Lighting controls do just that. They give you control over what it is lit and when it is lit, which means money is not wasted lighting areas where it is not required. In the right situations, automated controls help save energy by overcoming the human behaviour factor.

Occupancy sensors

Retro-fitting a wall-mounted occupancy sensor in line with your standard switching is a good idea if there's often no one about. You can also switch in zones or use software control systems to define zoning that allows people to light parts of the building that are occupied. In open plan environments, maximum zones of 100m² are preferable.

Daylight sensors

If you want to save even more energy, you can combine occupancy sensors with daylight reactive dimming control. Automatic daylight reactive dimming control is a step up from the manual version and precisely controls how much light hits the work surface. For best results, install switching or automatic dimming for those fixtures within 3-6 metres of a window or glazed facade.

Dimmers and separate switching

Dimmable lighting gives you the most flexibility. But fitting a secondary light switch, so you can easily switch off some lamps and not others, is good too. Whatever control you choose, it must be suitable for the lighting technology used in your business.

Getting the most from controls

Offices

• Install wall or ceiling-mounted occupancy sensors set for maximum sensitivity and a 10 minute delay (ultrasonic sensors are best)
• Locate sensors with a direct line of sight between sensor and occupant
• Make sure lights can also be turned off manually (you may have enough daylight or task light in the office)

Open plan spaces

• Install wall or ceiling-mounted occupancy sensors set to maximum sensitivity, on 15-minute delay
• Add multiple sensors if required in larger open plan spaces as well as those with partitions that obstruct sensor coverage.

Corridors and circulation areas

• Install ceiling-mounted sensors with increased sensitivity, on 15-minute delay
• Choose models specifically designed for corridor use – these activate lights long before a person reaches an unlit area.

Daylight zones

• Install switching or automatic dimming for light fixtures within 3 metres of windows
• Use separate switches for light fixtures in zones less than 100m² – and connect them to a separate occupancy sensor
• Use daylight sensors and dimmers on lights in daylight zones more than 100m² (check these are appropriate for dimming first)
• Specify smooth, continuous dimming to avoid sudden light changes that can distract workers and require them to adjust to different lighting levels.