervisory interface
  • Standard 1U rack or wall-mount installation
  • Removable mounting brackets
  • Class 2, Class B device

ARC 121

Single-input configuration
The ARC 121 uses one 24–57 VDC power input to supply all 12 lighting channels.

This configuration is designed for areas where all connected lighting loads operate from one normal power source.
Configuration
  • One 24–57 VDC input
  • 12 independently configurable output channels
  • Up to 100 W per channel
  • Up to 1,200 W total output

ARC 8121

Dual-input 8+4 configuration
The ARC 8141 divides its 12 lighting channels between two independently sourced power inputs.

Input 1 powers channels 1–8. Input 2 powers channels 9–12, allowing four lighting channels to operate from a separately sourced normal or emergency-capable power supply.

This arrangement provides additional flexibility for projects that require separate lighting power groups within the same area controller.
Configuration
  • Input 1 powers channels 1–8
  • Input 2 powers channels 9–12
  • Separate normal or emergency-capable power sources
  • Up to 100 W per channel
  • Up to 1,200 W total output
Emergency system design, listing and use remain subject to project-specific engineering, applicable codes and approval by the authority having jurisdiction.

Intelligent control at the area level

The ARC connects lighting power, local controls and building-level supervisory systems.

The ARC provides connectivity for sensors, wall stations, controls, power packs and other SDCnet devices. Ethernet connects the ARC to the facility network and the SmartDC EdgeLink supervisory interface.

The built-in RESTful API also supports integration with compatible third-party building systems.
System connections
  • Power: One or two 24–57 VDC power sources
  • Lighting: Up to 12 independently controlled LED channels
  • Local devices: Sensors, wall stations, controls and SDCnet devices
  • Network: 10/100 Ethernet
  • Supervision: SmartDC EdgeLink
  • Integration: RESTful API

Designed for accessible installation and service

The ARC connects lighting power, local controls and building-level supervisory systems.

The ARC provides connectivity for sensors, wall stations, controls, power packs and other SDCnet devices. Ethernet connects the ARC to the facility network and the SmartDC EdgeLink supervisory interface.

The built-in RESTful API also supports integration with compatible third-party building systems.

Applications

Hospitality_ARC Area Controller
Commercial Offices_ARC Area Controller
High-end Residential Projects_ARC Area Controller
Warehouse and Flex Spaces_ARC Area Controller
Entertainment Venues_ARC Area Controller
New Construction_ARC Area Controller
Major Renovations_ARC Area Controller
Technical Specifications
Specification Item Parameter / Detail
Input voltage 24–57 VDC
Outputs 12 independently configurable constant-current, constant-voltage or constant-power channels
Output voltage range Programmable 12–55 VDC
Output current range Programmable up to 4 A in 100 mA increments
LED output current tolerance ±1%
Maximum output per channel 100 W (VA)
Total output power 1,200 W
Dimming 16-bit control with 0.01% dim-to-dark capability
Network and API 10/100 Ethernet, SmartDC control and RESTful API
Protection Automatic-resetting overload and short-circuit protection
Operating environment 0–45°C and 0–95% relative humidity, non-condensing (Dry locations)
Installation Standard 1U rack opening or wall mountable with removable mounting brackets
Device classification Class 2, Class B device
Certifications ETL Listed to UL 2108, UL 1310, UL 8750 and CSA C22 CE

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