When dimmed, LED lighting becomes more energy efficient and automated systems like daylight harvesting and occupancy sensors can turn on or dim lights according to changes in light, need or the time of day. 

Wireless lighting control systems however are designed to control lighting without the need for complex wiring systems and provide increased flexibility in how an area of a building can be used. Instead of positioning switches and sensors where wiring permits, building operators can place controls where they are needed.

Automated lighting networks can reduce energy consumption whilst delivering optimal lighting performance. Typical savings, when combined with LED luminaires are between 60 and 95%, depending on application. In addition to energy savings, an intelligent lighting system allows activation of an individual light or groups of lights from one device, sets lights to turn on and off or dim at precise times, and creates customised lighting for a specific task.

Simple yet scalable 

A wirelessly connected system eliminates the disruption, cost and maintenance burden associated with hard-wired installations, whilst allowing full control of the lighting system. The result is a system that is simple yet infinitely scalable to the needs of the installation. From a single light fixture to thousands, within the same system, there is no upper limit.

New solutions like Light Brain make lighting networks simple to design, install and maintain. Software enables users to upload their floorplan – existing or proposed – for quick lighting layout creation, via easy-to-use ‘drag and drop’ tools. Once installed, the connected system creates a digital network, where luminaires communicate wirelessly, controlled by Android app or web interface, with simple software.  

Setting or adjusting the lighting can be achieved without wiring changes. Luminaires can be added or replaced, and re-configured at the touch of a button.  

Monitoring and maintenance 

An extensive status monitoring dashboard provides on-demand reports of the ‘health’ of LED sources and drivers, highlighting any critical failure points that need attention.  

The solution caters for ‘active’ maintenance support, in addition to delivering ‘reactive’ lighting maintenance solutions fast and effectively. Neither of these functions require maintenance teams to carry out surveys or visit the site. 

In addition to its routine maintenance capabilities, an intelligent lighting control system provides automation of routine emergency light testing and maintenance requirements, for example with self-test features for emergency lighting. Without the need to attend site and test individual light fittings, users are alerted to faults as and when they occur. With logging and fault recording functionality, it eliminates the need for manual recording.  

Reporting on the energy consumption of all connected lighting fixtures allows analysis and measurement of a single site, or all the sites being managed. This makes a wirelessly connected system useful for reviewing the energy performance of multi-site portfolios. Energy and facility managers can log in to review data from any site location as little or as often as needed.  

Light Brain modules are connected during an LED lighting upgrade, saving the time and costs of an additional lighting control installation. Because the technology is retrofittable, any luminaire and even individual lamps can be replaced with new LED and wireless-enabled luminaires. Integrate with non-LED luminaires, to make them smart too. All data can be monitored via the Android App (or remotely via web interface) or downloaded for easy analysis. 

Operating lighting where it is needed – rather than at 100% brightness constantly – not only minimises energy consumption, but extends lighting lifecycles and reduces maintenance costs. Example cost savings for a distribution centre fitted with LED lighting and Light Brain are about 87% with a payback of less than two years. 

A wirelessly connected system qualifies for government schemes such as the Carbon Trust Green Business Fund.  By claiming 100% first year capital allowance, through the Enhanced Capital Allowances Scheme, installers can offset the cost of a Wireless LED lighting control, LED luminaires, and their installation.