TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION SHEET
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AUTOMATED LIGHTING CONTROLS
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1. Description
2. Timer/Clock Switches
Artificial light should be used not only
where it is needed but also only when it is Timer switches turn the lights on for a
needed. Lighting controls should be used: prescribed period of time and then
automatically turn them off. Mechanical
• to make maximum use of daylighting
spring-wound units allow the occupant to set
• to reduce light levels when the task
the desired elapsed-time interval, electronic
changes units have an internal controller that can be
• to turn off lighting when light is not set with the proper tools but can not be
needed easily altered by the occupants. Clock
• to compensate for lamp lumen switches are used in areas with well-defined
depreciation occupancy patterns to automatically turn the
lights on or off at prescribed times through
Automated lighting controls provide an the day.
important element in "lighting management."
3. Occupancy Sensors
There are four different types of lighting
controllers that can be used independently There are three different types of occupancy
or in conjunction with one another: (1) sensors: (a) ultrasonic, (b) passive infrared,
timer/clock switches, (2) occupancy sensors, and (c) microwave. Although audible sound
(3) photocell sensors, and (4) central control sensors are also available their use is limited
systems. Lighting controls can save the most mostly to industrial and/or warehouse
energy in irregularly occupied spaces that applications detecting equipment sound as
are often vacant for extended periods of opposed to human occupancy.
time and in spaces adjacent to windows with
high daylighting. However, control Ultrasonic (US) sensors detect and emit high
strategies must be carefully planned. Of all frequency sound. When someone enters the
lighting retrofit options controls are the most controlled room or space an ultrasonic
complex; they should be considered only sensor detects the change in the frequency in
after wattage-reduction options have been the received sound and switches the lights
examined since their economics depends on. In the same manner, if no differences in
upon the amount of light being supplied. the received ultrasonic frequencies are
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EFFICIENT LIGHTING
detected over a prescribed period of time system can also be used to compensate for
the sensor switches the lights off. Ultrasonic lumen depreciation
sensors can be set to be extremely sensitive
to frequency disturbances and can cover 5. Central Control Systems
very large areas. Typical applications
include long corridors, boardrooms, and Also known as energy management systems
warehouses. (EMS), central control systems can take many
forms; they can be simple central control
Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors detect panels with on/off switches activated by an
infrared radiation being emitted by hot operator only when someone is in the
objects. When a change in the received controlled areas, or complex computer-
infrared level in a controlled room is controlled systems incorporating multiple
detected, the lights are turned on. Once on, relays and lower-level controllers. Often
the sensor will shut off the lights when it simple, manually-operated, central control
detects no change in infrared levels for a systems are the most cost effective type of
prescribed period of time. PIR sensors are lighting control, however computer
best suited to short range applications within controlled systems can also incorporate other
a 5 to 7 metre range. Typical applications are controls for the HVAC and security systems
bathrooms, small offices, and conference in a building which may save significant
rooms. amounts of otherwise wasted energy, albeit
at a higher initial capital cost.
Microwave sensors emit and receive radio
wave signals. Like ultrasonic sensors, 6. Design Tips
microwave sensors rely on differences in
received radio frequencies to detect Lighting control techniques are application
occupancy and control the lights. Presently, specific. The types of control, control
microwave sensors are not yet widely sensitivity, range, and field of view to be
available and have only been sparsely tested used must match the space and occupancy
to date. characteristics. Savings from lighting
controls depends on the nature of occupancy,
4. Photocell Sensors the space characteristics, occupant
acceptance, and the choice and positioning (if
These sensors detect light levels in a space. applicable) of the lighting control.
Photocell sensors can only be used in areas Experience has shown, however, that in
that have some daylighting. Photocell many buildings, savings of up to 30% can be
sensors can be used either as on/off achieved using occupancy sensors, and a
controllers at a prescribed light level or as further 25% can be saved through the use of
automatic dimming controllers to photo cell sensors and dimming in perimeter
continuously maintain a particular light level areas.
within a space as natural daylight levels
fluctuate. If a dimming controller is to be Further information about automated
used, the lighting system itself must have a lighting controls is available from the
dimming capability (e.g. incandescents or publications listed in the Efficient Lighting
fluorescents with dimmable electronic Reference List.
ballasts). A photocell sensor and dimming
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