Introduction to Lighting Controls

Introduction to Lighting Controls A good lighting design includes the design of reasonable control. Lighting controls play a crucial part in lighting systems by permitting users to operate them manually or automatically to: • turn the light on and off using the switch; or * Adjust the light output by turning up and down an adjustable dimming device.

This fundamental function can be utilized to create these benefits for the light owner: * Flexibility to meet the needs of the user with regards to visuals; or Automation to lower energy consumption and improve the sustainability of your home.

In recent times lighting controls have developed two other capabilities: • •

change the color of the light source that includes shades of white light or create data through the process of measuring and monitoring.

Based on an updated version of LCA's Education Express, The Introduction to Controlling Lighting, the article introduces the fundamental features of modern lighting controls, their benefits, and the most important questions to consider when choosing the best lighting control strategy. Cabsy provides the best LED lighting control solutions.

Lighting Control Effects Lighting controls perform the following essential functions. End -users can utilize these functions to manage energy and meet visual requirements.

Benefits: Visual Needs By altering an intensity level of one layer or several layers of light in a room, lighting controls could: • • • • •

alter the appearance of the space; assist in different functions of the space change mood and atmosphere; lessen glare; and improve users' satisfaction by giving them the possibility of controlling their lighting.

Benefits: Energy Management By reducing the ON time and intensity, zoning lighting con trols decrease demand and energy consumption. According to a Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) study, the most popular lighting control methods result in 24 to 38 percent average efficiency and lowers operating costs for buildings.

Due to the significant energy savings, the majority of state -wide building codes for commercial buildings require a range of control options for new construction. For existing buildings, the

flexibility of LED lighting leads to the perfect pairing with control systems, which can reduce energy consumption.

Basic Function Controls for lighting are input/output devices as well as systems. According to the report, the control system receives data, decides what it should accomplish with the information, and adjusts the lighting power. This is a simple light circuit (switch leg). The circuit's power is distributed to pull up a collection of lights. This lighting system gives light.

Switching The most of most basic output is switching. This is an output switch located on the line that connects the source of power to the load. If the button is shut (i.e., the controller is turned "ON"), the circuit completes, allowing electricity to reach the device. When the switch opens, it breaks the circuit (switched"OFF" or "OFF"), which c auses the load to be powerless. This turns the button into an energy controller.

Dimming A different type of source of output can be dimming. If a dimmer switch is employed and the ON/OFF state, it could alter the current that flows through the load in the ON state, which either raises or decreases the output of light. This is a dimmer placed on the line with the constant output dimming throughout the dimming range of the load. Cabsy provides the best PoE Lighting.

Color and CCT Control With LEDs, it's reasonably cost -effective to offer users the capability to alter light color and CCT. With tunable-white LED products, separate dimming arrays of excellent - and warm-white LEDs allow users to alter the CCT of the light so urce. Other colors can broaden the spectrum of colors and ensure exceptional color rendering.

There are two other options: dim -to-warm (LED products that dim to a warm white, similar to dimming incandescent) and full color -tuning (separately dimmable green , red and blue LEDs and white or amber and possibly different colors).

Manual Versus Automatic Input The input could be either manual or automatic, or any combination of both, as depicted in this diagram illustrating the functions of a manual -ON wall box sensor.

Using manual control, the user initiates the input and performs it manually. It is perfect for applications that are driven by visual requirements.

Automatic control of the signal of sensors (occupancy and light sensor) or computer or building system is used to input the data. The input could be based on the time of day, occupancy lighting level, or other circumstances. Automated control is ideal in applications that manage energy.

intelligence Manual control is when humans decide how to alter the li ghting and what amount. Automatic control is how the microprocessor or logic circuit can perform this task. The microprocessor or logic circuit is referred to as the lighting controller. It gives the control system wisdom. The lighting controller analyzes input signals for control using its algorithm. It decides if it is appropriate to alter lighting power when to adjust it, and what amount.

The controller could be installed in the form of a logic circuit in an individual control device or as a part of a control system. Suppose it is a distinct component that can be found. It could reside in a central area (centralized intelligence), be close to the load, or be embedded within the luminaire (distributed intelligence). The more dispersed the system's intellig ence is, the more adaptable and flexible the lighting will become.

Switching Versus Dimming Output Both dimming and switching are desired in the same space most of the time.

Switching is straightforward. However, it is restricted in its flexibility and cou ld disrupt areas that more than one person occupies. It's incredibly effective for applications for energy management, such as automated shutoff or reduction of places that are not being used and manually controlled spaces where the user(s) agree on an exp ectation that the lights are to be turned off.

Dimming can alter the intensity of light with seamless transitions between different levels of light, resulting in a high level of flexibility that will meet the visual requirements of users.

Most LED luminaires have dimmable drivers, either as an option that is standard or standard that reduces the cost of dimming. It is particularly suitable for visual -based applications and the implementation of energy management techniques like daylight -responsive or task-tuning control within occupied spaces.

Control Zoning Control zoning is an essential element of the design of lighting control systems because it is the method by which the lighting control is assigned to light loads. A control zone can be defined as a group of lighting sources controlled by one control output. Zones can be arranged according to the energy codes, the desired energy efficiency and flexibility, typical lights (e.g., fluorescent or LED. LED) and space -specific features (e.g., furnishings, furni ture, and finishes), and activities, daylight availability as well as lighting plans.

Control zones that are smaller (higher levels of zones in the space or a building) allow for greater flexibility and energy savings. Because of this, most Energy codes go vern control zones by imposing restrictions on the area.

Traditionally, control zoning, as well as future rezoning, was restricted by wiring for lighting circuits. Communication advances allow for cost -effective zoning of as small as individual luminaires and ballasts/drivers—also, the rezoning and zoning process uses software instead of wiring.