Lighting control ranges from simple wall switches to complex dimming systems networked with other systems. Lighting control methods include local switching and dimming, presence detection, daylight linked and time operated. Certain lighting controls are to be used for the best strategy of control. Controllers can be automated which can react to presence detection, daylight availability or time of day. Or there is manual control, which are cheaper to install but relies on human interaction and contact to turn lights off when they aren’t needed. There are two types of lighting control analogue and digital. The Lighting control is a tool that performs and inspires, its important that the right lighting is used at the right time. Lighting controls help ensure that lighting is delivered at the right level for certain areas or workspaces. Lighting controls can be used for a range of applications such as dimming, presence detection and to switch off lights when there is sufficient daylight.
Manual controls are either permanently wired like a standard wall switch or ceiling mounted pull switch that can either be used for switching or dimming. They are the cheaper method of lighting control but not necessarily the best method of energy efficiency, as it requires manual switching. Manual control can be used in certain rooms that only require manual switching to match the sites activities. Manual on and auto off requires the occupant to manually turn on the lights when entering the space but the controller will automatically switch them off when nobody is present in the space. Remote control enables the lighting to be manually addressed with a hand held or wall mounted controller.
Automatic controls can be used to automatically switch lights on and off as people enter and leave an area or room. Automation control can be preset to manually switch lights on upon entry and automatically switch lights off when people leave an area or room. Automatic rooms are suitable for infrequently used like small rooms. They are low cost presence detector that can also have daylight sensor facilities. A built in sensor in an automatic lighting control will help energy efficiency, as it can be preset to natural light and detect when someone is entering or exiting. Time control can be used to switch lights off when they are not required, such as at lunchtime or the end of business hours that is a regular period the control can automatically dim or turn off. The controls will automatically switch off when the set level of daylight is reached with a short time delay in care of a temporary lower level such as passing clouds.
An effective lighting control method will ensure that the level of lighting provided assists and the best results of the level of lighting provided closely matches the needs of the users of the space. The installation of lighting controls can be a simple yet efficient means of reducing lighting energy use and costs.
