Insights

8 Important Benefits of Wireless Lighting Controls

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There are enormous benefits for multiple industries to incorporate wireless lighting controls, and we will outline 8 Important Benefits of Wireless Lighting Control that impact design, installation and long-term operation in commercial buildings.

Commercial buildings are being built and retrofitted with LED lighting, energy-efficient kitchen equipment and HVAC systems, and renewable energy. However, did you know that you could trim your energy cost a little further and ultimately boost your profitability? A wireless lighting control system offers numerous benefits including scalability, flexibility, and safety. A rule of thumb in switching to the wireless option for your lighting controls is to ensure that connectivity is optimal and that the lighting system is functional and interoperable. This is why it is necessary to test the limits of functionality before commissioning the control system for use.

A wireless lighting control system could be set up for new and existing buildings. The latter is usually tasking especially when it involves tearing down traditional wired lighting control options. These systems could include energy efficient luminaires, different kinds of sensors, automatic switches, remote control wireless light, network components, and control units. Wireless lighting controls could be centrally operated or provided in a way that allows individuals to adjust lighting parameters as they require. Wireless controlled light may give facility managers access to information about the environment such as sunlight levels and occupancy. These can also be applied to make adjustments as deemed necessary. Let us now consider the advantages of wireless lighting controls for commercial buildings.

1. Ease of Installation

Eliminating the hassle of wires and making use of improved technology, wireless lighting controls can be set up at a 70% faster rate than wired alternatives. When you get the right hands to set up wireless controlled light for your building, a thorough analysis would normally be done to determine needs and design a suitable control system. The elimination of wires removes the hassle associated with rooms or corners that are difficult to wire. With central control, electricity, and a digital interface, your lighting controls can be set up in no time. 

2. Reduced Cost

As a result of the reduced difficulty associated with setting up these lighting controls for commercial buildings, the process is less labor-intensive. Coupled with this, you will not be spending on wires as you would have if you were using wired DALI or DSI controls. The result of this is lower set-up cost. Lower set-up costs and lower energy consumption will increase the chances of staying within your energy budget. Some wireless lighting controls have self-learning capabilities that cause them to direct light to where it is needed most at the right time. This also reduces your energy expenses.

3. Flexibility

Wireless lighting control systems can be operated with apps on phones or tablets. You can alter the light intensity, color, and other features with a simple tap on your screen. The simplicity, connectivity, and interoperability of wireless controlled light allow you to add, remove, or move system components without having to rewire them. The wireless mesh approach removes the need for controls to be put where they are needed rather than only in feasible locations due to wiring constraints.

4. Scalability

Often we are skeptical about scalability when it comes to adopting systemic changes. A wireless lighting control system ticks the scalability box effortlessly. You can begin the transition with one or more rooms or areas and then extend this to other units as you go on. The flexibility of these lighting controls allows you to increase the number of control nodes and constituent elements over time. These can be done without the extra hassle of tearing down and setting up wires.

5. Energy Code Advantage

Cutting down energy usage has cost benefits for entrepreneurs and building managers. It also covers compliance with government-instituted energy codes, boosting an organization’s energy profile, image, and profitability. Setting up lighting controls that meet building codes works for new buildings and retrofits. Wireless lighting is something to consider if you are looking to make a building comfortable, efficient, and productive.

6. Security

This is a fundamental element in the design of wireless DLMs and wireless lighting control systems. All component elements must be built with security in mind. The lighting controls employ safe communication protocols that only allow the exchange of signals between trusted devices. With the modern components and equipment, you can set up a system that is strong enough to withstand attacks from hackers and ensure the safety of data.

7. Reliability

Being an improvement on wired lighting control systems, wireless alternatives are designed to be more resilient and efficient. Wireless lighting controls are future-proof, ensuring secure communications between protected, interoperable devices. The maintenance of these systems is also straightforward. Repairs and replacements can be done promptly without tearing down the entire system. These lighting controls can also be built to enable safe data transmission and recovery for informed decisions.

8. Suitability for Multiple Applications

Wireless lighting controls can be applied in restaurants, self-storage facilities, schools, grocery stores, healthcare facilities, office spaces, warehouses, and more, and can be done strategically. These will help operators cut down on up-front construction costs and long-term energy.

Conclusion

Wireless lighting control systems add layers of “control” and sophistication to a building. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg when their flexibility, scalability, and ease of installation/maintenance are also brought to focus. These lighting controls must be designed and set up by skilled and experienced professionals if their benefits are to be enjoyed completely. 

Energywise Solutions works with architects, engineers, business owners, and commercial lighting contractors to create exceptional spaces with energy-efficient LED lighting solutions, lighting controls and automated building controls. Our network includes trusted manufacturers of wireless control components and wireless control systems, and our team is experienced in designing, start-up and commissioning custom energy solutions and control systems for all buildings. 

Scott Van Kerkhove is the CEO of Energywise and writes on topics and issues surrounding the lighting and controls industry, energy management, wireless lighting control for outdoor lights, profitability and sustainability. Find me on LinkedIn – Author: Scott Van Kerkhove