Every year, a lot of energy used for lighting areas is wasted as a consequence of lights left on in unoccupied spaces and spaces constantly over-lit. By using the most advanced lighting control systems available in the market, tremendous savings, both in energy and cost, can be achieved.
Lighting controls are devices and systems that add flexibility to how lighting works, helping manage energy and meet occupant needs. These systems take in information, figure out how to reduce lighting, and adjust the output accordingly. Traditionally, lighting controls were used to create ambiance but gradually started to be incorporated into buildings to achieve a high-quality energy efficient lighting system.
Some of the advantages of lighting controls include:
- Saving power by dimming or turning off lights when not needed,
- Reducing lighting hours per year, and
- Decreasing internal heat gain, leading to a reduced HVAC system size and less cooling needs
Various types of lighting controls include occupancy sensors, on/off switches and relays, manual and automatic dimming, and photosensors.
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Add Occupancy Sensors for Interior Lighting Control
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This is one of the most common lighting control methods. A motion sensor, also called an occupancy sensor, detects movement using technologies like Passive Infrared (PIR) or ultrasonic. Based on movement or lack of it for a set time, lights can turn on or off automatically. More advanced solutions let you adjust settings based on time, location, and other factors. Occupancy sensors can be standalone devices or built into switches, light fixtures, furniture, and more.
Resources:
- https://www.wbdg.org/resources/electric-lighting-controls
- https://www.energy.gov/femp/articles/wireless-occupancy-sensors-lighting-controls-applications-guide-federal-facility#:~:text=Occupancy%20sensors%20increase%20lighting%20energy,possible%20depending%20on%20room%20usage.