ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR recently published a feature article about wireless radio-frequency (RF) lighting control written by Craig DiLouie, LC. “This approach promises a number of benefits compared with hardwired solutions. First is flexibility; devices can be placed where needed, installed faster and moved more easily. Electrical planning may be shortened, and irregular applications can be better […]
ELECTRONIC HOUSE Analyzes Pros and Cons of 13 Smart LED Lamps
Intelligent, controllable LED lamps offer a new paradigm for home lighting control. Julie Jacobson, editor of ELECTRONIC HOUSE, analyzes the pros and cons of 13 products implementing WiFi/Internet of Things, 6LoWPAN, ZigBee, Z-Wave and Bluetooth. Read it here.
Navigant: Worldwide Shipments of Wireless Controls for Smart Buildings Will Exceed 36 Million Units by 2020
New research by Navigant suggests wireless technology is entering the mainstream of the commercial buildings controls market. While building automation and controls have been used for decades, wireless networks are enabling more granular control over building systems without many of the design and labor challenges involved with running traditional cabling to support communications and/or power. […]
Interview with Hubbell’s Mike Crane on Wireless RF Lighting Control
Craig DiLouie, LC recently interviewed Mike Crane, product manager for Hubbell Building Automation, for ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR on the topic of wireless RF lighting control. The interview is published here in its raw form. DiLouie Please describe what wireless RF lighting control is, how it works, and its intended purpose. Crane: Wireless RF lighting control is […]
EC&M Publishes Article on Lighting Control Trends
EC&M has published an article about trends in lighting control, noting occupancy-based shutoff and daylight harvesting and then focusing on LED control, including wireless options. Read it here.
IEC Publishes New Ultra-Low Power Consumption Wireless Technology Standard
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has ratified a new standard–ISO/IEC 14543-3-10–for wireless applications with ultra-low power consumption pioneered by EnOcean. The standard can be downloaded from www.iso.org. The new standard is geared to wireless sensors and wireless sensor networks with ultra-low power consumption. It also includes sensor networks that utilize energy harvesting technology to draw […]
Bilevel Stairwell Lighting Promises Up to 70-80 Percent Energy Savings
Stairwells account for about 2% of multistory commercial building floorspace, with an average of one light fixture for each 58 sq.ft. of stairwell, according to the International Facility Management Association. It is trafficked 3-5% of the average day. This application has emerged as a strong potential opportunity for energy-saving controls. In the near future, in […]
LCA TV: Jim Frey of Sylvania Talks The Future Of Lighting At GreenBuild 2010
At GreenBuild 2010, Jim Frey of OSRAM SYLVANIA talks about the future of lighting, highlighting the EMerge DC Building Power Standard, LED general lighting, OLEDs and wireless controls.
Wireless Lighting Controls Offer Flexibility And Cost Savings in Commercial Buildings
Radio-frequency (RF) wireless communication is a significant emerging lighting control technology. In a typical hardwired lighting control system, control signals are sent using communication wires. In a wireless RF system, control devices communicate through the air using radio waves, eliminating the need for control wiring. The resulting advantages enable advanced lighting control with greater installation flexibility and lower labor installation cost, ideal for hard-to-wire applications non-accessible ceilings, hard ceilings, asbestos abasement issues, and brick and mortar existing buildings.
Wireless RF lighting control first became popularized in residential applications, with typical applications including home theater, kitchens and other common areas, master bedrooms and exterior and security lighting. In recent years, however, wireless RF lighting control has emerged as a viable alternative to hardwired controls in commercial building applications. What benefits does RF wireless communication provide?
The first benefit is flexibility. Wireless control devices can be placed where they are needed without limitation imposed by wiring, including areas that are difficult to wire. More flexibility is provided in unique applications. Electrical planning may be shortened. After installation, devices can be moved and the system expanded with relative ease.
The second benefit is labor and material cost savings, which may result in net installation savings after the typically higher product cost is figured. Wireless control eliminates the need for dedicated control wiring and associated switch legs, traveler wires and other raw materials. The system installs more quickly, producing labor savings. With no damage to walls or ceilings, and little to no disruption to business operations, wireless control lends itself well to existing building applications demanding the benefits of advanced lighting control.
The advantages of wireless control make these solutions particularly suitable for commercial building applications where the cost of running control wires is too costly or simply not possible, such as outdoor lighting, parking garages, warehouses and retrofits.