PHOTOBIO LOC 0-10V Control Cable 8′ Trunk + 5′ Branch (White)

The PHOTOBIO LOC 0-10V Control Cable (8' Trunk + 5' Branch, White) is a T-style daisy-chain cable for PHOTOBIO's DC Communication Tree dimming system. It links one LED fixture to a centralized 0-10V controller using push-lock, IP67-rated locking connectors, with an 8-foot trunk line and a 5-foot branch line. Built with 18AWG braided flexible copper wiring and UV-resistant materials, it is designed for reliable signal transmission in commercial indoor farms and greenhouse environments.

PHOTOBIO LOC 0-10V Control Cable Specifications

The following specifications are sourced from the product's canonical data and manufacturer documentation. This cable is part of the PHOTOBIO DC Communication Tree modular control system.

Specification	Value
Brand	PHOTOBIO
SKU / Model	PTBCC8850W
Cable Type	T Cable (Trunk with Branch) — 0-10V DC
Trunk Length	8.0 ft (approximately 2.4 m)
Branch Length	5.0 ft (approximately 1.5 m)
Wire Gauge	18AWG braided flexible copper
Connector Type	Push-lock, male-to-female daisy chain
IP Rating	IP67 (dust-tight, water submersion protected)
UV Resistance	Yes
Weight	1.0 lb
Color	White
Compatible Fixtures	PHOTOBIO MX, TX, and T LED fixtures

Why Choose the PHOTOBIO LOC 0-10V Control Cable

This cable is a purpose-built component for growers who have invested in the PHOTOBIO DC Communication Tree ecosystem. Rather than relying on generic dimming cables that may compromise signal quality over runs of multiple fixtures, PHOTOBIO engineered its LOC cable system around signal integrity, locking connections, and IP67-rated weatherproofing. Here is what makes this specific cable the right choice for that system:

• IP67-rated connectors: Both the cable jacket and the push-lock connectors carry an IP67 rating, meaning they are fully dust-tight and protected against temporary water submersion. This level of protection is particularly important in high-humidity greenhouse environments where condensation or irrigation splash is a daily reality.
• Modular T-cable design: The "Trunk with Branch" configuration (T cable) allows one controller output to feed one fixture through the branch while the trunk continues the daisy chain to the next fixture or jumper cable. This means you can build out a large lighting network without running individual cables back to the controller from every fixture.
• 18AWG braided flexible copper wiring: Braided copper construction provides low-resistance signal transmission and better flex fatigue resistance compared to solid-core wiring. The flexibility is useful when routing cables around structural elements, trellises, or overhead racking in a grow facility.
• Push-lock connections: Quick, positive-locking connectors reduce installation time and the risk of a pulled or partially-seated connection going unnoticed. They are also easier to reseat when reconfiguring a light layout for a new crop cycle.
• UV-resistant materials: The cable jacket is formulated to resist degradation under the high-intensity UV output of commercial LED grow lights, extending the serviceable life of the cable in a working grow room.
• Plug-and-play from the controller: No custom wiring, termination, or technical configuration is required. The PHOTO•LOC system is designed to be fully plug-and-play from the central controller to the last fixture in the run.

Best Uses for the PHOTOBIO LOC 0-10V Control Cable

This cable is a functional component rather than a standalone product — its value is realized within a PHOTOBIO fixture installation. The following scenarios describe when and where the 8' Trunk + 5' Branch configuration is the appropriate choice:

• Multi-fixture indoor farms: When connecting a row or grid of PHOTOBIO MX, TX, or T LED fixtures to a single 0-10V dimming controller, T cables form the backbone of the Communication Tree network. Each fixture in the array gets one T cable, making the 1:1 ratio simple to plan and inventory.
• Greenhouse environments: The IP67 rating makes this cable appropriate for installations where humidity, condensation, and occasional water exposure are present. The UV-resistant jacket handles direct exposure to grow light output without cracking or becoming brittle.
• Installations with moderate fixture spacing: The 8-foot trunk provides enough reach for typical fixture-to-fixture spacing in commercial grow rooms, while the 5-foot branch accommodates fixture mounting at a distance from the main trunk run. If your rows are more widely spaced, a jumper cable may be needed between T cables.
• Facilities using Autopilot PX(2+) controllers: The PHOTO•LOC system is fully compatible with Autopilot PX(2+) Series Advanced Lighting Controllers. Growers using this controller platform can integrate PHOTOBIO fixtures directly without adapter cables or signal converters.
• Expanding an existing PHOTOBIO network: If you are adding fixtures to an existing PHOTO•LOC installation, this T cable is the standard extension component. It slots into the existing daisy chain between the previous fixture's trunk output and the new fixture's branch connection.

PHOTOBIO LOC 0-10V T Cable vs Standard 0-10V Dimming Cables

Generic 0-10V dimming cables are widely available and can function with many LED fixtures that support 0-10V dimming. However, there are practical differences between a generic cable and the PHOTO•LOC system cable that are worth understanding before purchasing.

Generic 0-10V cables typically use simple two-conductor wiring with unpolarized connectors or bare wire terminations. They do not feature locking connectors, so a loose connection in a multi-fixture daisy chain can result in one or more fixtures defaulting to full power or dropping out of dimming control entirely, which can be difficult to diagnose once the canopy is established. There is also no standardized IP rating on most generic control cables.

The PHOTO•LOC T cable addresses these points with push-lock connectors that physically lock in place, IP67-rated joints, and braided copper wiring rated for repeated flexing. The trade-off is that PHOTO•LOC cables are proprietary to the PHOTOBIO Communication Tree ecosystem. They are not interchangeable with other brands' control cable systems. If your fixture array consists entirely of PHOTOBIO MX, TX, or T fixtures and you are using a compatible controller, the LOC cable system is the manufacturer-recommended approach. For mixed-brand installations, a generic 0-10V cable may be the only option, but it will not carry the same IP rating or locking reliability.

If you are building a lighting system around a high-output fixture like the Gavita Pro 1700e LED, that fixture uses its own proprietary control ecosystem and would not use PHOTO•LOC cables. Each manufacturer's fixture control system is specific to their product line.

Compatibility

The PHOTOBIO LOC 0-10V Control Cable is designed for use within the PHOTOBIO DC Communication Tree system and is compatible with the following:

• PHOTOBIO MX LED fixtures — Primary target fixture line; T cables connect via branch line to fixture control input.
• PHOTOBIO TX LED fixtures — Compatible as stated in manufacturer documentation.
• PHOTOBIO T LED fixtures — Compatible as stated in manufacturer documentation.
• Autopilot PX(2+) Series Advanced Lighting Controllers — The PHOTO•LOC system is confirmed compatible with Autopilot PX(2+) controllers for centralized dimming control.
• Other PHOTO•LOC components — T cables are designed to work in combination with straight trunk cables (jumper cables) and signal repeaters within the same Communication Tree. They accept inputs from a central controller, another jumper cable, or a T cable from an adjacent fixture.

This cable is not designed for use with non-PHOTOBIO fixtures or control systems that do not use the PHOTO•LOC connector standard. If you are pairing PHOTOBIO fixtures with a controller, verify that the controller has a compatible 0-10V output using the PHOTO•LOC interface or an appropriate adapter.

For grow room accessories and complete lighting setups that pair well with PHOTOBIO control systems, see the Faven Chroma power cords for compatible fixture power connections, or explore the Advance Grow Tent System 4×4 if you are building out a new grow space.

Usage Guidelines

The PHOTO•LOC T cable operates in a 1:1 ratio: one T cable per fixture. Each cable provides the male-to-female daisy chain connection along the trunk line, while the branch line connects directly to the fixture's control input. The following guidelines help ensure a reliable installation:

• Plan fixture count first: Count the number of PHOTOBIO fixtures in your installation. You will need one T cable for each fixture. For simple straight runs without branching, straight trunk (jumper) cables are used between T cables or between the controller and the first T cable.
• Route trunk along fixture row: Run the trunk line along the overhead structure parallel to the row of fixtures. The 8-foot trunk length accommodates most standard fixture-to-fixture spacings in commercial grow rooms. If fixtures are spaced farther apart, use a jumper cable to bridge the gap.
• Connect branch to fixture: The 5-foot branch line connects from the T junction to the fixture's control input port. Verify the connector seats fully and locks before powering up.
• Verify signal integrity before sealing the canopy: Power the controller and dim the fixtures to a low output level to confirm all fixtures are responding before the crop canopy fills in and access becomes difficult.
• Inspect IP67 connections periodically: Although IP67-rated, connectors should be inspected periodically in high-humidity or wet environments to ensure no debris has accumulated in the connector housing.

How to Install the PHOTOBIO LOC 0-10V Control Cable

1. Map your control network: Before installation, sketch out the fixture layout and label each fixture position. Determine the routing path for the trunk line from the controller to the first fixture, and between each subsequent fixture. Identify where T cables are needed (at each fixture) and where straight jumper cables may be needed to bridge longer gaps.
2. Start from the controller: Connect the controller's 0-10V output to the trunk input of the first T cable. Ensure the controller output is compatible with the PHOTO•LOC connector format before applying power.
3. Connect branch to first fixture: Route the 5-foot branch line from the T junction to the first fixture's control input. Push the connector in until it clicks and locks. Give it a gentle tug to confirm it is seated.
4. Continue trunk to next fixture: Route the trunk's female output end toward the second fixture position. If the distance exceeds 8 feet to the next fixture, insert a jumper cable between the trunk output and the next T cable's trunk input.
5. Repeat for each fixture in the row: Install one T cable per fixture, connecting branch to fixture and continuing the trunk daisy chain until the last fixture in the run.
6. Terminate the end of the run: The last fixture's trunk output should be left unconnected or terminated per the PHOTOBIO system documentation. Leaving an open connector exposed in a wet environment is not recommended; cover with a dust cap if provided.
7. Power on and verify: Apply power to the controller and set to a mid-level dim output (e.g., 50%). All fixtures in the chain should respond. If any fixture does not respond, check the branch connection at that fixture position first before tracing further back in the trunk line.

Sources & Further Reading