Lighting automation can be defined as the integration and connection of devices in light systems to ease the way that they are controlled. They enable timers to be set for lights, allow automatic dimming, motion sensing, and scheduling for turning lights on and off. You might have probably marveled at the laser lighting effects you saw on the stages of concerts or theatres – lights that shine with an array of colors as they make amazing patterns. Lighting automation is the secret behind this. More people are embracing this technology because it is convenient and it modernizes homes.
1) Remote Control
Lighting Automation comes with different systems, but all of them are enabled by programming that includes time-scheduled and non-scheduled commands. A central control system runs these actions. The remote control ability is the most preferred method to control light systems as you can manage your light system even when away from home. Having a light automation app on your cell phone that is synchronized with the lights of your house makes it possible for you to control switches accordingly.
To enable this, an electrician will have to install a smart home hub. This device uses the Internet of things principle to help you know where the lights are switched on in your home. Instead of going upstairs to turn off the attic lights, you will tap an icon on your cell phone. This is very advantageous and convenient since it will help conserve energy by making sure all the lights in your house go off when you want to leave. Having a smart home hub will allow you to install these other types of systems in your home:
2) Occupancy Sensors
This technology detects the presence of a person in a room so that lights can switch on and off automatically whenever they leave or enter a room. Motions are sensed through infrared and sounds can be tracked as well by this intelligent light automation system. This system is very convenient and can save up to 45% of energy.
3) Time Scheduling
This system will enable you to have your lights on or off according to the schedule of your choice. For example, you can have all the light switches in your house turned off at midnight when it is likely that everybody has slept. You can also have your security lights turned on automatically by 6 pm when darkness has fallen. This system effectively eliminates the need for moving around the house to turn switches on and off.
4) Daylight Dimming
This system makes the lights of rooms that receive low sunlight to shine correspondingly to create a well-lit area. Dimming lights during the daytime will be more efficient and energy saving than having to fully switch on the lights of rooms that receive low sunlight. There are also dimming systems that do not depend on daylight to adjust brightness. You might be studying, but the white pages of your books reflect light into your eyes, which hurts. A dimming system will allow you to make the lights dimmer for more comfort when studying.