Lighting Control

Introduction
Lighting controls have traditionally been used to create moods. Today, they are also used as part
of a high-quality energy efficient lighting system that integrates daylight and electric light sources
to provide a comfortable and visually interesting environment for the occupants of a space. Electric
lighting controls are appropriate for a wide variety of spaces, from restrooms to large open offices,
from conference rooms to classrooms. They can be incorporated with daylighting to provide
flexibility, energy savings, and ecological benefits. Although lighting controls are still most
commonly used in commercial buildings, they are also increasingly being used in residential
applications.
A building can be compared to a system with a variety of physical processes interacting with each
other and with the environment. From the control point of view, it is considered as having
multivariant dynamic subsystems showing linear or non-linear behaviors. Environmental and
occupancy changes in a building increase the complexity of control operations. Occupants not
only impose control goals related to thermal comfort, visual comfort or indoor air quality but also
influence the building processes impacting indirectly on the control functions of the different
processes (HVAC, lighting, etc.).

Description
Electric lighting controls are used in lighting design projects to achieve a high-quality energy
efficient lighting system. Specifying a layered, daylight-integrated lighting and control system
gives the occupants control of the lighting while providing appropriate lighting levels, minimizing
glare, balancing surface brightness, and enhancing the surrounding architecture.

Various types of occupancy sensors and photo sensors.

 Passive Infrared Occupancy Sensor
When electric lighting controls are used properly, energy will be saved and the life of lamps and
ballasts can be extended. Lighting controls will help reduce energy by:
Reducing the amount of power used during the peak demand period by automatically
dimming lights or turning them off when they are not needed.
Reducing the number of hours per year that the lights are on.
Reducing internal heat gains by cutting down lighting use, which allows for reduced
HVAC system size and a reduction in the building's cooling needs.
Allowing occupants to use controls to lower light levels and save energy.
A good lighting design includes a good controls design. Lighting controls play a critical role in
lighting systems, enabling the user to manually or automatically:
Turn the lights ON and OFF using a switch; and/or.
Adjust light output up and down using a dimmer.
This basic functionality can be used to generate these benefits for the lighting owner:
Flexibility to satisfy user visual needs; and
Automation to reduce energy costs and improve sustainability.
Dimming controls can provide the lighting flexibility which is often required in multi-use rooms
or rooms in which projectors are used. Exterior motion detectors and interior occupancy sensors
can be used to turn lights on when people (including intruders) are present. Moreover, by tuning
an environment for the individual occupants or groups visibility, comfort and productivity can
be improved.
Energy Codes
Most commercial building energy codes are based on the ASHRAE 90.1 energy standard or the
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), with the 2004 version of ASHRAE 90.1 being
the current national energy standard. Both have mandatory requirements regarding energy codes,
notably that indoor and outdoor lighting must be turned OFF automatically when it is not being
used, and controls in enclosed spaces. IECC also requires light reduction control, ASHRAE 90.1
requires separate control of display lighting, and the latest generation of both requires separate
control of daylight zones.

Control Zones
Power controllers allow control of connected lighting loads typically comprised of light fixtures.
A group of light sources controlled simultaneously by a single controller is called a control zone.
Control zones are a very important tool and decision point in control system design.

Control zones diagram.

Control Strategies
Combining various inputs and outputs results in several unique control strategies available that can
address visual needs, energy management and sustainability needs, or both. Manual control,
occupancy sensing and time scheduling are the most common strategies, with daylight harvesting
becoming important and demand response and task tuning still emerging. By networking
controllers with multiple input devices, designers can build lighting control systems that can
economically enact multiple strategies for maximum benefit.
 Manual control.
Occupancy sensing
Time scheduling
Daylight harvesting
Dimming
Demand response

Types of Lighting Controls

Manual control
The most common form of electric lighting control is the on/off toggle switch. Standard on/off
switches and relays can be used to turn groups of lights on and off together. Creative design options
can be developed with this simple tool, if the circuiting is properly designed. For example, some
of the lamps in each fixture can be switched together, every other fixture can be switched as a
group, or lighting near the windows can be turned off when daylight is plentiful.
How it works
Manual control is a simple strategy providing users the capability of choosing light levels
in steps (switching) or over a wider range, with smooth transitions between levels
(dimming). Manual control is driven by visual needs, although some energy is saved.
Manual switching could be as simple as an ON/OFF switch up to bi-level switching
schemes enabling users typically to choose full/50%/OFF and full/66%/33%/OFF using
alternate ballasts, fixtures, rows or output levels offered by a light level switching (step
dimming) ballast.
Manual controls are highly suited to spaces requiring flexibility from the lighting system,
such as private and open offices, meeting and education spaces, houses of worship,
entertainment venues and other spaces.
Energy savings
Private office: 22% energy savings
Open office: 16% energy savings
Classroom: 8% energy savings
Retail: 15% energy savings
 Personal dimming controllers.

Occupancy sensing
Occupancy sensors are devices that automatically turn the lights ON and OFF based on whether
the sensor detects occupancy, resulting in energy cost savings. Occupancy sensors are including
passive infrared, ultrasonic, and dual technology sensors. Some sensors have settings that allow
the specified to select between the functions (manual on instead of automatic on, for example).
Note that sensor characteristics may vary considerably from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it is
important to carefully evaluate the options for each device.

Example of a ceiling-mounted occupancy sensor.

 Passive infrared sensors
Passive Infrared Occupancy Sensor turns lights on and off based on the occupancy. When the PIR
sensor detects a change in the infrared heat radiated within the controlled area, lighting systems
are switched ON. When occupants leave the area, lighting is switched OFF after the user adjustable
time delay elapses.
Passive infrared sensors (PIR) are triggered by the movement of a heat -emitting body through
their field of view. Wall-box type PIR occupancy sensors are best suited for small, enclosed spaces
such as private offices, where the sensor replaces the light switch on the wall and no extra wiring
is required. PIR sensors cannot "see" through opaque walls, partitions, or windows so occupants
must be in direct line of-site of the sensor.

Example of passive infrared sensors (PIR)

PIR occupancy sensors react to the movement of heat emitted by people in motion. These sensors
detect motion within a field of view that requires a line of sight; they cannot see through
obstacles. The sensor may detect motion through glass in some cases depending on the glasss
infrared transmission characteristics.
The sensors multi-faceted lens defines its coverage area as a series of discrete fan-shaped zones.
As an occupant crosses these zones, motion is detected. As a result, PIR sensors are more sensitive
to motion occurring lateral to the sensor. The sensors lens also determines the size of motion it is
best suited to detect.
The gaps between the coverage zones widen with distance, which results in decreasing sensitivity
to motion proportional to distance from the sensor. Most PIR sensors are sensitive to full body
movement up to about 40 ft. but are sensitive to hand movement, which is more discrete, up to
about 15 ft.
PIR sensors coverage area

Ultrasonic sensors
Ultrasonic sensors emit an inaudible sound pattern that is disrupted by any moving object altering
the signal returning to the sensor (Doppler shift). They are best suited for spaces where line -of-
sight view to the occupant is not always available. This type of sensor detects very minor motion
better than most infrared sensors and is often used in restrooms since the hard surfaces will reflect
the sound pattern.
 Example of Ultrasonic sensors.

Principle of operation of ultrasonic sensors

Ultrasonic occupancy sensors emit an ultrasonic high-frequency signal throughout a space,
monitor the frequency of the reflected signal, and interpret change in frequency as motion.
Alternately, they can set up a standing wave and look for changes in both amplitude and frequency
due to motion. The frequency of the waves is typically well above (32-40 kHz) what the normal
ear can detect (20 kHz) to avoid incompatibilities with devices such as hearing aids. These sensors
do not require a direct line of sight (coverage is volumetric), making them ideal for applications
such as multiple public restroom stalls.
These sensors are highly sensitive, able to detect hand motion at a distance up to 25 ft. Shown here
is a typical sensitivity pattern for a wall-mounted ultrasonic sensor. The sensor is most sensitive
to motion occurring to and from the sensor.
 Ultrasonic sensors coverage area.

Dual-technology occupancy sensors (Acoustic detection)

Dual-technology occupancy sensors use both passive infrared and ultrasonic technologies for less
risk of false triggering (lights coming on when the space is unoccupied). Combining the
technologies requires a more reliable, yet slightly larger and more expensive device.
Dual-technology sensors utilize two detect ion methods to increase reliability in applications where
a higher degree of detection is desirable, such as classrooms and conference rooms.
Most manufacturers offer sensors that combine ultrasonic and PIR technologies. The lights are
turned ON only when both technologies detect the presence of people, eliminating the possibility
of false-ON triggering. Similarly, only one technology is needed to hold the lights ON,
significantly reducing the possibility of false-OFF switching.
 Example of Dual-technology occupancy sensors.
Another type of dual-technology sensor combines PIR technology with acoustic detection,
enabling the sensor to detect occupants via their motion or the noises they make. This method is
effective in applications where there are obstructions and/or occupants that are not moving for long
periods of time. The lights are only turned ON when the PIR technology detects initial motion,
thus preventing false -ON switching. The lights are then turned OFF only when there is no detected
occupant motion or occupant sound, thereby preventing false-OFF switching. The devices
microphone is tuned to listen only for sounds caused by occupants, and distinguishes sharp
variations from white noise. It is also known as passive dual-technology because no sound waves
are emitted into the space. The primary manufacturer is Sensor Switch.
The coverage pattern/range for a PIR/acoustic sensor will always be the same as its PIR only
counterpart. This is because lights will only t urn ON through PIR. The acoustic dual technology
provides overlapping detection of the PIR coverage area, but will not trigger lights initially ON.
Additionally, because the sensor is not transmitting sound, the effective distance from occupants
varies with the magnitude of the sound generated by the occupant and the acoustics of the space.
Spaces with hard floors or very quiet rooms with little or no background noise will be more
sensitive to small sounds. Additionally, advanced filtering is utilized to prevent noises from outside
the PIR coverage area from keeping the lights ON indefinitely.
 Top & side view of acoustic detection sensors.

Digital occupancy sensors

The latest generation of occupancy sensor controls feature digital construction enabling a number
of benefits, including onboard intelligence, self-commissioning, feedback (report on usage) and
easier connections than allowed by traditional wiring methods.
In the digital control system shown to the right, all devices are connected using RJ45 low-voltage
cables and plugged into the two-relay central controller, which senses the attached devices and
automatically configures for optimal energy-saving operation.
 Digital occupancy sensors.
Operating Mode
Traditional occupancy sensors turn the lights ON upon detecting the presence of people in the
space. However, research has found that this approach saves less energy than requiring users to
turn the lights ON manually.
The latest generation of energy codes is beginning to favor these so-called manual-ON occupancy
sensors, also called vacancy sensors. Another option is to configure the lights for bilevel switching
and turn the lights ON to 50%; the user must flip a switch to achieve 100%.
How It Works
Occupancy sensors serve three basic functions:
1. To automatically turn lights on when a room becomes occupied,
2. To keep the lights on without interruption while the controlled space is occupied, and
3. To turn the lights off within a preset time period after the space has been vacated.
If the device automatically turns the lights OFF but requires manual ON, it may be called a manual-
ON occupancy sensor or a vacancy sensor. The sensor and power controller may be integral to the
same unit, or they may be separate components.
Occupancy sensors are highly suited to smaller, enclosed spaces that are intermittently occupied,
such as private offices, classrooms, conference rooms, copy and break rooms, restrooms and other
spaces.
Occupancy sensor placement is very important to the successful implementation of the control
design intent. Occupancy sensors must be located to ensure that they will not detect movement
outside of the desired coverage area, through an open doorway, for example. Ultrasonic devices
are sensitive to air movement and should not be placed near an HVAC diffuser, where air
movement may cause false tripping.
Occupancy controls can be used in conjunction with dimming or daylight controls to keep the
lights from turning completely off when a space is unoccupied, or to keep the lights off when
daylight is plentiful and the room is occupied. This control scheme may be appropriate when
occupancy sensors control separate groups of luminaires, or zones", in a large space, such as in a
laboratory or an open office area. In these situations, the lights can be dimmed to a predetermined
level in one specific area when the space is unoccupied.
There are several different kinds of coverage patterns and mounting configurations for occupancy
sensors, such as:
Ceiling-mounted controls with 360 coverage
Ceiling-mounted controls with elongated "corridor" coverage
Wall-mounted controls with a fan-shaped coverage pattern
Ceiling-mounted controls with a rectangular coverage pattern
Additionally, take note of the difference between each devices sensitivity to minor motion
(working at a desk) vs. major motion (walking or half-step activity). The sensor manufacturer
should provide coverage diagrams for both levels of activity. HID lamps do not work well with
occupancy sensors because most HID lamps take a long time to start each time they are switched
off.
Energy Savings
Occupancy sensing has been demonstrated to generate up to 38% lighting energy savings in private
offices and 55% in classrooms. Energy savings are variable and will depend on occupancy
patterns.
Private office: 38% energy savings
Classroom: 55% energy savings
Open office (individual fixture control): 35% energy savings
 Occupancy sensor characteristics

Time scheduling
Scheduling adjusts the output of the lighting system based on a time event implemented using a
time-clock, which may be implemented using software-based intelligence built into the control
system. At certain times, controlled lights will turn ON, OFF or dim to save energy or support
changing space functions.

Scheduling is highly suitable for larger, open spaces that are regularly occupied as well as spaces
that are intermittently occupied but where the lights must remain ON all day for safety or security
reasons. Local override (time extension) wall controls are often used to allow for irregular use of
the space.
Clock switches turn lights on or off for a specific period of time. They are especially useful for
turning off photocell-activated exterior lighting late at night (as long as that lighting is not needed
after a certain time).

Time scheduling units

Centralized controls can be used to automatically turn on, turn off, and/or dim lighting at specific
times or under certain load conditions. This type of control can be used in a conference room or
on a building - wide scale. Centralized control strategies can also integrate lighting controls with
other building systems such as mechanical or security systems.
Distributed controls are based on digital communication protocols. These systems are local, or
integral, to the luminaire itself, not housed in a central cabinet or enclosure. They integrate with
building automation or energy management system. A Digital Addressable Lighting Interface
(DALI) system provides a means of control which can speak to an individual ballast or groups of
ballasts. The "control wiring" is independent of the power wiring" and provides the highest degree
of flexibility available at this time. When space configuration or occupant needs change, the
system can respond by reassigning the ballasts accordingly.

Daylight Harvesting
Daylight harvesting entails using a photo sensor to monitor light levels and adjust electric light
output to maintain a target light level, saving energy.
Automatic daylight harvesting dimming control is better suited for spaces where occupants work
stationary tasks, luminaires are installed in the field of view, and/or where daylight availability
fluctuates frequently throughout the day.

Principle of Daylight harvesting.

daylight may enter a building via top lighting (e.g., skylight) or side lighting (e.g., window)
apertures. Good daylight design enables diffuse daylight to serve as a primary source of general
illumination, while avoiding glare and heat gain.
 How It Works
Daylight harvesting is a control strategy that utilizes a photo sensor with a power controller to
switch or dim lighting in response to available daylight. As light levels rise above a target
threshold due to daylight contribution, the photo sensor signals the controller to reduce light
output, saving energy.
Energy Savings
Daylight harvesting has been demonstrated to generate up to 70% lighting energy savings in
private offices and 50% in classrooms. Energy savings are typically variable and will depend on
application characteristics such as daylight availability in the space.
Open office: 40% energy savings.
Private office: 50% (manual blinds) to 70% (manual blinds used optimally, or automatic
shading) energy savings.
Classroom: 50% energy savings
Daylight harvesting is highly suitable for lighting zones adjacent to windows and clerestories and
under skylights and roof monitorsanywhere daylight is consistent and plentiful. The strategy is
particularly favored in LEED and other projects seeking to maximize energy savings beyond
energy code.
Daylight Control
Automatic window shades, blinds or other devices can dynamically reduce direct glare and heat
gain. Using the same control station, users can override automatic control functions and set both
daylight and electric
Designing for Daylight
Daylight should be provided where people need it most. Since daylight often does not enter the
space uniformly, however, visualize it as gradients in a pattern, with each gradient representing an
area of consistent daylight availability.
Each of these areas in turn presents an opportunity to separately zone the general lighting for
daylight harvesting.
This may require designing lighting circuits to support separate control of general lighting, such
as separately circuiting the first one or two rows of light fixtures parallel to daylighting windows.
Energy savings occur by automatically switching the lights OFF or proportionally reducing electric
light levels continuously (dimming) in response to variable daylight levels.
 zone of general lighting for daylight harvesting.
Daylight Availability
The energy savings potential for daylight harvesting in a given application will depend largely on
daylight availability, including:
1. Daylight penetration into the space-in other words, how much of the task area receives daylight.
2. Quantity of daylight in the space--in other words, what is the density of illumination on the task
area in foot -candles.
3. Duration of daylight availability during the day--that is, for how long each day t he tasks area
receives high, consistent enough daylight levels to warrant daylight harvesting control.
Typical System
Automatic daylight harvesting control systems are comprised of a photo sensor that measures light
levels and shares this information with a controller, which decides, using its algorithm, whether
the lighting load should be switched or dimmed. In some cases, the ballast and the controller may
be the same unit.
Daylight harvesting controls can be effective in virtually any type of facility where the lights
operate much of the time and where ample daylight is present.
Spaces with skylights and corridors, private offices and open cubicles near windows particularly
those with task lighting are good candidates for daylight harvesting.

Daylight harvesting control systems.

Ideal Applications
If the entire space is uniformly sky lighted (as in the sky lighted space shown here, with properly
spaced skylights covering about 3-5 percent of the floor area), energy savings can accrue on the
entire lighting load. More commonly, daylight harvesting applies only to the perimeter zone of a
windowed installation, where typically general lighting within two window heights (distance from
floor to top of window) deep into the space is suitable for daylight harvesting.
 Ideal Applications of daylight harvesting.
For side lighted spaces, a traditional rule of thumb was that a primary daylight zone can be
established up to 15 ft. deep from a window, and a secondary zone 15-25 ft. deep into the space.
This thinking is changing, as reflected in the latest generation of energy codes and standards, to a
depth of 1 x window height (floor to top of window) for a primary daylight zone, and 2 x window
height for a secondary daylight zone.
Control Zoning, Energy Codes
Energy codes and standards are now beginning to regulate the minimum size of control zones.
ASHRAE 90.1-2010, for example, defines a side lighted daylight zone as:
WIDTH = window width plus 2 ft. on either side, limited only by 60+ in. partitions, by
DEPTH: one window height (distance from floor to top of window), limited only by 60+ in.
partitions.
Contiguous windows produce a single daylight zone. Any electric lighting in the daylight zone
must be controlled separately from other general lighting in the space.
Some codes recognize a secondary zone that goes beyond the boundaries of the primary zone;
daylight harvesting in the secondary zone may result in power adjustment credits the designer can
use to increase the lighting power density for the controlled load.
 Control zones.

Dimming
Purpose of Dimming
Dimming provides greater flexibility from the lighting system, enabling users to have more control
over their lighting conditions to support visual needs, and enab ling enactment of energy
management strategies that can reduce energy costs.
 Step Dimming
Step dimming provides a limited choice of light levels, with one or more preset increments between
OFF and full output. Typically, there is no fade between lighting states, so while technically the
approach is dimming, the visual effect is the lights are switched to a lower state. This approach is
typically implemented for fluorescent and HID systems, using a special ballast, in spaces where a
sudden light level change will not be irritating to users, and it is desirable to achieve uniform light
level reduction from the lamps without separately circuiting/ controlling alternate lamps or
luminaires.
Continuous Dimming
Continuous dimming enables users to raise and lower light levels over a specified range, with
smooth transitions between levels. This provides a higher degree of flexibility for manual
dimming control driven by application needs such as A/V presentation, mood setting and so on. It
also enables light output to be automatically reduced to save energy without irritating occupants,
and is therefore the control method of choice for automatic control strategies in spaces occupied
by people performing stationary tasks
Light Level and Perception
As lamps are dimmed, light output decreases but the human eye may perceive a higher light output
and light level than is actually present. This is because the human eye overcompensates for
diminished light level by allowing lighter to enter into its pupil. For example, dimming to 25%
appears to be about 50% of full light level. The effect is predictable according to the square law,
which defines the theoretical relationship between light level and perceived brightness:
Measured Light (%)
Perceived Light (%) = 100 x square root ( )
100

Linear fluorescent lamp dimming

Fluorescent lamps are dimmable using dimmable ballasts, which are designed to respond to control
signals by changing the current flowing through the lamp, which reduces both lamp output and
power. Linear fluorescent lamps should be seasoned prior to dimming for 12 hours at 100%
output per NEMA guidelines, or per manufacturer instructions.
Led dimming
LED lighting is theoretically very friendly to dimming control. As shown in this graph, reducing
LED device internal temperatures extends service life. Because dimming reduces internal
temperatures, it can extend lamp life while also delaying color shift (towards blue) that occurs over
time with phosphor-coated LEDs.
 Life versus temperature

Dimming effect on luminaire efficacy.

Dimming results in light output that is proportional to electrical input; an LED operating at 50%
of its rated power will produce roughly 50% of its initial rated light output. As a result, efficacy
(lumens/W) is stable across the dimming range until the low end, when efficacy actually increases
due to dimming reducing internal temperatures, producing higher light output. While this is
obviously positive in terms of efficiency, it also means that for manual dimming, light output and
dimmer setting may drift out of proportion at the dimming range's low end. Some higher-end
products compensate for this effect.
Dimming System, Distributed Controllers
And another type of dimming system uses distributed micro panels within a digital communication
architecture instead of a centralized panel or networked ballasts. With this approach, the micro
panels are distributed close to the loads they control, and can provide switching or dimming of
standard analog dimming ballasts. In this executive office, a two-relay dimming room controller
is configured for automatic-ON to 50%/automatic-OFF operation for the pendant luminaires and
manual-ON operation for the whiteboard lighting, with all lighting dimmable using 0-10V DC
ballasts and digital dimmers with four-scene personal remote.

Dimming Controller parts

Demand Response
In this energy management strategy, the control system responds to a signal from the local utility
to reduce electric load during a grid emergency. The owner receives financial incentives such as
special rates in return. Dimming is ideally suited to demand response, as it enables lighting load
reduction without turning the lights OFF.

Selecting the Appropriate Lighting Controls

There are many guides and services available for designing lighting control systems. Some controls
manufacturers will actually do a controls layout on the building plans or even on electronic drawing files,
free of charge or for a nominal fee. If you prefer to do the controls layout yourself, it is advisable that you
provide a written "sequence of control" which describes the design intent and a "performance specification"
which describes the performance characteristics of individual components. Further, some coordination
with the selected controls manufacturer will help to avoid surprises during construction and commissioning.
If you know how you would like the controls scheme to work, but you are not sure what equipment to
choose or how it should be connected electrically, explain your ideas to the manufacturers technic al
support personnel. Chances are they will be able to help you work out the details.
The table below provides control ideas for several different room types and usage patterns. Some additional
links to help on manufacturers' web sites are provided below the table.

Space Type Typical Use If Then

Pattern
Cafeterias or Occasionally Daylighted Consider daylight-driven
lunchroom occupied dimming or on/off control

Consider ceiling-mounted
Occupied occasionally occupancy sensor(s). Make sure
minor motion will be detected in
all desired locations.
classroom Usually Multiple tasks like Consider manual dimming
occupied overhead projectors,
chalkboard, student note
taking and reading, class
demonstrations

Occupied by different Consider ceiling- or wall mounted

Occasionally groups of students and occupancy sensor(s) and manual
occupied teachers daily dimming. Make sure that minor
motion will be detected.

Lights left on after hours Consider centralized controls

and/or occupancy sensors.
Computer Usually Lights are left on all the Consider occupancy sensors with
room unoccupied time manual dimming. Be sure that
minor motion will be detected and
that equipment vibration will not
falsely trigger the sensor
Conference Occasionally Multi-tasks from videoconferencing Consider manual dimming
room occupied to (possibly preset scene control)
presentations

Consider a wall box occupancy

Small conference room Sensor

Consider ceiling- or wall mounted

Large conference room occupancy sensor(s). Be sure that
 minor motion will be detected in
all desired locations.
Gymnasium Usually Requires varied lighting Consider manual dimming and
or fitness occupied levels for activities occupancy sensors. Be sure that
the HVAC system will not falsely
trigger the sensor.
Occasionally Requires varied lighting Consider ceiling- and wall-
occupied levels for activities mounted passive infrared
occupancy sensors.
Be sure that the coverage areas of
the sensors are sufficiently
overlapped to keep the lights on
when the room is occupied.

Daylighted consider daylight on/off control.

Health care Occasionally Different lighting needs for Consider manual dimming.
examination occupied Examination
room
Small areas Consider a wall box occupancy
sensor

Health Care Usually Daylighted Consider automatic daylight-

Hallways occupied driven dimming.

Requires lower lighting Consider centralized controls to

level at night lower lighting levels at night
.
Hotel Occasionally Used primarily in the late afternoon Consider manual dimming.
Rooms occupied through evening for sleeping and
relaxing

Laboratories Usually Daylighted Consider automatic daylight-

occupied driven dimming in combination
with occupancy sensors.

Laundry Occasionally Requires high light levels, Consider occupancy sensors

Rooms occupied yet lights are usually left on
.
Libraries Usually Daylighted Consider automatic daylight-
occupied driven dimming. Occupancy
sensors may be appropriate.
Lights left on after hours Consider centralized controls.

Office Usually Daylighted Consider automatic daylight

occupied driven Dimming
Varied tasks from computer usage to
reading Consider manual dimming.
 Consider centralized controls
Lights left on after hours and/or occupancy sensors.

Restaurant Usually Daylighted Consider automatic daylight-

occupied driven dimming.
.
Requires different lighting Consider manual dimming
levels throughout the day (possibly preset scene dimming).

Requires different lighting Consider centralized control

levels for cleaning

Control ideas for several different room types

From the above table, we also have other types of space types we are not included here.
PIR
PIR sensors require a line of sight between the sensor and the primary task area; there should be no
obstructions, such as a door swinging open. In the left office, the sensor has an unobstructed line of sight
to the task area, in this case the desktop. In the right office, the occupant's body is blocking the sensor's
view of the task area, in this case the laptop keyboard, and therefore an ultrasonic or dual -technology
(PIR/acoustic) sensor would be recommended to minimize false-OFF switching.
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic sensors emit high-frequency sound waves into the space and detect occupancy from changes
in the frequency of returning reflections, or they may set up a standing wave and measure both
frequency shift and amplitude. They can be installed on ceilings or walls, including as a wall switch
replacement, typically in indoor applications. Although they are an active technology (emit energy into the
space), properly designed devices will not interfere with local devices such as hearing aids. They are well
suited to applications requiring greater sensitivity and reliability, open indoor spaces, and spaces with
obstacles. Suitable applications include open offices, private offices, bathrooms, classrooms and
conference rooms.
Dual Technology
For spaces where line of sight to occupants is blocked by obstructions or where occupants are not moving
for long periods of time, sensors that utilize dual-technology can be effective. The two types of dual-
technology sensors are PIR/ultrasonic and PIR/acoustic. These sensors can be more effective at preventing
false-OFF switching than PIR sensors, and preventing false-ON switching than ultrasonic sensors.
Economic Analysis of Lighting Control Systems
Lighting controls are cost-effective, especially when one considers long-term life-cycle costs along
with initial costs. Lighting controls can add approximately $0.50-$1.00 per square foot initially.
Payback periods vary widely by project and are difficult, at best, to predict accurately. That does
not take into account the savings from reduced energy use and HVAC reduction. The easiest way
to do an economic analysis of lighting controls is to use an effective energy charge (EEC)," which
is a cost per kWh number derived by dividing the entire electricity bill (in dollars) by the total
amount of energy used during that billing period (in kWh).
The potential savings per controlled fixture is calculated as follows:

Where:
Wb is the baseline watts of the controlled fixture(s).
HPYb is the baseline number of hours per year that the fixture is on.
PFb is the baseline power fraction for the fixture or fixtures (use 1 for full power).
Wf is the final watts of the controlled fixture(s) (i.e. after retrofit or redesign).
HPYf is the final number of hours per year that the fixture is on (i.e. after controls are installed
that turn the lights off when they are not needed, such as occupancy sensors or centralized
controls).
PFf is the final power fraction for the fixture(s) (i.e. if a fixture will be dimmed to an annual
average of 50%, use .5. For low dimming levels, the energy usage fraction is slightly higher than
the dimming percentage due to ballast losses.).
$
EEC is the "effective energy charge" in .

This method of calculating annual dollar savings is an approximate estimate because it does not
allow you to calculate the exact changes in demand charges demand charges have been wrapped
up into the "effective energy charge."
Conclusion
Lighting is an important part the global building energy consumption. It can represent about 5 to
10kWh/m. year in the residential sector and reach to more than 60 kWh/m. year in tertiary sector.
Lighting consumption can be easily reduced with efficient light sources. Further energy gains can
be achieved with smart lighting control strategies. Today, the most common form of control (the
standard wall switch) is being replaced by automatic systems which are based on occupancy or
daylight harvesting. Most common examples are occupancy sensors which turn the lights off when
the area is unoccupied, time-based controls and the dimmer plus photocell combination. All are
more effective than the standard switches in saving energy. Potential gains vary from 10% with
simple clock to more than 60% with a total integrated solution (occupancy plus daylight plus
HVAC). However, each sensor can turn the lights off by mistake if they are not well specified,
installed and maintained. On the other hand, if they operate well they provide a direct benefit to
the occupant in term of energy saving, comfort and ease of use, in new building as well as in
refurbish one.
Furthermore, today new components are coming on the market like smart windows and intelligent
automatic blinds. The last component allow obtaining significant energy savings. However, no
concrete study can actually show this. Finally, lighting management/control systems can easily be
associated with BMS. Smart integration with others technical equipments (such as Blinds and
HVAC) can be done to decrease energy consumption and improve general comfort. Such solution
can allow building operator to provide the right amount of light where and when it is needed. On
the other hand, it increases the complexity of the lighting system so that commissioning becomes
essential for a good integration. Lighting automation systems must be calibrated when installed, if
possible after the building is occupied and the facility staff has to be involved in the commissioning
process. The building sector is rife with anecdotes on lighting control systems which do not run as
expected or do not work at all because they were improperly installed or because the facility
managers or occupants do not understand them. The commissioning process will reduce these
problems.