Saving Money and Energy with Lighting Controls

Today, Digital Lighting controls are among the market's most advanced and robust technologies. Various trends have been revamped in modern times due to technology and innovation. Furthermore, they have focused on sustainability and efficiency aspects for the betterment of the world in addition to transforming various industries. Among such initiatives is the lighting industry, which has evolved tremendously over the past few decades. 

Light emitting diodes (LEDs), IoT integration, and intelligent lighting controls have been some of the most significant milestones in the lighting industry in the 21st century, according to top commercial lighting manufacturers. 

An array of smart lighting devices that control light quality, intensity, and characteristics in a defined area is known as lighting controls. For the betterment of the world, they have transformed not only various industries but also emphasized sustainability and efficiency. 

Lighting controls, for example, can reduce total energy consumption by almost 35%, according to leading LED lighting manufacturers and experts. In addition, these devices contribute to an aesthetically pleasing, functional, and energy-efficient interior.

Did you know? Lighting controls can save up to 50 percent of the energy used in a commercial building.  Using lighting controls alone can save 15 to 80 percent more than a lighting upgrade alone in energy costs, depending on the facility. Energy savings from upgrading a lighting system are estimated at 30 percent if no lighting controls are in place. The percentage could easily reach 50 percent if control options are included in the system.

Let's have a look at some intelligent lighting controls that can help you save a good amount of money and energy-

Occupancy Sensors

A sensor turns off lighting automatically when an occupant leaves a room. About 35 percent of the savings are averaged. Occupancy sensors are ideal for classrooms, restrooms, conference rooms, and private offices.

An occupancy sensor detects movements, and the lights are turned on or off, depending if the room is occupied. Therefore, the sensors must be strategically placed to avoid lighting being turned off whilst occupants are still in the room. It is sometimes possible to select the amount of time that will pass before the lights are turned off. The default setting is usually 15 minutes.

Dimmer 

A dimmer saves energy and can extend the life of a light bulb by reducing the amount of power it receives. Dimmers are most useful for incandescent and halogen lights when run at lower voltages. In addition, the new generation of advanced lighting control systems on the market is more energy-efficient, easier to install, and self-commissioning than traditional wiring. These systems provide these benefits by taking advantage of digital control and plug-and-play connectivity.

Photocell 

With a Photocell sensor, a transformer can communicate and connect to the electronic device. Like a timer switch, photocell sensors automatically control the lighting fixtures by turning them on and off during a specific period. However, the light output from lighting fixtures is governed by the sun's natural light rather than timer switches due to photocell sensors.

The transformer turns on and off based on the amount of light detected by photocells in low-voltage lighting, such as outdoor landscape lights. A photocell sensor, for instance, reads when the sun has set, and it's getting dark outside, so the transformer knows when to turn on the outdoor lighting. 

It is also possible to use a photocell sensor indoors in a space with windows. It powers your indoor lighting fixtures when sunlight isn't coming through a window. A photocell sensor controls the level of artificial light in an indoor space to reduce energy consumption.

Use artificial lighting

Try adding artificial light when daylight is insufficient and up to the optimal level when sunlight is not enough. A reduction in energy consumption is attained by maximizing the day's use and reducing artificial lighting. As a result, CO2 emissions in the illuminated space are further reduced, positively affecting performance, the environment, and well-being.