In addition to core lighting products such as LEDs and CFLs, lighting control is also a key factor in reducing energy consumption. Here, Mike Bancroft of Schneider Electric discusses the latest innovations in lighting control
Lighting is a major source of energy consumption and, with demand expected to increase over the next 20 years, its clear that the role of energy efficient solutions will become evermore prominent. For an electrician then, it is important to be up to speed with the latest technologies that can help their customers to save energy and money.
One increasingly popular way of achieving this is with lighting control which not only minimises lighting use and controls energy costs, it also enables the user to create a comfortable atmosphere by adjusting the lighting to suit their mood, activity or the time of day.
Sphere
One such offering which has recently been made available is Sphere from Schneider Electric. Sphere functions through a wireless signal that is sent from a controller to the wired-in lighting receivers. These receivers in turn control the light source, or other equipment connected to it such as table lamps or fans. The result is that lighting levels can be instantly controlled to create the required ambience at the touch of a button.
Flexibility is also a key concern, and with either five or eight channels available, Sphere provides a range of lighting options to create the required setting for every requirement. The ability to preset various light levels enables the right levels of lighting to be selected throughout the day in line with the external environment, enabling the user to make the best of the available light. Equally, a user may require different scene settings dependent on the occasion. For example, low lighting is often preferable in the early evening when relaxing after a days work, while bright lights are more suitable for business meetings or entertaining.
A question of style
In response to home and office owners becoming more style conscious, manufacturers have introduced a whole host of systems that can actually become part of a buildings design. For example, many modern control panels come with a choice of interchangeable front plates to ensure suitability for all types of room d?r. Options include a stainless steel finish, black nickel, pearl nickel, polished chrome, painted white and polished brass, ensuring an installation can be coordinated to produce a sleek and stylish result. In many cases, finishes can co-ordinate with flat plate accessories ensuring that a fully designed electrical system can be installed.
The key benefit
Despite the aesthetical benefits of lighting control, the key advantage it offers, and therefore the number one selling point, is energy saving. According to the statistics from the International Energy Agency, 30-40% of total energy consumed in homes and offices is used for lighting and 90% of lighting expense used in buildings is unnecessary due over illumination.
Intelligent lighting control is integral to combat this. Typically, effective use of lighting control alongside the right lamps can lead to potential energy savings of up to 75%. Not only will this result in lower carbon emissions, which is something the government is continually striving for, but it will also deliver reduced fuel bills.
Security
A further benefit of efficient lighting control is security. Wireless controllers can be used outside the home or office to illuminate the property prior to entry within a distance of up to 30 metres. This provides extra reassurance for those arriving in the dark during the winter months.
Furthermore, as well as controlling lighting, some systems can integrate other appliances to create a technological advancement in buildings. This may be a big draw for some business owners that want to create a highly automated space for working in. Some systems allow for receivers to be mounted inline, which enables table lamps, uplighters and other lighting outputs to be incorporated into one complete solution. In addition, many products have relay switches that allow for the inclusion of other electrical devices such as ceiling fans and pumps, enhancing the automation and, in turn, efficiency of a building even further.
In this time of keen competition, it is important to stay abreast of industry changes and consumer demand. By having the right knowledge of the most innovative technologies, such as lighting control, electricians can help customers to go greener while, in turn, ensuring a brighter future for their business.
