Intro

Wireless lighting control devices are becoming an increasingly popular choice for commercial applications. These devices use wireless lighting technology to control and manage lighting infrastructures, providing many benefits over traditional wired systems. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to the basics of networked wireless lighting control solutions for commercial applications, including the technology behind it, the benefits it provides, lighting control applications, and a comparison to wired lighting control products and systems.

 

What is Wireless Lighting Control? 

Wireless lighting control refers to any type of device or system that uses radio frequency (RF) signals to communicate with other smart lighting components in a networked environment. This allows users to remotely control multiple luminaires systems without having to physically connect wires between single light fixtures. This eliminates the need for hardwiring control devices and ensures easy installation and maintenance. Additionally, wireless lighting controls platforms can be easily integrated into existing infrastructures without needing to modify the existing architecture or build new electrical pathways. 

 

Benefits of Wireless Networked Lighting Control for Commercial Applications

Intelligent wireless lighting control systems offer many benefits for commercial applications, especially when compared to traditional wired systems. One of the biggest advantages is the ease of installation. With wireless systems, there is no need to run new wiring, making installation faster and less expensive. Additionally, wireless systems are more flexible and can be easily reconfigured to accommodate changes in the layout of commercial space.

Another benefit of wireless, smart lighting control is energy efficiency. Wireless control devices can be configured to automatically turn lights off when a room is unoccupied, reducing energy consumption. They can also be integrated with building management systems for advanced energy monitoring and reporting, which can help to identify areas where energy savings can be made. This can also help to qualify for energy codes, rebates, and tax incentives.

Wireless lighting control systems also offer a high level of control applications and fixture light customization. With a smartphone app or a web interface, users can easily set up desired level lighting control the lighting network from anywhere, set schedules and scenes, and even create custom lighting effects. This can be useful for creating a specific ambiance in a commercial space or highlighting certain areas or products.

There are many different types of devices that can connect via a well-functioning lighting control network, including motion and light sensors, dimmers, and wireless switches, LED drivers and fixtures, bridges and luminaire controllers, and gateways that allow connection to existing building management systems (BMS). These components work together to provide the necessary functionality for effective remote control over daylight harvesting strategies, occupancy sensing, and energy-saving scenarios within a given space.

 

Comparison to Wired Control Solutions

While wired lighting control systems are still widely used in commercial applications, they do have some limitations when compared to wireless systems. One of the main disadvantages of wired systems is the cost of installation. Running new wiring can be time-consuming and expensive, especially in older buildings. The situation is different when retrofitting wireless control systems in existing commercial spaces.

Hardwired lighting control systems are also less flexible, as they are wired into a building's infrastructure and cannot easily be reconfigured. Additionally, they require a dedicated centralized control system, which can be expensive and difficult to maintain. It’s much harder to scale a wired lighting network installation to meet the growing needs of commercial spaces.

In contrast, wireless lighting control systems are easy to install, flexible, and affordable. They can be retrofitted to existing buildings, making them a great option for lighting retrofits and upgrades in commercial spaces. These systems provide a wide area of coverage, ease of installation, energy efficiency, and a high level of control and wireless network customization.

 

Lighting controls market technologies

Wireless lighting control systems use different wireless technologies to control and manage lighting infrastructures, including Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Bluetooth mesh. Different technologies fulfill different needs, from basic lighting control to advanced lighting control. Some can offer centralized wireless control, and some distributed architecture. Some would be better for outdoor lighting controls, and some for indoor. Many differences need to be considered when choosing the right technology. One of the latest modern lighting controls technology is Bluetooth mesh. Bluetooth mesh is a well-recognized lighting control brand. It's a wireless network technology that uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for communication between lighting devices. This technology is well-suited for commercial applications, as it offers a high level of reliability, scalability, and security.

In a commercial lighting installation, a network of lighting devices can be built using Bluetooth mesh. This is accomplished by connecting each device to the network and allowing it to communicate with other devices in the network. The network can be controlled by a smartphone or tablet, which can turn lights on and off, set schedules and scenes, and adjust brightness levels.

One advantage of using a wireless mesh network for lighting control is that it eliminates the need for wiring and makes it easy to retrofit existing buildings. This also makes it possible to scale the network as needed, adding more devices as required. This allows for greater flexibility and adaptability in commercial spaces, which is especially important as these spaces evolve over time.

 

Summary

In conclusion, wireless controls offer many benefits for commercial applications. They are easy to install, energy-efficient, and customizable, making them an excellent option for lighting retrofits and lighting devices upgrades. These systems provide a wide coverage area, making them suitable for large commercial spaces such as shopping centers, office buildings, and warehouses. Wireless lighting control systems can help to create a specific ambiance and energy savings, making it a smart choice for building owners and managers.