7 Types of Lighting Control Systems for Modern Commercial Settings
The need to manage lighting with ease and precision became omnipresent in virtually every aspect of mission-critical environments across Florida. Commercial lighting control systems enable you to do just that, but they’re not all made equal. Specific types of controls benefit specific settings, and knowing which is which ensures you’re making the choice that will benefit your operation to the maximum.
What are the types of lighting control systems?
The first thing we must note is that commercial facilities rarely rely on a single control system. While that’s technically possible, it’s also highly impractical and inconvenient, since there’s a need to balance energy efficiency, occupant comfort, operational oversight, and code compliance. For these reasons, commercial settings often rely on a combination of the following lighting control systems:
1. Manual control systems
This is the simplest, most basic lighting control system of all – traditional wall switches, dimmers, and keypads. While these can feature some degree of advanced functionality (e.g., zone or scene adjustment), they offer very little in terms of data harvesting or central management. Needless to say, that’s not enough for demanding environments, which is why they’re typically paired with automated controls.
2. Occupancy-based controls
These systems use PIR (passive infrared), ultrasonic, or dual-tech sensors that control the lights based on detected activity. Occupancy-based controls are ideal for high-traffic and intermittent-use areas (e.g., hallways, restrooms, storage), as they significantly reduce energy waste (and, by extension, utility bills).
3. Daylight harvesting systems
These configurations utilize photovoltaic cells that detect the level of natural light and adjust illumination accordingly, based on preset parameters. Daylight-responsive lighting control is not just a welcome addition to any space with large windows or skylights – it is often mandated for commercial properties in Florida (per ASHRAE/IES 90.1 and IECC as a baseline).
4. Time-based (scheduling) controls
For facilities that operate on well-established schedules (e.g., campuses, retail stores, hospitality establishments, etc.), time-based controls are essential. Their ability to manage lighting throughout the day significantly enhances operational and energy efficiency, especially considering they require minimal to no oversight thanks to programmable centralized timers and/or software platforms.
5. Centralized digital control systems
These networked setups enable centralized management of virtually every aspect of lighting, making them the top choice for large, complex buildings. Centralized controls come in several types, the most notable being:
- DALI/DALI-2/D4i – addressable, two-way communication for monitoring, grouping, and dimming.
- 0-10V – analog dimming control, often paired with sensors.
- DMX – used for settings that require dynamic colors, effects, of rapid lighting changes.
- KNX/BACnet – allows lighting integration with other building automation elements.
6. Wireless lighting control systems
Solutions such as Bluetooth Mesh, Zigbee, Thread, and proprietary RF systems allow different components of wireless lighting setups to communicate with minimal-to-no hardwired infrastructure. They are incredibly flexible and can fit into different settings/applications, making them ideal for everything from retrofit projects to fast-changing environments.
7. Smart/IoT platforms
This is not a standalone category, per se, but rather a meld of several previously mentioned ones. These systems combine wireless and digital protocols with analytics, cloud dashboards, and IoT sensors, enabling advanced functionality such as asset tracking and energy data gathering (to mention a few). Today, they are widely used in corporate campuses, hospitals, retail centers, and similar high-traffic and/or mission-critical environments.
Which company designs operation-specific commercial lighting control systems near me in Florida?
Looking for a lighting control system to perfectly complement your business goals and operating requirements? Pro Audio Services is here to provide! For nearly 30 years, we’ve been catering to commercial, industrial, and institutional clients across Florida, designing bespoke lighting solutions that deliver mission-specific benefits, from incremental energy savings to ensuring code compliance.
Whether you need an enterprise-level setup in Jacksonville or a startup-grade config in Fort Lauderdale, you can rely on the expertise of our award-winning professionals to deliver exactly what you need to excel. Reach out today and let’s discuss your options!
