Lighting Control Systems

Not just for offices

Lighting Control Systems aren't just for offices – you can use them to dim lights and programme lighting levels in your home too. They can range from simple dimmers to clever keypads or touch panels that can be set to switch on and off depending on time of day (eg. sunset or sunrise) or occupancy of the room (if coupled with motion detectors).

These tips will guide you on choosing the best, most energy efficient control system to maintain or enhance the lighting in your home.

Use switching

Select the groups of lights you want 'on' at the same time then have them wired together on one circuit.

 By doing this you can switch separate 'groups' of lights on or off depending on the light you need. This gives you greater control and flexibility and saves energy. (Always switch off lights or circuits which are not required or being used).

Create different ‘scenes’

There are many types of control systems that let you programme scenes or moods to suit your needs.

Some are very basic and some more complex. Whether you use individual dimmers or a lighting control system, try to create a number of scenes. These should be a composition of various circuits at various levels to suit your visual or living requirements.

Invest in dimming

If you dim a bulb by 50%, you can make 50% energy savings. It's as simple as that.

You can also increase the life of the bulb. For example, if you dim a new generation halogen bulb by 5%-10% you can double its lifespan. So the more you dim the less often you have to buy new bulbs.

Give dimmed halogens a daily workout

If you dim halogen lamps to low levels, make sure you run them up to 100% at least once a day for a few minutes.

This helps maintain the halogen cycle by cleaning tungsten deposits from the inside of the quartz bulb back onto the filament.

Take time before you programme

Live in a space for at least a month before you programme a control system.

You need to do this to establish your favourite scenes. With some systems these can either be programmed or engraved onto the switch plates. There are many types of dimming switch plates or interfaces (including rotary, slider, touch screen) plus a great number of styles and colours. It's worth talking to your electrician, lighting professional or home automation specialist to determine which one is best for you.

Try external motion sensors

External motion sensors ensure lights switch on only as required eg. when you come home or guests arrive.

Motion detector sensors are also good for low-level hall lighting (eg. when people go to the bathroom in the middle of the night). These sensors work best with halogen light sources.