Lighting Control

TABLE OF CONTENT
page
1 Designing a lighting control system

1.1 System design

1.2 Step 1 - Application needs

1.3 Step 2 Appropriate control strategies -

1.4 Step 3 Selecting control products

1.5 Step 4 - Layout, specification & documentation

10

2 Lighting

11

2.1 Color temperature

12

2.2 Comparission Fluorescent vs Incandescent

13

2.3 Energy efficency lumen/watt

14

2.4 Lumen

14

2.5 Lux

14

2.6 Illuminance

15

3 Lamps and Loads

16

3.1 Light sources

17

3.2 Control gear

20

3.3 Dimming Principles

21

3.4 Special requirement at switching and dimming

22

4 Applications

24

4.1 Introduction

25

4.2 Occupancy Control

27

4.3 Scheduling

30

4.4 Constant LightControl

33

4.5 Dimming Control

36

4.6 Shutter Control

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5 Application practice

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1 Designing a lighting control

system

Lighting design and engineering professionals are facing the challenge and
demand for energy conservation in buildings. Mandatory energy codes
requires lighting control in new buildings
Effective lighting control saves energy, reduces operating costs, and helps
maintain a safe and productive environment for occupants. Well designed and
installed, lighting control also provides convenience for occupants and
enhances productivity.
Designing an optimal lighting control system may often incorporate several
types of controls as well as different control strategies to achieve an integrated,
total-facility approach

1.1 System design

The design process for a lighting control project includes:

1.

Applications needed

2.

Control strategies to be used

3.

Which are the appropriate product(s) for the application

4.

Layout, specification and documentation of the lighting controls

5.

Guidelines of how install and commission the lighting controls

What application

Installation
Control strategy

Documentation
Product selection

1.2 Step 1 Application needs

The starting point for any project is the need to understand the motivation,
reasons, and characteristics of the application involved.

Energy code compliance requirements

With energy code compliance becoming mandatory, this is often the driver behind
the need for lighting control. Most common requirements are:
Individual space control
Automatic shut off
Energy conservation
Outdoor light control

Energy conservation
Many building owners and facility managers want to reduce operating costs by
minimizing energy expenses as much as possible while ensuring the comfort and
safety of facility occupants.
Occupant convenience and preference
Ensuring that occupants have a convenient and accessible personal control over
local lighting which enhances occupant satisfaction and productivity.
Safety and security
Ensuring that facility lighting always is safe and secure for occupants and visitors.
Maintenance and administration
Providing the facilities management staff with the necessary controls and tools to
effectively manage the facility.

1.3 Step 2
Appropriate control
strategies -

At this point, designers should select the appropriate control strategy that best
fits with the applications needs. Since most buildings contain numerous spaces
housing different activities, multiple strategies may be desirable to meet the
specific needs of all the different space types.
Some applications may need only a single product implementing a simple
strategy, such as a time switch providing timed ON/OFF control. In other
applications, designers may combine several control methods. For instance, office
spaces may benefit from time-based ON/OFF control during regular work hours,
supplemented by occupancy-based control after hours.

Step 2 Appropriate
control strategies (cont)

In the case of commercial or public buildings a part of the applications utilizes

common components in a building automation system for controlling different
functionalities
These basic control strategies can be implemented singly or combined as
appropriate for the application:
Automated shutoff
A basic requirement for lighting energy efficiency and energy code compliance,
turning lighting off when it is not needed (non occupancy) is a primary control
strategy. The same devices used to shut lighting off may also provide users with
the ability to turn lighting on. This information could also be used to control other
devices controlled by the HVAC system.
Individual space control
This is usually a base requirement for energy code compliance. Usually control
devices must be located so that lighting controlled is visible from the devices
installed location. If lighting is not visible from that location, the device usually
must have some type of annunciation (i.e., pilot light) that indicates lighting
status (ON/OFF).
Reduced level lighting control (also referred to as bi-level switching)
When it is desirable or required by energy codes, spaces may contain controls to
manually reduce lighting levels uniformly. This can be accomplished by turning off
individual lamps within luminaries, turning off alternating luminaries, or dimming
all luminaries to reduced levels.
Exterior lighting control
Ensuring lighting is on whenever it is dark outside and off when there is sufficient
daylight or the area is no longer occupied. Exterior lighting control is generally
broken down into two primary categories of lighting:
1. Exterior security night lights = all lighting that turns on at dusk and remains
on all night until dawn when sufficient daylight returns.
2. General exterior lighting = lighting that is on when it is dark and turns off
subsequently during the night time when the area is no longer occupied or in use.
Daylighting control
Reducing or eliminating electric lighting when there is an adequate contribution of
daylight within a space.

1.4 Step 3
Selecting control
products

These guidelines can help designers match up the best product for
achieving a specific control strategy.

Control Strategy: Automated shutoff

Products for implementing this strategy are occupancy sensors, movement
detectors time switches and schedulers.
Occupancy sensors
detects space vacancy and light level for automated shutoff.
Movement detectors
detecting movement for automated shutoff.
Recommended applications:
Locations with intermittent occupancy and activity
Private offices, conference rooms, restrooms, break rooms, some open
offices

Scheduler
controls relays to turn lighting off according to a programmed schedule.
Recommended applications:
Applications where it is desirable to keep lighting on during hours of
normal business or space usage.
Lobbies, corridors, public spaces, retail sales floor, some open offices.

Time switch
Wall switches turn on manually and then turn off automatically after a preset
interval.
Recommended applications:
Spaces with infrequent activities or where occupancy sensors may not
be able to perform consistently
Store rooms, mechanical and electrical rooms, supply closets, janitorial
spaces.

Step 3 Selecting
control products
cont

Control Strategy: Individual Space control

Suitable products for implementing this strategy are manual switches and
occupancy sensors.

Manual switches
These are available in a variety of types and technologies:
Line voltage switches control power directly to fixtures.
Low voltage or bus switches, signal occupancy sensors
Wall switch occupancy sensors (P.I.R.) combine occupancy based shutoff with
manual ON/OFF and preset control
Time switch combines timed shutoff with manual ON/OFF
Manual switches work in conjunction with shutoff, day lighting and other control
strategies.

Day lighting control

Appropriate products for implementing this strategy are automatic switching
controllers and automatic dimming controls.
A photocell component measures daylight levels, transmits the data to the control
component, which then switches or dims lighting.

Automatic switching controllers

Automatic dimming controllers dimmable ballasts and automatic dimming day
lighting controls
Recommended applications:
Interior building spaces with architectural design elements (i.e., windows,
skylights, etc.) that permit adequate daylight.

Step 3 Selecting
control products
cont

Exterior lighting control

Products for implementing this strategy are relay panels with
astronomic clock and/or photocells, and occupancy sensors.
Relay panels controlled by photocells
There are a number of different ways these devices may be used:
Photocell ON/OFF control:
Use an exterior photocell with a lighting control panel for automated ON/OFF of
exterior lighting at dusk and dawn. Photocell automatically adjusts for seasonal
sunrise/sunset changes as well as transient changes in light conditions
Astronomic clock ON/OFF control:
Panel-based astronomic clocks turn exterior lighting ON/OFF based on calculated
seasonal sunrise/sunset changes.
Photocell ON/OFF + time scheduled control:
Combining panel-based time scheduling with the light/dark sensing capability of a
photocell allows efficient exterior lighting control.
Astronomic ON/OFF + time scheduled control:
Combining panel-based time scheduling with the sunrise/sunset prediction of
astronomic control enables automatic ON at calculated sunset with OFF later
when premises are vacated.
Occupancy sensor + photocell control:

Combining occupancy-based and photosensitive control turns lighting on when

occupancy is detected and it is dark.
Recommended applications:
All building, parking lot, site, signage, walkway exterior lighting.

1.5 Step 4 - Layout,

specification &
documentation

Once the product selection is complete, the designer will lay out the control
devices on the general lighting plan drawings.
Different lighting control products require specific design details. For instance,
with occupancy sensors, plans should include placement location of individual
sensors as well as the coverage area of each. For switches, plans should indicate
location and control assignment. For day lighting controls, plans should include
photocell placement as well as the desired lux settings for each covered area.
When lighting control panels are used, designers should prepare riser diagrams
and control schedules. This documentation will assist the designer in preparing a
specification that unifies the entire plan.

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2 Lighting

We see things every day, from the moment we get up in the morning
until we go to sleep at night. We look at everything around us using
light. We appreciate fine oil paintings, swirling computer graphics,
gorgeous sunsets. But did you ever stop to think that what we see is
light-- light that somehow left objects far or near and reached our eyes.
Light is all our eyes can really see.
The other way that we encounter light is in devices that produce light -incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes, lasers, lightning bugs, the
sun. Each one uses a different technique to generate light.
Lighting includes both artificial light sources such as lamps and
natural illumination of interiors from daylight. Lighting represents a
major component of energy consumption, accounting for a significant
part of all energy consumed worldwide. Proper lighting can enhance
task performance or aesthetics, while there can be energy wastage and
adverse health effects of lighting. Indoor lighting is a form of fixture or
furnishing, and a key part of interior design. Lighting can also be an
intrinsic component of landscaping.

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2.1 Color
temperature

Color temperature is a characteristic of visible light that has important

applications in photography, videography, publishing and other fields. The
color temperature of a light source is determined by comparing its hue with
a theoretical, heated black-body radiator. The Kelvin temperature at which
the heated black-body radiator matches the hue of the light source is that
sources color temperature, and it is directly related to Plancks law.

Some common examples.

1700 K: Match flame

1850 K: Candle

2800 K: Tungsten lamp (incandescent lightbulb)

3350 K: Studio CP light

3400 K: Studio lamps, photofloods, etc...

4100 K: Moonlight

5000 K: Daylight

5500 K: Average daylight, electronic flash (can vary between

manufacturers)

5770 K: Effective sun temperature

6420 K: Xenon arc lamp

6500 K: Daylight

9300 K: TV screen (analog)

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2.2 Comparission
Fluorescent vs
Incandescent

Effiiciency

100 %

20 %

Life span

15x1000 h

13

15000 h

2.3 Energy efficency

lumen/watt

2.4 Lumen

The lumen (symbol: lm) is the SI unit of luminous flux, a measure of the
perceived power of light

2.5 Lux

The lux (symbol: lx) is the SI unit of illuminance. It is used in photometry

as a measure of the intensity of light, with wavelengths weighted according
to the luminosity function, a standardized model of human brightness
perception.

Lux versus lumen

The difference between the lux and the lumen is that the lux takes into
account the area over which the luminous flux is spread. 1000 lumens,
concentrated into an area of one square metre, lights up that square metre
with an illuminance of 1000 lux. The same 1000 lumens, spread out over ten
square metres, produces a dimmer illuminance of only 100 lux.
Achieving an illuminance of 500 lux might be possible in a home kitchen with
a single fluorescent light fixture with an output of 12000 lumens. To light
a factory floor with dozens of times the area of the kitchen would require
dozens of such fixtures. Thus, lighting a larger area to the same level of lux
requires a greater number of lumens.

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Illumenance is measured in lux, one lux is one lumen per square meter.
2.6 Illuminance
Light Level or Illuminance, is the amount of light measured in a plane. The work
plane is where the most important tasks in the room or
space are performed.

The outdoor light level is approximately 10,000 lux on a clear day.

In the building, in the area closest to windows, the light level may be reduced
to approximately 1,000 lux. In the middle area its may be as low as 25 - 50 lux.
Additional lighting equipment is often necessary to compensate the low levels.

Earlier it was common with light levels in the range 100 - 300 lux for normal
activities. Today the light level is more common in the range
500 - 1000 lux - depending on activity. For precision and detailed works, the
light level may even approach 1500 - 2000 lux.

The table below is a guidance for recommended light level in

different work spaces:

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3 Lamps and Loads

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3.1 Light sources

Incandescent lamp

The incandescent light bulb or incandescent lamp is a source of

artificial light that works by incandescence. An electrical current passes through a
thin filament, heating it and causing it to become excited,
releasing thermally equilibrated photons in the process. The enclosing
glass bulb prevents the oxygen in air from reaching the hot filament,
which otherwise would be destroyed rapidly by oxidation.
A benefit of the incandescent bulbs is that they can be produced for a
wide range of voltages, from just a few volts up to several hundred
volts. Because of their relatively poor luminous efficacy, incandescent
light bulbs are gradually being replaced in many applications by
(compact) fluorescent lights, high-intensity discharge lamps, LEDs, and
other devices. Compact fluorescent bulbs are particularly easy to use,
because they screw into regular incandescent bulb sockets, consume
far less electricity and produce less heat, produce light spectra that are
at least acceptable for consumer purposes, and produce a many-fold
cost savings over their lifetime.

Halogen lamp

Halogen lamps are high pressure, incandescent lamps that contain halogen
gases such as iodine and bromine that allow filaments to work at higher
temperatures and higher efficiencies. Halogen lamps consist of a tungsten
filament inside a quartz envelope that is filled with halogen gas. In halogen
lamps, the quartz envelope is closer to the filament than the glass used in
conventional light bulbs. Heating the filament to a high temperature causes
the tungsten atoms to evaporate and combine with the halogen gas. These
heavier molecules are then deposited back on the filament surface. This
recycling process increases the life of the tungsten filament and enables the
halogen lamp to produce more light per units of energy.

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Compact
fluorescent lamp

Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) is a type of lamp (light bulb) designed

to fit into roughly the same space as an incandescent lamp, but with the
advantages of a fluorescent lamp. Many CFLs can directly replace an existing
incandescent lamp.
Compared to incandescent lamps of the same luminous flux, CFLs have a
longer rated life and use less energy.
Although CFLs do radiate a different spectrum of light than incandescent
lamps, recent technological advances have reduced that difference
dramatically. The light emitted by the best soft white CFLs available today is
similar in quality to standard bulbs.
Modern CFLs typically have a life span of between 8,000 and 15,000 hours,
whereas incandescent lamps are usually manufactured to have a life span of
750 hours or 1000 hours.For a given light output, CFLs use between one-fifth
and one-quarter of the power of an equivalent incandescent lamp, thereby
saving significant amounts of energy and reducing the need for electrical
generation. For industrialized countries, lighting makes up about one fifth of
electricity consumption, so there are potentially significant benefits.
Incandescent lamps are less efficient than CFLs because incandescent lamps
convert approximately 90% of the energy they consume into heat (compared
to 30% for a CFL).

Fluorescent tube
A fluorescent tube is a gas-discharge lamp that uses electricity to excite
mercury vapor in argon or neon gas, resulting in a plasma that produces
short-wave ultraviolet light. This light then causes a phosphor to fluoresce,
producing visible light.
Unlike incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps always require a ballast to
regulate the flow of power through the lamp. In common tube fixtures
(typically 4 ft (120 cm) or 8 ft (240 cm) in length), the ballast is enclosed in
the fixture. Compact fluorescent light bulbs may have a conventional ballast
located in the fixture or they may have ballasts integrated in the bulbs,
allowing them to be used in lampholders normally used for incandescent
lamps.
Compact fluorescents may fail to operate at low temperatures. Light output
drops at low temperatures, and they may not light at all below zero
degrees C0 They also suffer shortened life when switched on and off
frequently. Incandescent bulbs operate well with no loss of brightness at
extremely low or high temperatures and can better withstand frequent
turning on and off, as in security light applications. Manufacturers of compact
fluorescents warn against using ordinary CFLs to replace incandescent bulbs
in enclosed fixtures or those which are controlled by dimmers. Dimming
fluorescent lamps requires lamp ballasts designed for dimming.

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Metal halide lamp

Metal halide lamps, a member of the high-intensity discharge (HID) family

of lamps, produce high light output for their size, making them a compact,
powerful, and efficient light source. Originally created in the late 1960s for
industrial use, metal halide lamps are now available in numerous sizes and
configurations for commercial and residential applications. Like most HID
lamps, metal halide lamps operate under high pressure and temperature, and
require special fixtures to operate safely. Metal halide lamps require electrical
ballasts to regulate the arc current flow and deliver the proper voltage to the
arc. Probe start metal halide bulbs contain a special starting electrode within
the lamp to initiate the arc when the lamp is first lit (which generates a slight
flicker when the lamp is first turned on). Pulse start metal halide lamps do not
require a starting electrode, and instead use a special starting circuit referred
to as an ignitor to generate a high-voltage pulse to the operating electrodes. A
few electronic ballasts are now available for metal halide lamps..
They are also considered a point light source, so reflective luminaires are
often required to concentrate the light for purposes of the lighting application.
Metal-halide lamps are used both for general industrial purposes, and for
very specific applications which require specific UV or blue-frequency light.
They are used for indoor growing applications, because they can provide the
spectrum and temperature of light which encourage general plant growth.
They are most often used in athletic facilities.

Sodium vapor lamp

A sodium vapor lamp is a gas discharge lamp which uses sodium in an

excited state to produce light. There are two varieties of such lamps: low
pressure and high pressure.
Low pressure / LPS / SOX
LPS Lamps (Low Pressure Sodium), also known as SOX Lamps are the
most efficient electrically powered light source when measured for photopic
lighting conditions. up to 200lm/W As a result they are widely used
for outdoor lighting such as street lights and security lighting where color
rendition is viewed by many to be less important. LPS lamps are available
with power ratings from 10 W up to 180 W, however length increases greatly
with wattage creating problems for designers.
High pressure / HPS / SON
High pressure sodium lamps are quite efficient about 100 lm/W, up to
150 lm/W, when measured for Photopic lighting conditions. They have been
widely used for outdoor lighting such as streetlights and security lighting.
Understanding the change in human color vision sensitivity from photopic
to Mesotopic and Scotopic is essential for proper planning when designing
lighting for roads.

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White SON
A variation of the high pressure sodium, the White SON, introduced in
1986, has a higher pressure than the typical HPS lamp, producing a color
temperature of around 2700K, with a CRI of 85; greatly resembling the color
of incandescent light. These are often indoors in cafes and restuarants to
create a certain atmosphere. However, these lamps come at the cost of higher
purchase cost, shorter life, and lower light efficiency.
All gas discharge lamps, including fluorescent lamps, require a control gear
to operate. The control gear provides a high initial voltage to initiate the
discharge, then rapidly limits the lamp current to safely sustain the discharge.
Necessity for current limiting
Control gears are most commonly needed when an electrical circuit or device
presents a negative resistance to the supply. Examples of such negativeresistance devices are gas discharge tubes and lamps. If such a device
were connected to a constant-voltage power supply, it would draw an everincreasing amount of current until it was destroyed or caused the power
supply to fail. To prevent this, a ballast provides a positive resistance or
reactance that limits the ultimate flow of current to an appropriate level.

3.2 Control gear

The main types of control gears are:

Magnetic ballast using a inductor to provide the proper starting and
operating electrical condition to power a flourescent lamp, neon lamp, or high
intensity discharge (HID) lamp.
The inductor has two benefits its reactance limits the power available to the
lamp with only minimal power losses in the inductor and the voltage spike
produced when current through the inductor is rapidly interrupted is used in
some circuits to first strike the arc in the lamp.
The disadvantages are that it does not provide dimming possibilties for the
26 mm tubes and needs a separate starter, which when the tube fails to start
tries to restart the tube and causes an annoying blinking
Electronic ballast uses solid state electronic circuity to provide the proper
starting and operating electrical condition to power one or more fluorescent
lamps and HID lamps. Electronic ballasts usually change the frequency
of the power from the standard mains frequency to 20,000 Hz or higher,
substantially eliminating the stroboscopic effect of flicker (100 or 120 Hz,
twice the line frequency) associated with fluorescent lighting. Because of the
high frequency of operation, electronic ballasts are generally smaller, lighter,
and more efficient (and thus run cooler) than magnetic ballasts.
Electronic ballasts are often based on inverter/converter style switchedmode power supplies, first rectifying the input power and then chopping it at
a high frequency. Advanced electronic ballasts may allow dimming via pulsewith modulation and remote control and monitoring via networks such as
LonWorks, Dali, DMX, DMX-512, DSI or simple analog control using a 0-10V
DC brightness control signal.

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Transformers

Magnetic transformers are made with an iron or ferrite core and multiwound coil system; commonly called a coil-core transformer. These devices
transform the voltage in a predictable way using magnetic coupling.
Electronic transformers are generally made of an inverter and a smaller
transformer. Due to the design and manufacturing of electronic transformers,
the characteristics and performance can not always be predicted

3.3 Dimming
Principles

A light dimmer works by essentially chopping parts out of the AC voltage.

This allows only parts of the waveform to pass to the lamp. The brightness
of the lamp is determined by the power transferred to it, so the more the
waveform is chopped, the more it dims.

Shaded area
lights OFF

Triac and Thyristor Dimmers (leading edge)Triac or thyristor dimmer

devices operate in a very similar fashion.
The triac or thyristor is switched on at a certain phase angle and will
beautomatically switched off at the zero crossing point in each halfwave.These dimmers are used for resistive, and inductive loads, such as
incandescent, cold cathode and low voltage (inductive) lamp sources. Note
that not all electronic transformers used for low voltagelamps are suitable for
dimming by triac or thyristor dimmers.

Shaded area
lights OFF

Transistor Dimmer (trailing edge)

A transistor based dimmer switches the supply off at a certain phase angle
and on at the next zero crossing and is commonly known as a trailing
edge dimmer. By switching the current off the possibility for voltage peaks
is eliminated.These dimmers should be used when dimming electronic
transformers (capacitive) and mains voltage (resistive) lamps.

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Universal dimmers
Adaptive Dimmers solves all the load compatibility problems inherent in loads
controlled by both triac and transistor dimmers.In universal dimmer, both
the voltage and the current are monitored, and this is linked into the CPU
which controls the dimmers operating parameters. When the adaptive source
controller sees an inductive load, it adopts a leading edge dimmingmode. In
case of overload the device is automatically switched off.

3.4 Special
requirement at
switching and
dimming
Fluorescent lights
switching

Fluorescent lights
dimming

A switch or relay will turn lights on or off by supplying or removing voltageto

the ballast. When controlling electronic ballasts it is standard practice to
derate the switch or relay to 75% or less. If the switch is rated at 16A, then
the connected fluorescent load should be 12A or less. Magnetic ballast loads
may need to be derated up to 50% due to the high inductance caused by
the ballast. When fluorescent ballast are first turned on there is a large
surge of energy usage called current inrush. This current inrush can be
10 to 100 times the steady state value of a system, but only lasts for a
fraction of a second. If the total amperage of a system is 10 amps, then the
current inrush could be up to 1000 Amps. This large surge of energy can be
damaging to the relay contacts. Current inrush is only present at turn on and
can be responsible for opening fuses and tripping circuit breakers.

Fluorescent lamps can also be dimmed when used with a dimming ballast.
Not all ballasts are dimmable, but all can be switched. Digital controlled
ballast are becoming more available on the market. There are a few
different protocols from several different manufacturers. DALI or Digitally
Addressable Lighting Interface, DSI, LON, DMX512, and KNX are a few of
the digital control methods. Some devices can only be dimmed to a certain
level and also require a minimum turn on level. The minimum turn on level
is determined by the ballast. Turning it on or dimming below this level can
cause flickering and premature lamp failure. Consult the manufacturer
to determine the dimming performance of any ballast used in a dimming
system.
It is not recommended to mix different loads on a dimmer like incandescent
with magnetic or electronic ballasts. There is an increased possibility of bad
performance, along with more complicated trouble shooting. There should
be a positive disconnection from power when the dimmer is off to prevent
a voltage leaking to the ballast. Ballast manufacturers recommend this
practice for maximum safety. It is recommended that a circuit with ballasts
not exceed 80% capacity. It is standard practice to derate the dimmer to
80% or less. If the dimmer is rated at 500W, then the connected fluorescent
load should be 400W or less.

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Transformers
switching on/off

It is better to switch a transformer with a mechanical relay than a solid

state one. The solid-state relay has a bias current that leaks to the
transformer even during the off state that can cause premature failure
of the transformer or misleading voltage measurements. . Switching
transformer loads on and off using a relay is not problematic. When
controlling electronic transformers it is standard practice to derate the
switch or relay to 75% or less. If the switch is rated at 16A, then the
connected fluorescent load should be 12A or less.
Magnetic ballast loads may need to be derated up to 50% due to the high
inductance caused by the transformer. When electronic transformers are
first turned on there is a large surge of energy usage called current inrush.
This current inrush can be 10 to 100 times the steady state value of a
system, but only lasts for a fraction of a second. If the total amperage of
a system is 10 amps, then the current inrush could be up to 1000 Amps.
This large surge of energy can be damaging to the relay contacts. Current
inrush is only present at turn on and can be responsible for opening fuses
and tripping circuit breakers.

Transformers
Dimming

There are two types of transformers used in lighting; magnetic and

electronic. Transformers are rated using Volts times Amps (VA) or in
total Watts, and should specify input voltage and corresponding output
voltage. A transformer rating could be 230V primary, 12V secondary,
50W capacity. The 50W refers to the load on the secondary wires. There
are three types of dimmers for transformers; standard incandescent or
phase forward, reverse phase, and universal . Standard dimmers work
well with magnetic transformers and some electronic ones. Reverse phase
or electronic low voltage dimmers work well with electronic transformers.
A universal dimmer works well with either type. The standard dimmer
is least expensive and most reliable, while the univerasal dimmer is the
most expensive and more complicated. Dimmers are de-rated when
connected to a transformer load. The dimmer must operate the lamp,
and also compensate for the current loss in the magnetic operation of
the transformer itself. Therefore, a percentage of the dimmers load will
be used up in the transformer process. The standard calculation adds the
Wattage of the lamp, along with 20% of the load (in Watts) to the dimmer.
Thus, a 100W lamp, connected to a transformer, will be rated at 120W to
the dimmer. That allows cooler operation of the transformer and prevents
overloading.

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4 Applications

Occupancy Control
Scheduling
Constant Light Control
Dali Dimming Control
Shutter Control

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4.1 Introduction

Reducing the connected load (wattage) of the lighting system represents only
half of the potential for maximizing energy savings. The other half is minimizing
the use of that load through automatic controls. Automatic controls switch or dim
lighting based on time, occupancy, lighting-level strategies, or a combination of
all three. In situations where lighting may be on longer than needed, left on in
unoccupied areas, or used when sufficient daylight exists, you should consider
installing automatic controls as a supplement or replacement for manual controls.

Automatic controls for lighting, in commercial buildings, are available in a

variety of options. Controls can switch lights on and off, or dim lights based on
input from sensors which include timers, occupancy sensors to detect motion or
infrared radiation from a person, or photosensors which operate lights or adjust
light levels based on the amount of available daylight. There are also sensors,
suitable for accessibility, that operate lighting by voice or sound. Many systems
include the option of remote control via phone, computer, or a standard remote
control.

Controls can be hard-wired or wireless. Most hard-wired controls rely on lowvoltage bus wiring for signal transmission. However, there are a few products
on the market that transmit signals over standard wiring (and therefore require
no additional wiring). Some systems are plug and play while other systems typically ones that provide the most flexibility - require design and programming
by the installer. Central lighting control systems can be zoned to provide
pre-programmed lighting levels (often called scenes) for different situations.
Examples of modes that may be preprogrammed are use of video-beamer in
conference rooms.

A manual-on occupancy sensor is a wall switch that will allow regular on and
off switching of lights and can be used as an electronic occupancy sensor, as
well. The occupancy sensor operates on low frequency sound waves or infrared
signals that can sense movement in an area. After a prescribed time delay of six
to fifteen minutes, dependent upon manufacturer or local preset, the sensor will
turn off the light if movement has not been detected.

25

Dimmer switches can allow one fixture to serve several lighting functions, such
as task lighting at full ballast and decorative or safety lighting on a lower setting.
Dimming increases lamp life and saves energy - a light that is dimmed by 25%
uses about 20% less energy while lamp life is increased fourfold.

Lighting in a commercial office building often accounts for at least 40% of the
total electricity used. Simply switching off lighting when it is not required results
in substantial energy savings. Regardless of the amount of automation used for
lighting control in a given application, the ability to manually override lighting is
often an important element in the overall design. =S= controls offer a variety of
choices for manual override of lighting in systems including simple low voltage
wall switches and networked button stations

Dimming is an effective tool used in lighting-system designs to reduce energy

consumption, provide appropriate light levels for tasks, increase visual comfort,
and provide aesthetic appeal. The =S= lighting control system provides dimming
functions to meet these requirements through a variety of user interfaces and
programmed functions such as simple manual control, user-saved preset lighting
scenes, automatic daylight harvesting, and load shedding. Today it is possible to
dim most popular fluorescent lamp types and =S= controls are compatible with
virtually all available solid-state dimming ballast choices

26

4.2 Occupancy
Control

Occupancy sensors provide effective lighting control for smaller areas within the
building that are occasionally utilized. They can also be used to provide automatic
override of schedules for after-hours usage by occupants or cleaning crews.
Using occupancy sensors as part of a system allows independent sensing zones
to be functionally linked or separated as appropriate based on the time of day.
The occupancy sensors may also simply be deactivated during normal business
hours and reserved for after-hours override operation. Further, when sensors are
used as part of the LON system, occupancy status can be easily shared with the
Building Automation System to direct HVAC and other non-lighting functions.
Open Office Area
Scheduled Zone Control
General illumination for open office areas is controlled by the system on a
zone basis. Lighting automatically comes on in the morning to greet arriving
employees, in areas where light level is sufficient and no occupancy registered
the lights will turn off after a delay until occupancy is registered . At the end of
the workday, if no occupancy registered, lighting is automatically switched off.
The potentially harmful effects of inrush generated by switching large fluorescent
loads is nullified by the =S= control systems zero-cross switching technology.
Manual Zone Control
Manually switching on lighting in the morning, and when no occupancy
registered, the light is switcht off maximizes energy savings and eliminates the
need to program holidays into the schedule. To prevent tampering, the switch is
disabled during normal work hours. Later in the evening, the cleaning crew uses
the same switch to turn on lighting for a programmed period of time.
Occupancy-Based Override
Occupancy sensors provide automatic override of lighting during after-hours
periods, eliminating the need for manual override by employees or the cleaning
crew. Sensor operation is automatically limited to after-hours operation by =S=
controls. Adjacent sensor zones are logically linked for simultaneous operation to
eliminate the discomfort of a lone employee working in a small pool of light.
Private Office
Distributed Personal Control
Desk lamps are used and controlled by the occupant as task lighting. The general
lighting is controlled by a sensitive presence detector which covers the whole
office area and will automatically shut off, or in case of dimming, dim the lighting
to a un-occupancy level. All stations for an entire floor share a single network
wire. Since the signals for the dimming ballasts and the local relay packs are
provided directly by the station, no additional home run wiring is required.

27

Occupancy Reporting
Energy savings in small areas like offices is maximized through the use of
occupancy sensors. Lighting is automatically turned off when the occupant leaves
the office for an extended length of time. Since the =S= control system has
visibility of the occupancy status, it can be passed on to the HVAC controls via
the LonTalk protocol.
Infrequently used spaces
Occupancy sensors are ideal in infrequently used spaces like bins, toilets, and
corridors. Lighting is automatically turned on when the occupant enters the
space. Adjacent sensor zones are logically linked for simultaneous operation to
eliminate dark spots in wider areas.
About Occupancy Sensing
Occupancy-based strategies are best suited to spaces that have highly variable
and unpredictable occupancy patterns. Occupancy or motion sensors are used
to detect occupant motion, lighting the space only when it is occupied. For both
initial and sustained success in using occupancy sensors, the sensor must be able
to see the range of motion in the entire space while avoiding either on or off false
triggering. This requires proper product selection, positioning, and testing.
Occupancy sensors should first be selected based on the range of body motion
expected to occur throughout the entire lighted space.
Controls for hallways, for example, need only be sensitive to a person walking
down a narrow area, while sensors for offices need to detect smaller upper body
motion, such as typing or reaching for a telephone. Once sensitivity and coverage
area is established, sensors are selected from two predominant technology types.

Passive infrared sensors detect the motion of heat between vertical and
horizontal fan pattern detection zones. This technology requires a direct line of
sight and is more sensitive to lateral motion, but it requires larger motion as
distance from the sensor increases. The coverage pattern and field of view can
also be precisely controlled. It typically finds its best application in smaller spaces
with a direct line of sight, warehouses, and aisles.

28

Application description
Occupancy controlled general lighting with time based override possibilities.
Single-occupant office. Primary activities are computer work, reading and
meetings.
Control needs
ON/OFF control with light level sensing. The sensor should be able to detect small
movements such as typing.

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4.3 Scheduling

Time-based lighting control provides substantial energy savings by automatically

turning off lighting after normal working hours. =S= lighting controls meet the
requirements of modern energy codes and standards, distributed systems like
=S= are ideal for meeting these requirements for larger public areas in buildings,
industrial applications, exteriors, or anywhere occupancy sensors are not
appropriate.

Open Office Area

Manual Zone Control
Manually switching on lighting in the morning maximizes energy savings and
eliminates the need to program holidays into the schedule. At the end of the
workday, lighting is automatically switched off. To prevent tampering, the switch
is disabled during normal work hours. Later in the evening, the cleaning crew
uses the same switch to turn on lighting for a programmed period of time.

Scheduled Zone Control

General illumination for open office areas is controlled by the =S= system on
a zone basis. Lighting automatically comes on in the morning to greet arriving
employees. At the end of the workday, lighting is automatically switched off. To
prevent tampering, the switch is disabled during normal work hours. Later in the
evening, the cleaning crew and late working persons uses the same switch to
turn on lighting for a programmed period of time. The potentially harmful effects
of inrush generated by switching large fluorescent loads is nullified by the =S=
control systems zero-cross switching technology.

Scheduled Zone Control with light level sensing

General illumination for open office areas is controlled by the =S= system on
a zone basis. In the morning light switches are automatically enabled to allow
manual switching. At the end of the workday, lighting is automatically switched
off. Under day time a light-level sensor dims or turns out the lights if incoming
daylight is on a sufficient level. Later in the evening, the cleaning crew and late
working persons uses the same switch to turn on lighting for a programmed
period of time. The potentially harmful effects of inrush generated by switching
large fluorescent loads is nullified by the =S= control systems zero-cross
switching technology.

Automatic Contrast Control

Lobby lighting is often a compromise between aesthetics and saving energy. In
this case, the light-level sensor is set to increase the level of feature lighting in
the lobby during the day to maintain a pleasant balance with the level of sunlight.
This photocell operation is automatically disabled during weekends.

30

Programmed Visual Interest

A time schedule automatically sets the lobby lighting to appropriate levels to
enhance the exterior visual appeal of the building during early evening hours.
Later in the evening, the schedule turns off all lighting in the lobby except for
security lighting.

Exterior and Site

Dusk to Time Operation
The exterior and site lighting is automatically turned on in the evening by the
schedule. Light level sensors controls the logic and allows the system to react
on the actual outdoor light level for the local area. All exterior lighting is utilized
during early evening hours. Later, most of the exterior lighting is turned off by
the schedule to conserve energy and reduce sky glow.

Adjusts to Environmental Conditions

Stormy or overcast conditions may call for exterior lighting and signage to
turn on earlier than scheduled. A building-mounted weather station monitors
these conditions and passes light-level, temperature, windspeed and humidity
information to the =S= control system. This information is used to control and
override weather dependent functions like sunshades and external pavement
heating systems. Because the site lighting is spread out over a large area, multipole lighting circuits are required to efficiently distribute power to the lighting
poles. The =S= relay panel provides integral control of multi-pole circuits without
external contactors.

About Scheduling
The most basic controlling strategies involve time-based controls, best suited
for spaces where lighting needs are predictable and predetermined. Time-based
controls can be used in both indoor and outdoor situations. Common outdoor
applications include automatically switching parking lot or security lighting based
on the sunset and sunrise times. Typical indoor situations include switching
lighting in production, manufacturing, and retail facilities that operate on fixed,
predefined operating schedules. Time-based control systems for indoor lighting
typically include a manual override option for situations when lighting is needed
beyond the scheduled period.

31

Application description
Control of general lighting in spaces which has a predetermined usage.
For security reasons some areas may need to have a decreased light
level. Time-based control can be used both inside and outside.
Control needs
ON/OFF and/or dimming control with manual or automatic override
possibilities

32

The TAC Xenta 511 is a web based presentation system for LONWORKS networks.
Using a standard web browser, the operator can easily view and control the
devices in the LON network via Internet or a local intranet. One TAC Xenta 511
can present a small LON network or be one of several local presentation devices
in a larger network. Time schedules and trend logs are easily accessed. For
setting see data sheet

4.4 Constant Light

Control

Adjusting artificial light levels in response to changing levels of natural light is

an important strategy used in modern lighting control systems. The =S= system
supports both exterior and interior photocell inputs for implementation of both
open- and closed-loop lighting control strategies. Monitoring of exterior ambient
light levels provides appropriate input for effective dusk-to-dawn or dusk-to-time
control. =S= controls also incorporate the sophisticated logic required for interior
daylight harvesting control using fluorescent fixtures equipped with electronic
dimming ballasts.
Open Office Area
Manual Zone Control with daylight harvesting
Manually switching on lighting in the morning maximizes energy savings. The
natural light made available through glazing can be harvested by a local photocell
that dims the fluorescent lights in proportion to the ambient light present.
The day lighting logistics are handled automatically by logic built into the =S=
combined light-level and occupancy sensor.
The system automatically maintains the light level by varying the control signal to
the light fixtures in response to signals from the photocell. To prevent tampering,
the switch is disabled during normal work hours. Later in the evening, the
cleaning crew uses the same switch to turn on lighting for a programmed period
of time.
Scheduled Zone Control
General illumination for open office areas is controlled by the =S= system on a
zone basis. Lighting automatically comes on in the morning to greet arriving
employees. The natural light made available through glazing can be harvested by
a local photocell that dims the fluorescent lights in proportion to the ambient light
present. The daylighting logistics are handled automatically by logic built into the
=S= combined light-level and occupancy sensor.

33

About Constant Light Control

Lighting level-based strategies take advantage of any available daylight and
supply only the necessary amount of electric light to provide target lighting
levels. In addition to saving energy, lighting level controls can minimize over
lighting and glare and help reduce electricity demand charges. The two main
strategies for controlling perimeter fixtures in day lighted areas are daylight
switching or daylight dimming.
Daylight switching involves switching fixtures off when the target lighting levels
can be achieved by utilizing daylight. To avoid frequent cycling of the lamps and
to minimize distraction to occupants, a time delay, provided by a deadband, is
necessary.
Several levels of switching are commonly used to provide for flexibility and a
smooth transition between natural and electric lighting.
Daylight dimming involves continuously varying the electric lighting level to
maintain a constant target level of illumination. Dimming systems save energy by
dimming fluorescent lights down to as low as 10 to 20 percent of full output, with
the added benefit of maintaining consistent lighting levels. Because HID sources
cannot be frequently switched on and off, they are instead dimmed for time,
occupancy, and lighting level-based control strategies.

34

Application description
Control of general lighting with an automatic control that replaces or
accompanies occupant control, in order to conserve energy, by switching off
or dimming the electric lights when full output is not needed.
Control needs
ON/OFF and/or dimming control with manual override possibilities

35

Introduction
4.5 Dimming
Control

Dimming controls make high performance fluorescent dimming practical.

Many commercial and institutional spaces have different activities that would
benefit from dimming control, particularly the ability to create scenes or presets
with dimming of individual groups of lamps.
Dimming controls are available for most types of lighting. They ca be integrated
into automatic liqhting control systerns and can be used manually as well. Some
dimming controls require use of magnetic or electronic dimming ballast, while
others employ an electronics dimmer package installed in the panelboard or
elswhere within tbe system.
Depending on the type of load it can be controlled either directly by a dimmer
using phase cutting (incandescent, halogen and low voltage halogen lamps) or
with a 1-10V or DALI control signal, controlling the ballast (flourescent tubes).
The 1-10V signal has to be wired separetly for each group it controls, while DALI,
beeing a bus structure, allows individual control of up to 64 lamps.

Benefits of DALI control are :

increased flexibility in building operations
reduced installation costs
reduced initial costs compared to conventional 1-10v dimming control systems
lower energy costs than with non-dimming lighting control
easily adaptable to changing needs
scalable for future expansion
An DALI system consists of a power supply, a controller, DALI ballasts, and a
DALI bus.
Furthermore, a practical system will also include sensing devices such as push
buttons for choosing dimming, scene settings, daylight sensors that provide local
data to the controller, which will, in turn process the inputs and send appropriate
DALI commands over the DALI bus. Programming typically resides in the
controller. The primary application is single room, stand-alone control dimmer
and scene control.
With the DALI Controller, users can access up to sixteen scenes for a room. These
scenes are stored in the DALI ballasts for immediate recall, and users simply
refer to a scene by its functional name (i.e., presentation).

36

About DALI light control

Integration of DALI with a building management system is both simple and
flexible. DALI can be deployed as a subsystem to a BMS. While the DALI control
unit or gateway responds to commands from the BMS control, such as central
overrides for timed on/off switching or dimming, DALI ballasts feed lighting
system information back to the BMS, allowing automatic identification of failed
lamps and ballasts as well as central monitoring of ballast power and dimming
levels.
Application description
A meeting room is equipped with partition walls to allow flexible use of the
space. When partition walls are open the space is used for larger meeting
or as presentation room with a stage in one end. One side of the space has
large windows. Constant light levels are desired during for maximum energy
conservation. For cleaning, sufficient light levels and energy conservation are the
goals.
Control needs
ON/OFF and/or dimming control with scene setting and daylight harvesting.

37

The versatile meeting room can be divided into three spaces with movable walls,
each space having its own set of pushbuttons to allow individual control. When
partition walls are open and the space is used for larger meetings all pushbuttons
work in parallel. One side of the space has large windows allowing daylight
harvesting.
In this simple scenario, five (5) lighting schemes were defined and programmed
at installation (although sixteen schemes are possible):

38

Scheme 1: Constant light control (use of daylight) for meetings. Groups 1-9 are
programmed for varying light levels.
Scheme 2: Evening activities. Groups 1-9 are programmed at 100% light levels.
Scheme 3: Stage lighting for presentations Group 10 only is programmed.
Scheme 4: Lighting for cleaning Groups 1-9 are programmed at 50% light levels.
Scheme 5: Security lighting. One light from each Group 1-9 is programmed at
10%.
To achieve this, four groups were defined and programmed as follows:
- Groups 1-3, groups 4-6 and groups 7-9 are arranged in parallel to the windows
in order to create ideal conditions for daylight control. - Group 10 is wired
separately to highlight the stage on special occasions.
If these groupings needed to be changed, the fixtures would simple be
reassigned to new groups via remote control or PC - no ladders, no pulling wires,
complete flexibility!

4.6 Shutter Control

Shutters and blinds not only protect us from the sun, creating pleasant lighting
conditions, they can also help make a significant contribution to saving energy
costs for heating, cooling and artificial lighting.
=S= control systems includes shutter actuators in different functional versions
for the control of shutters, interior blinds, awnings or motorized curtains
Types and operation
Wind Control - Retracts external blinds if the wind speed exceeds a pre-set level.
Timer Control - a daily or weekly timer to operate the blinds at preset times. It
is usually used to extend the blinds in the morning and retract them at night.
Where blinds or shutters are used for insulation it can be used to lower them at
night for heat retention.
Light level control - for non-retractable blinds has three lux level control and
allows the slats to adjust to maintain light levels within a selected band width.
Master or Building Control - allows override of the system from one central point
with the option of an interface with the fire alarm system to retract the blinds.
Individual control - allows override of the automatic system by a switch local to
each blind.
Infra-red control - operation by means of an infra-red transmitter that activates
the sensor that is normally mounted on the wall beside the blind.
Radio remote control - control by a hand held transmitter is usually used for
shutters or garage doors. It is suited when direct line of sight to the sensor is not
possible.

39

Application description
Control of shutters and blinds with an automatic control that replaces or
accompanies occupant control, in order to ensure that external blinds are
retracted in windy conditions or extended at sunny conditions following the data
from the BA system.
Control needs
Automatic UP / Down and slats control with manual override possibilities

40

5 Application practice

Light Control with LON

41

In a room the following SVEA LONWORKS modules were implemented for

lighting control:
LON I/O-Module REG-M DIM as Control Output 1 V...10 V
The lighting in this room is in the form of fluorescent lamps with dimmable
electronic ballasts. The electronic ballasts are equipped with an interface
1 V...10 V. They are controlled by a LON I/O module from the company
SVEA. This LON I/O module possesses an analog output (1 V...10 V) for the
dimming function and a relay output (NO-contact, 10 A) for switching the
supply voltage for the electronic ballasts.

LON Multisensor ILA-22

A SVEA LON multi-sensor, ILA-22, is a combination of presence detector,
brightness sensor and infrared receiver, mounted on the ceiling. It recognizes
whether people are in the room using a presence detector and sends this
information to the LON network. The brightness sensor supplies the actual
value of the brightness in the room, e.g. for constant light control. The
infrared receiver processes the signals from an infrared remote control and
sends information to dim the lights and for other lighting scene settings to
the LON network.
LON Bus Coupling Unit UP with Switch Application Module
The information sent by the infrared remote control for the multi-sensor can
also be sent by one or more fixed wall switches.

42

Software Description

SVEA LON I/O Module REG-M DIM as Control Output 1 V 10 V

The application serves the dimming and switching of fluorescent lamps via
electronic ballasts with an interface 1 V...10 V, or of NV halogen lamps via
transformers with an interface 1 V...10 V.
With the aid of a brightness sensor, constant light control can be achieved.
Furthermore, it is possible to save lighting scene settings and to retrieve
them when required. Certain lighting moods can hereby be quickly reestablished through one click on a button. The information from the
presence detector can be used to switch off the light completely or to dim it
to a particular level.
In the LON I/O module, the following LONMARK objects are available: Lamp
Actuator (3040), Constant Light Controller (3050), Scene Controller (3251)
and Occupancy Controller (3071).

SVEA LON Multisensor ILA-22

The application enables movement and brightness-dependent control via

the LONWORKS network. By means of an infrared remote control, lighting
scenes can be activated and switching or dimming orders for blinds and
luminaires can be sent. The following LONMARK profiles are implemented in
the application: Occupancy Sensor (1060), Occupancy Controller (3071),
Light Sensor (1010), Scene Panel (3250) for the remote control, and
Switch (3200) for the switching, dimming and blind sensor.

The presence detector, with an integrated brightness sensor, registers

movement in its surveillance area and, upon any changes, sends the
corresponding status (OCCUPIED or NOT OCCUPIED) to the bus. The
current status can also be cyclically sent at adjustable time intervals. At the
same time, the brightness value received via the integrated light sensor is
made available.
An infrared remote control enables the retrieval of five different lighting
scenes, as well as the switching and dimming of luminaires.

43

LON Bus Coupling Unit with Switch Application Module

For the SVEA LON Bus Coupling Unit UP there is a very flexible software
application that can be configured for almost every planned application. It
is based on the LonMark profiles Switch (3200), Scene Panel (3250) and
Occupancy Sensor (1600).
The applications for the switching or dimming of luminaires and for the
sending of scene setting values are described in the following examples.
Application Manually Dimming Lights

1. The movement sensor in the LONWORKS multisensor sends the current

occupied status to the movement controller via the output variable,
nvoOSOccupancy.
2. If the status changes to OCCUPIED mode, a switch-on order is sent
via the output variable, nvoOCLampValue. The type of this variable is
SNVT_switch. The value for the switch-on order can be set in a configuration
variable. The lamp switches on and is dimmed to this set value. If movement
is no longer reported, an adjustable time delay starts. If no movement is
detected after this time delay, nvoOCLampValue sends an OFF order (state
= 0, value = 0).

44

3. Through operating a switch on the bus connector, the dimming value, and
thus the brightness of the lamps, can be altered. As long as the switch is
pressed, messages are distributed via nvoSWswitch in which the value-part is
gradually enlarged or reduced, according to the dimming direction. The size
of the dimming stages can be set in a configuration variable.
4. The dimming actuator reports its current status to the LON network via
the feedback variable, nvoLAlampValueFb. This value must be bound to the
input variable nviSWswitchFb of the bus connection because it is only from
the current dimming value that brightening or dimming occurs.

Application Daylight Dependent Control with Manual Dimming

45

1. The movement sensor in the LONWORKS multisensor transmits the

current occupied status to the movement controller via the output variable,
nvoOSoccupancy.
2. If the status changes into the OCCUPIED mode, a switch-on order,
SET_ON, for the constant lighting control is sent via the output variable,
nvoOCsetting. The control is now activated. If movement is no longer
reported, an adjustable time delay starts.If no movement is detected
after this time delay, nvoOCsetting sends an OFF order, SET_OFF, to the
controller.

3. During active control, the actual value of the brightness, which should be
present at nviCLluxLevel, is compared with the programmed setpoint value
(nviCLLuxSetpoint or SCPTluxSetpoint). If the two values differ from each
other, an output value (value-part of the SNVT_switch-Variable) is calculated
in order to dim the connected luminaire. Via a configuration variable, the
value to be sent first can be defined after switching on the control. If the
control is switched off, a switch-off message is also sent to the dimmer
actuator. It is possible to switch off the light automatically to save energy
as long as the actual value lies above a definable value due to outside light.

4. The output value calculated by the control is sent via nvoCLlampValue

to the dimming actuator which, in turn, correspondingly sets the interface
1 V...10 V, whereby the new value can be gradually dimmed in adjustable
steps.

46

5. If the brightness is to be altered manually, this can either be achieved via

an infrared remote control in connection with the LON multisensor or via a
button on the LON bus connection. Through operating the buttons, SET_UP
or SET_DOWN commands are sent to the input variable, nviCLsetting. This
leads internally to a change in the brightness setpoint, so that the connected
lamp is dimmed accordingly until the actual value is again in harmony with
the setpoint. The temporary setpoint programmed in this way is valid until
the control is switched off.
Application Scene Control with Manual Dimming

47

1. The movement sensor in the LON multisensor transmits the current

occupied status to the movement controller via nvoOSoccupancy.

2. If the status changes into the OCCUPIED mode, a switch-on

command, SET_ON, for the scene controller is sent via the output variable,
nvoOCsetting. If movement is no longer reported, an adjustable time delay
starts. If no movement is detected after this time delay, nvoOCsetting sends
an OFF command, SET_OFF, for the scene controller.

3. If a scene value (SC_RECALL) is received at nviSCscene when the scene

controller is active, the corresonding saved output value is sent to the
dimming actuator. After switching on, the last set scene value will be sent.
If the controller is switched off, a switch-off message will also be sent to the
dimming actuator. If a SC_LEARN command is received at nviSCscene, which

48

can be evoked through lengthened operation of the desired button on the

infrared remote control or on the bus connection, the status received at that
time at nviSCswitch will be saved as a scene under the sent scene number
(see also point 6).
4. The scene-dependent, saved output value is sent via nvoSCswitch to the
dimming actuator which then correspondingly sets the interface 1 V...10 V,
whereby the new value can be gradually dimmed in adjustable stages.
5.
If the set scene value is to be altered manually, this can either be
carried out via the infrared remote control in connection with the LON multisensor or via a button on the LON bus connection. Through operation of the
buttons, SET_UP or SET_DOWN, commands are sent to the input variable,
nviSCsetting. This leads internally to an alteration in the saved scene value
so that the connected lamp is correspondingly dimmed.
6.
If messages are received at nviSCswitch, these are passed on directly
via nvoSCswitch to the dimming actuator. Adjacent values can be saved as
new scene values by means of a LEARN command to nviSCscene.
7.
The dimming actuator sends its set value at that time to the LON
network via the feedback variable, nvoLAlampValueFb, for the purpose of
synchronising the buttons.
Dimming via point 3 or point 6 can be used alternatively, whereby new scene
values can only be saved with the procedure described in point 6.
Note: the applications described are carried out using software applications
from Schneider. Software applications from other manufacturers can deviate
from these in their functionality.

49