Lighting Control

Lighting Lighting control is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase the quality and flexibility of a building. Lighting control can reduce lighting energy consumption by 50% in existing buildings and 35% in new construction.

  • On/Off Controls
  • Dimming Controls
  • Photocells
  • Occupancy Sensors
  • Scheduling
  • Demand Control

On/Off Controls
Standard wall switches and relays could turn lights on and off together. This simple type of control could be designed to switch every other light to enable the ability to uniformly reduce light levels. Another alternative would be to switch just the perimeter lights that are close to windows.

Dimming Controls
Whether automated or manual, dimming switches can provide additional comfort and control to the occupant. Different levels could be programmed for different times of the day.

Photocells
Photocells can be used to automatically turn on and off lights. They could be place near windows and turn off lights when daylight levels rise to a defined level. Photocells could be use outside to control outdoor lighting. Photocells could also be used in conjunction with dimming control to provide a consistent lumen level.

Occupancy Sensors
Occupancy sensors can be used to control the lighting in specific areas. Occupancy sensors come in three varieties: passive infrared, ultrasonic, and a combination of the two.  Passive infrared sensors are triggered off the movement of a heat-emitting body.  Ultrasonic sensors emit an inaudible sound pattern and re-read the reflection.  Ultrasonic sensors are more sensitive than passive infrared sensors and are more suited for application where line-of-site viewing is not available.

Scheduling
Schedules can be used to automatically turn on, off, or to dim lights around a building which can significantly reduce energy usage in a building in which the lights are often left on all night. Occupancy sensors and on/off switches can be used conjunction with schedule to provide flexibility for after-hours work.

Demand Control
Monitoring the kW demand of the building will give the system the flexibility to shed some of the lighting during high power demands. Demand control can be set up in stages to prevent high power demands.