The RCC48-SMT is a programmable intelligence card used within GE Lighting relay-based automation panels. Historically associated with the GE Lighting Total Lighting Control (TLC) system, this controller card provides the core logic, control, and communication functions that coordinate relay operation within a panel.
While the RCC48-SMT is commonly encountered in legacy TLC installations, the information below is intended to help users understand its role within relay-based lighting panels and to support evaluation of upgrade paths toward modern platforms such as GE LightSweep.
Controller Card Overview
The RCC48-SMT functions as the programmable intelligence card within a GE Lighting automation panel. It is responsible for executing lighting control logic, managing operating scenarios, and coordinating communication between the panel and connected devices. Rather than directly switching electrical loads, the RCC48-SMT provides control intelligence that drives relay hardware installed elsewhere in the panel.
Installed as a plug-in module, the RCC48-SMT integrates with other panel components through defined connectors and backplane interfaces. This modular design allows the controller card to be installed, replaced, or serviced without rewiring the entire panel, which is particularly important in systems with a large number of relays.
Within the panel architecture, the RCC48-SMT acts as the central point for interpreting inputs, executing logic, and issuing commands to individual relays based on configured control scenarios.
Relay Control and Input Handling
The RCC48-SMT is designed to directly control individual relays within the lighting automation panel. It can respond to inputs such as wall switches or occupancy sensors and translate those inputs into relay control actions according to programmed logic.
This direct association between inputs and relay outputs allows the controller card to support a wide range of lighting behaviors, including scheduled operation, occupancy-based control, and manual overrides. The specific behavior is defined by the programmed scenarios stored on the card.
By centralizing control logic on a dedicated intelligence card, the panel maintains a clear separation between low-voltage control intelligence and line-voltage relay switching hardware.
Communications and System Integration
The RCC48-SMT includes both RS232 and dataline communication ports. These interfaces allow the controller card to exchange information with other system components, external interfaces, or supervisory tools that monitor and interact with the lighting system.
Through these communication paths, the RCC48-SMT can provide runtime and status information for all relays under its control. It also supports change-of-state enunciation, reporting relay state changes over both RS232 and the dataline interface.
These communication capabilities are an important part of how legacy GE Lighting panels exposed operational data and responded to external commands within larger building systems.
Programming, Memory, and Reliability
The RCC48-SMT supports built-in programmable lighting scenarios that define how relays respond to inputs, schedules, and system events. These scenarios are stored on the controller card and executed locally within the panel.
To support reliable operation, the RCC48-SMT includes memory backup functionality that preserves programmed settings during power outages. This ensures that lighting control behavior is retained when power is restored, without requiring reprogramming.
This local intelligence and memory backup were key design elements in relay-based lighting systems where autonomous panel operation was required.
Legacy System Context and Upgrade Considerations
The RCC48-SMT is most commonly encountered in existing GE Lighting TLC installations. While these systems may continue to operate, TLC is considered a legacy platform. For most modernization and expansion projects, Chipkin recommends planning an upgrade path toward GE LightSweep, which provides a more current architecture for lighting control.
Understanding the role of the RCC48-SMT within legacy panels is useful when assessing existing hardware, planning phased upgrades, or maintaining system operation during a transition to LightSweep-based control.
FAQ
What is the RCC48-SMT?
The RCC48-SMT is a programmable intelligence card used in GE Lighting automation panels to execute lighting control logic and manage relay operation.
Does the RCC48-SMT directly switch lighting loads?
No. The controller card provides control intelligence and commands relays, which perform the actual load switching.
What communication interfaces are supported?
The RCC48-SMT supports RS232 and dataline communication for status reporting and system integration.
Is the RCC48-SMT used in LightSweep systems?
The RCC48-SMT is associated with legacy TLC installations. For new projects and upgrades, LightSweep is the recommended platform.