Intelligent Lighting Control (Commercial)

Lighting Control

In the UK, lighting accounts for just under a quarter of energy usage in commercial buildings (1). That same lighting accounts for 40% of the total electricity consumed in commercial buildings (2).

(1) esru.strath.ac.uk

(2) carbontrust.com

So what are Intelligent Lighting Controls?

Intelligent lighting controls are the networking of units made up of switches, relays, dimmers, passive infrared sensors and many more devices. These units are then programmed with a unique address that allows complete flexibility.

The programming methods used allow for the system to operate autonomously and more energy efficient, reducing your buildings carbon foot print and reducing electricity bills. Some of the functionality methods used: -

Occupancy detection is where a passive infrared (PIR) picks up movement in a given space and switches the lights on. Commonly employed in toilets and corridors.

Absence detection is used in a space where the lights have to be turned on manually via a switch but then a PIR turns the lights off after a given amount of time if there has been no movement, ideal for those instances where people have forgotten to turn the lights off.

Astronomical time clock is the use of sunrise and sunset times to switch off and on lights. Examples of this is perimeter and car park lighting.

Chronological time clock is the basic use of time schedules, whether it be the planned emergency lighting test procedures or shop lights switching to 60% during out of hours’ times and during re-stocking and cleaning times.

Daylight switching or daylight harvesting is the ability to automatically dim the lights in a given space depending on the available sun light through the buildings fabric. Rarely in summer is there a need to have the lights producing 100% power to carry out a task in the workplace. Huge savings in energy can be made when incorporating daylight harvesting.
Logic programming is a combination of the strategies mentioned above to achieve optimum performance of your lighting system.

Why employ an intelligent lighting system?

Being able to programme your lighting controls gives you the flexibility to create scenes. Lighting scenes are great for setting the mood in a given room or can be programmed for functionality for the task at hand e.g. dimming of lights in a room for a presentation that’s about to take place. Our lighting control systems control all aspects of lighting from conventional halogen lamps to colour changing LED strip to high bay warehouse lights.

Smart lighting systems can also be installed in your home, please see our Home automation page. Our lighting control systems can even be retro-fitted using wireless technology, so there’s no need to have extensive, messy building work done and cutting down installation costs.

Our systems can be controlled via a simple wall switch or even with their own app on your phone or tablet!

Currently we work with Schneider, Lutron and Loxone so we can provide the right solution to your needs.

For more information please contact us today!