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Lighting Control Systems
Offer Benefits But Are Often
Overlooked
by Dan
Hoehnen
In today's
homes, with multiple forms of
accent lighting throughout the
home, a lighting control system
is often overlooked. Homeowners
either aren't aware that such a
system is available, or don’t
realize the benefits of having
one. Our goal is to change this.
Conventional lighting control
requires one switch or dimmer
per set of lights. This can lead
to a large number of switches on
a wall, and also makes it
difficult to set each set of
lights to the desired brightness
for various occasions.
A lighting control system uses a
keypad with multiple engraved
buttons that only takes the
space of one light switch. The
"wall clutter" is gone, and the
engraved buttons make operation
simple, even for guests. A
single button press brings a
single light, or group of
lights, to the desired
brightness settings. Since
different amounts of light are
required depending on the time
of day, there could be an
EVENING button and a DAY button
that operate the same group of
lights, but to different
brightness settings. Or, the
system could do this
automatically by measuring the
ambient light.
 Lighting keypad buttons can also
be programmed to operate other
devices, such as a fireplace,
motorized window treatments, or
an audio system, further
reducing the wall clutter.
Not only does a lighting control
system add beauty and
convenience, but it can also
provide energy savings and
security. Bulb life is extended
by ramping lights to a 90 to 95%
brightness, rather than turning
on to 100% instantly.
The system is also capable of
controlling lights in multiple
rooms, or even the entire house,
with one button. It then becomes
very easy to press a button at
the top of the basement steps to
turn off all lights in the
basement. Or, when the security
is armed to away mode, all
lights in the house can
automatically be turned off
(maybe leaving some on if it is
after sunset).
For security, a single button
next to the bed can flood the
outside of the house with light.
Another button could be used to
light the inside of house.
Lights, either inside or outside
the house, can be made to flash
in order to draw attention. If a
smoke alarm goes off, the system
can turn on lights to help
visibility in smoke-filled
rooms. While away, various
lights can be turned on and off,
giving the house a lived-in
look.
Lighting control systems can be
installed in both new
construction and existing homes.
Several lighting systems are
specifically designed for the
retrofit market and require no
wiring.
The possibilities are endless.
Since each system is programmed
based on the homeowner's
lifestyle, you are sure to get a
system that is perfect for you.
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