You can power your drivers from a non-Apex plug while dimming them from your Apex.
I am dimming multiple Meanwell ELN 60-48Ds with an Apex (full unit) on DIY dimming cables. My LEDs are plugged into an external (non Apex) timer power bar that also powers my LED cooling fans. I set my power bar to power up fans and LEDs at 7:30am and off at 8:30pm but dim my LEDs according to:
Fallback OFF
Set BlueUVDn
If Time 08:30 to 19:30 Then BlueUVUp
My BlueUVUp profile is a ramp that goes from 10 to 80% in 30 minutes while BlueUVDn runs from 80% to 0 in 30min.
My second dimming channel is the same but for RedWhtUp and RedWhtDn
What does this accomplish?
1) I don't need to use up valuable outlets on my EB8
2) I move a bunch of power off my EB8 which is limited to 15A as is your circuit in your house.
3) My LEDs don't get power unless my fans also get power (can't accidentally turn them on unless my fans are running). This means you can't manually turn your LEDs on unless you are standing at the external power bar and manually switch it on to give your LEDs and fans power.
4) my fans run for an hr after my LEDs shutoff to cool things down. Realistically 5min would be enough.
Things you might want to know:
I am running multiple drivers off each Apex dimming channel.
My pH probe readings go wonky when my external power bar kicks on and even more when my LEDs kick on and seems to be wonky until the power bar switches off. (in the process of troubleshooting this).
The meanwell drivers 'leak' a bit of current into the LEDs when powered but receiving 0v dimming signal, lighting them up ever so slightly (barely noticeable). This has happened on multiple installs I have been involved with on both Apex and non-Apex systems.
DIY dimming cable is easy but don't hook up the wrong wires. This is from one if the Apex forums:
Good luck and ask if you have any questions
,
Dan
Dan