By Lighting Controls Association, on March 15, 2012
A new GE Lighting controller saves energy, brings dimming capabilities to outdoor streetlights.
Faced with shrinking budgets, cities and states across the nation are being challenged to curb costs. A new GE Lighting system is helping meet this charge with a dimming system that reduces electricity costs for outdoor lighting.
The newly patented GE Lighting controller (U.S. Patent 8,038,481) brings dimming capabilities to LED and HID outdoor fixtures, enabling end users to control when light fixtures turn on and off and the light output of the fixture. The controller can dim the output of LED fixtures from 10% to 90%. The controller also is compatible with HID systems, allowing the light output of the fixtures to be reduced by 50 percent during low-traffic times.
The GE Lighting controller attaches to a fixture with a patented turn and lock receptacle that is fully compatible with current photocells. Two additional connections within the receptacle pass the dimming control signals from the controller to the dimming LED driver or ballast in the lighting fixture.
By Lighting Controls Association, on March 7, 2012
At Light+Building 2012, Tridonic will be showcasing LED modules together with a range of other components and comprehensive LED system solutions, including optics, converters and lighting controllers. The focus will be on LED products and systems for general illumination applications.
Tridonic has launched two new LED systems that offer exceptional efficiency and excellent white light quality, namely TALEXXengine Stark QLE and LLE. These square (QLE) and linear (LLE) versions can be used separately or in combination. The LED systems provide luminaire designers with completely new creative possibilities but they can also be used as alternatives to T5, T8 and TCL fluorescent lamps – instantly achieving greater system efficiency. Both versions have a luminous efficacy of up to 100 lm/W.
At Light+Building you can see these modules with integrated emergency lighting functionality. In this respect, Tridonic can rely on its know-how as a market leader in emergency lighting systems.
The TALEXXengine STARK DLE TWIST is the first LED light engine in the Tridonic portfolio with an integrated converter and a holder for luminaire installation mounted on the heat sink. Like conventional light sources, this compact high-efficiency LED unit can be installed without any tools and can just as easily be dismantled.
At the heart of every LED lighting solution are the TALEXXconverters, developed and manufactured by Tridonic with all the expertise that made the company famous for its ballasts. High efficiency and low power losses are the main features. The extensive product range includes devices for indoor and outdoor applications (type of protection IP67), luminaire installation and separate mounting.
For demanding applications such as linear and square luminaires there are devices with an output of 80 W. The dimmable TALEXXconverter LCAI 80W one4all version, which is available with a constant current of 350 or 700 mA, has the versatile one4all interface. This means that LED products can be controlled via DALI, DSI or switchDIM signals and the corridorFUNCTION to minimize energy consumption. The non-dimmable TALEXXconverter LCI 80W with a constant current of 350 mA is just as impressive. Both versions for luminaire installation are housed in a space-saving low-profile enclosure measuring only 21 x 30 mm. They are suitable for emergency lighting applications in accordance with EN 50172.
The compact TALEXXconverter LCCI 16W and TALEXXconverter LCAI 16W one4all build-in units are used in downlights and spotlights. The versions with constant currents of 350, 500 and 700 mA cover all standard applications.
More and more streets, parks, paths, public squares and façades are being illuminated with LEDs. Tridonic has equipped the new TALEXXconverters LCAI 2×38 W and 2×50 W one4all with all the properties needed to provide efficient LED light in outdoor applications. They have integrated overtemperature and overload protection and automatically disconnect in the event of a short-circuit. Restarts are then also automatic. The brightness level can be controlled centrally or automatically via the chronoSTEP function.
By Lighting Controls Association, on December 5, 2011
This short video, produced by the Lighting Controls Association at the 2011 LIGHTFAIR event, introduces the building industry to Jump Lighting by Philips Ledalite.
Jump is a new portfolio of high performance direct luminaires that integrate daylight harvesting with the latest in light emitting diode (LED) or advanced fluorescent light sources. With more than two-thirds of today’s commercial buildings still using outdated lighting technologies, Jump offers building owners enhanced energy-efficiency without compromising on light quality.
Jump delivers optimal lighting distribution, consistent color and exceptional system performance for commercial applications such as office, education, library, health and retail spaces. Its unique LEDLOGIQ™ design approach to LED features MesoOptics holographic nanotechnology, which makes spaces more visually comfortable by optimally blending light and color, controlling high angle glare and creating a precisely-controlled batwing distribution, while concealing the light source. In addition, Jump features integrated Response™ daylight harvesting sensors that can extend LED sustainability benefits by further reducing energy consumption up to another 35 percent.
Available in a wide variety of light sources, patterns, colors and mounting options, the Jump portfolio also features an easy “plug and play” installation that simplifies maintenance, upgrades or replacement. The LED option has an expected life of 60,000 hours and carries a 5-year guarantee on the entire luminaire system (fixture, driver and LEDs).
By Lighting Controls Association, on October 5, 2011
The ninth annual Lighting for Tomorrow competition recognizes the best designed, energy-efficient lighting products in the residential market.
For the second year, the competition has expanded its scope to include solid-state lighting (SSL) replacement lamps and lighting controls.
The 2011 judging panel reviewed a total of 52 products including 39 SSL luminaires at Underwriters Laboratories (UL) University in Research Triangle Park, NC. See all winners here.
Two products were entered for the controls category, and both received awards:
WINNER: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc Diva C·L Dimmer
Over the last few years, CFL and LED bulbs capable of dimming have become more readily available but many still have performance issues when used with a standard incandescent dimmer. Lutron’s Diva C·L dimmer specifically addresses issues commonly found when dimming these lamps including lights turning off while being dimmed, not turning on, and turning off unexpectedly or flickering. This new dimmer has been engineered to solve these issues and is UL listed to work with a broad range of lamps, ensuring that today’s dimmer is compatible with tomorrow’s light sources.
The Diva C·L dimmer from Lutron works with dimmable CFLs and LEDs in addition to incandescent and halogen lamps. The new dimmer uses Lutron’s HED Technology, featuring advanced dimming circuitry designed for compatibility with most high-efficacy residential lamps. The dimmer can even dim a mixed load of light sources (i.e., dimmable LED and halogen bulbs) on the same circuit. Lutron continuously tests and publishes a list of approved dimmable CFL and dimmable LED bulbs so that consumers can be sure of smooth dimming performance.
HONORABLE MENTION: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc RadioRA 2 Phase-Adaptive Dimmer
The RadioRA 2 Phase-Adaptive Dimmer is compatible with electronic low-voltage, magnetic low-voltage, incandescent, halogen and dimmable LED and CFL load types. While this would have required several different wallbox controls in the past, this new dimmer is able to sense the load type that it is connected to and change its output waveform to properly and safely control that load. This technology, previously available in Lutron’s remote panel-based controls, is now available in a standard wallbox configuration – the Lutron Maestro dimmer style. To respond to the ultra-low wattages of high-efficacy lighting, the dimmer has a 5W minimum load, but scales all the way up to a 600W output. It can be connected to several other wallbox locations for 3- and 4-way dimming. The dimmer is amazingly compact, with a back box penetration of only 1-1/8”, making installation simple. This dimmer allows the halogen lamp installed today to be replaced by a CFL tomorrow and later replaced with an LED.
By Lighting Controls Association, on February 17, 2011
Image courtesy of Randy Burkett Lighting Design.
The Lighting Controls Association is pleased to announce that EE300: Lighting Control of LEDs, a key offering in the Association’s popular online Education Express distance education courses, has been updated.
Residing at the Association’s website, Education Express provides in-depth education about lighting controls and controllable ballast technology, application, system design and commissioning, as well as meta-issues such as energy codes, daylighting and other trends.
In recent years, LED technology has transcended its traditional stronghold—saturated colors in indicators, exit signs and so-called architainment applications, representing most LED products sold today—and began offering viable white light options in niche architectural applications such as lighting for outdoor and small, confined indoor spaces. As the technology continues its steady advance, applications have begun to expand into a broad range of mainstream commercial lighting applications.
Just as with conventional lighting systems, a critical consideration in applying LEDs in building environments is control. LED controls be used to create a virtually infinite array of color output, or modulate the warmth or coolness of white light LED sources. They can allow dimming of LED light sources to occupant preference. And they can automatically shut off or dim lighting in response to control signals from inputs such as photosensors, scheduling devices, PCs and others.
EE300: Lighting Control of LEDs, broken into three learning modules with an extensive appendix detailing various typical applications, describes the fundamentals of how LEDs work and are controlled (part 1), control of color LEDs (part 2) and control of white LEDs (part 3). The goal of the course is to provide a working understanding of LEDs and methods for integrating them into modern lighting system design.
At the conclusion of each of these three learning modules, an optional online comprehension test is available, with automatic grading; a passing grade enables the student to claim education credit. EE300: Lighting Control of LEDs is registered with the National Council on Quality in the Lighting Professions (NCQLP), which recognizes a total of 6.6 LEUs towards maintenance of Lighting Certified (LC) certification.
By Lighting Controls Association, on October 15, 2010
Acuity Brands has announced the opening of its new training center at its Sensor Switch facility located in Wallingford, CT. This facility is designed to provide hands-on training for Sensor Switch customers and business partners and to showcase the newest Acuity Brands® intelligent LED lighting and lighting controls solutions. Featuring an expansive sensor display and interactive training with occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting products, the new facility is also a live and active exhibit for nLight®, Acuity Brands’ award-winning network lighting control system by Sensor Switch®.
“Training is integral to the acceptance of the newest technologies that have emerged in the lighting industry,” said Ben Hahn, Acuity Brands Lighting Vice President and Sensor Switch Value Stream Leader. Intelligent lighting controls represent a fast-growing portion of renovation and retro-fit upgrades as well as new construction. This training facility displays integrated lighting solutions as customers would buy them, and emphasizes the savings potential associated with integrated intelligent LED lighting and lighting control solutions. Including the latest in LED lighting and controls technology from Acuity Brands, the facility includes Lithonia Lighting® RTLED™ luminaires with embedded nLight controls, new LED emergency lighting, Peerless® indirect lighting luminaires and a display featuring the company’s ROAM® outdoor lighting controls.
The Sensor Switch advanced occupancy sensor and daylight harvesting solutions offer unique and cost-effective ways to significantly reduce lighting related energy consumption. With energy savings up to 40% or more, an investment in intelligent sensors can yield an impressive return on investment. Sensor Switch uses Passive Infrared (PIR) and patented Microphonics™ technologies to detect occupancy within a given space. When combined with the nLight lighting control system, end-users can control the lighting in an individual room, an entire building or across a campus. Easy to install and configure, nLight offers a cost-effective and elegant way to integrate lighting control in any space.
“This is an exciting time to be in the lighting business,” said Steve Lydecker, Acuity Brands Lighting Sr. Vice President, Controls & Systems. “Technology is transforming the lighting industry like never before, and Acuity Brands is a leading architect in that transformation. The increasing acceptance of LED lighting and the advent of intelligent lighting control systems like nLight have created a paradigm shift in this industry. Our ability to train our customers and business partners about these changes is critical. The new training center at our Sensor Switch facility will help us do just that.”
The company schedules regular two-day or customized training sessions on both its standard occupancy and daylight sensor lines as well as the nLight system. For more information or to register for any upcoming training session, visit www.sensorswitch.com/training.aspx.
By Lighting Controls Association, on July 23, 2010
Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. has launched the LED Control Center of Excellence. This new resource is devoted to providing answers to all questions about LED lighting solutions.
As the use of energy-saving LEDs becomes more widespread in both commercial and residential applications, it is clear that there are many questions about which LED products are compatible with which lighting controls. For instance “dimmable” has not been clearly defined for LEDs. Despite manufacturers’ claims for dimmable LEDs, many do not perform well with a variety of dimmers, nor have compatible dimmers been identified.
The LED Control Center of Excellence is your single source for LED information about:
LED features and challenges
Control options
The need for controls
Product compatibility testing
Educational materials
One facet of the LED Control Center of Excellence is compatibility testing of LEDs lamps, fixtures, and drivers with Lutron controls to ensure compatibility and publish performance.
Compatibility between the LED array, driver, and control is essential so that products perform safely and customer expectations are met. As part of the LED Control Center of Excellence, Lutron has developed an LED Compatibility Matrix, located on the LED website – www.lutron.com/LED, explaining which Lutron dimmer/solution can be used with current LED products, and the level of performance that can be expected from each combination.
“Lutron is subject matter expert on LEDs to help customers with questions about LEDs and avoid potential compatibility problems in the field. As the world leader in lighting control and dimming, Lutron has now made our expertise on LED lighting solutions available to anyone that needs it,” says Lutron Vice President of Commercial Solutions Ed Blair.
Three ways to reach the LED Control Center of Excellence:
Additionally, Lutron continues to work closely with many LED companies to develop highly reliable solutions that will help shape the industry now and well into the future. During this on-going process, it has become clear that an information source for the commercial and residential communities is needed. Lutron hopes the new LED Control Center of Excellence will be the go-to industry source for LED control information.
For educational opportunities on LEDs, Lutron offers an AIA HSW/SD registered course titled “Controlling LEDs to Meet Customer Expectations” (AIA HSW/SD Program # CLED10). For more information on this and other courses, please visit www.lutron.com/ceu.
For more information about Lutron, visit www.lutron.com.
By Lighting Controls Association, on June 23, 2010
For advanced dimming capabilities, Prescolite’s premium downlights – D4LED4, D6LED3 and D6LED4 – are now available with Lutron’s high performance dimming options.
According to Ron Newbold, Vice President of Brand Management for Prescolite, this new offering is an alternative to the traditional – and limited – options that are available for dimming interior spaces with high ceilings. High intensity discharge lights (HID) aren’t easily dimmable and often have issues when cycled on/off due to their need to cool down during restriking, while inefficient T4 quartz lamps don’t last long and radiate a tremendous amount of heat. Also, it can be difficult to change a T4 quartz lamp that may sit above multiple rows of seats in settings that feature high ceilings.
Prescolite’s configurable optics produce center beam power (up to 11,000 CBCP) ideal for higher ceiling applications. Combined with Lutron LED dimming options, D4LED4, D6LED3 and D6LED4 fixtures offer the perfect solution for dimming capabilities in a wide variety of environments. And with a life of 50,000 hours, these fixtures are virtually maintenance free.
Hi-lume® LED Lutron dimming options for D4LED4, D6LED3 and D6LED4
Designed as a superior product to T4 quartz lamps, Prescolite’s LED downlights offer a number of benefits, including:
Spot (180), medium (250), flood (350), or wide flood (450)
70, 80, and 90 CRI options
A variety of color temperatures (2700K, 3500K, 4000K and 5000K)
Premium glare control
Energy savings
Lutron’s high performance Hi-lume® LED drivers dim smoothly and continuously to one percent. Additionally, they guarantee seamless compatibility with a wide variety of Lutron control options such as:
Digital controls including EcoSystem, Grafik Eye QS and Quantum
Analog controls including any standard Lutron 3-wire dimmer or GP series control panel
“We are excited to offer this powerful combination to lighting designers and specifiers in the industry,” said Bart Manguno, OEM account manager for Lutron. “Prescolite’s premium downlights with Lutron’s high performance dimming offers a sophisticated control system for a variety of interior spaces.”
For more information about Hi-lume® LED Lutron dimming, visit www.lutron.com.
By Lighting Controls Association, on June 23, 2010
Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. has launched an LED industry-changing product: the Hi-lume® A-Series LED Driver. The Hi-lume A-Series is the world’s first LED driver to offer smooth, continuous, 1% dimming for virtually any LED fixture, whether it requires constant current or constant voltage, making it the most versatile LED driver available today.
In an industry of varying design standards, Lutron brings a driver solution that can work with almost any manufacturer’s LED fixtures.
Full compatibility
Supports constant-current and constant-voltage outputs over a wide range of current and voltage levels for driving LED loads up to 40 Watts
Available in two form factors, compact and stick, to fit almost any LED fixture
Provides constant-current reduction (CCR) or pulse-width modulation (PWM) dimming options for constant current LED loads
Unmatched performance
Dims continuously from 100% to 1% lighting level
Precision microprocessor control and integral thermal management deliver energy savings and extended product life
Flexible and reliable
Works with ELV controls, 3-wire fluorescent controls, and EcoSystem® digital controls
One driver family for all fixture types ensures consistent operation and performance
Operates from 120 to 277V input voltage
“Lutron is excited to announce this revolutionary product to the ever-growing LED market. As the world leader in light control, we are proud to offer another product that makes design easier and contributes to saving energy,” says Lutron Director of Product Development, Russ MacAdam.
Fixture manufacturers can develop a design based on the exact specifications they want, without worrying about whether or not a driver is available to support it. And specifiers can focus on specifying performance and control type, without worrying if the fixture they want offers those options.
Lutron’s Hi-lume® A-Series LED Driver is the only LED driver you need to consider for your project. For use in commercial or residential applications, the Hi-lume® A-Series LED Driver installs easily into new construction or existing spaces. Users will enjoy unprecedented levels of flexibility and comfort, while saving energy. More information on this product line can be found at www.lutron.com/HilumeLED.
Additionally, contractors and specifiers seeking LED solutions can visit www.lutron.com/LED for more information. This industry site also includes a Product Selection Tool explaining which Lutron controls are compatible with LED fixtures from others, and what performance can be expected from each combination. It also lists what LED fixtures have been tested and deemed compatible with Lutron LED drivers.
For more information about Lutron, visit www.lutron.com.
With more than 4 billion incandescent lamps installed in homes, retrofit represents the biggest opportunity for LED technology in residential applications. Currently, directional LED replacement lamps are beginning to offer suitable alternatives to directional incandescent lamps, and manufacturers are working on viable replacements for omnidirectional incandescent lamps. LED technology has the potential to offer significant benefits to consumers, such as energy savings, no radiated heat or ultraviolet output, no contained mercury, and long service life.
An issue of critical importance will be compatibility with the large installed base of lighting controls. It is estimated that there are some 150 million incandescent dimmers installed in American homes. Consumers value high-performance dimming, which offers the benefits of energy savings and mood setting. Additionally, application of energy-saving vacancy sensors continue to increase, driven largely by the Title 24 energy code.
Aside from poor performance with some low-end motion sensors, switching usually does not present any issues; well-designed integrated LED lamps turn ON and achieve full brightness instantly, making them friendly with switches, and frequent switching does not affect lamp life, making them friendly for use with vacancy sensors.
At first glance, LED technology appears to be very friendly with dimming control, with dimmable integrated LED lamps available. However, the given integrated lamp must be rated as compatible with the given line-voltage dimmer.
This whitepaper describes current LED dimming issues and offers application guidance to avoid unwanted performance.
Integrated LED replacement lamps may receive several potential positive benefits from dimming.
Dimmer operation and user expectations
Line-voltage dimmers, typically forward phase-cut devices due to their simple design and economical cost, turn incandescent lamps ON and OFF 120 times per second, imperceptibly to the naked eye, usually with an electronic device called a triac switch. The dimmer enables the user to alter the proportion of ON time to OFF time, raising or lowering average voltage and resulting lamp power and light output.
Many users’ visual performance expectations have been shaped by their experience with dimming incandescent lamps, and therefore should be taken into account when evaluating the dimming performance of an integrated LED replacement lamp. Incandescents, for example, can be dimmed to very low light levels, with dimming range expressed as a percentage of the full light output level, and the lamps started at the minimum light level setting. Light level changes smoothly and quickly, without flicker or shimmer effects. A group of lamps operated by a single dimmer will dim uniformly. The lamps and control will make very little noise. And the lamp will become “warmer” in color tone at lower light levels.
Dimming and LEDs
Integrated LED replacement lamps may receive several potential positive benefits from dimming. For example, unlike compact fluorescent and incandescent lamps, LEDs produce light output that is proportional to electrical input. An LED operating at 50 percent of its initial rated power will produce about 50 percent of its initial rated light output. Towards the lower end of the dimming range, efficacy actually increases, the result of dimming lowering internal temperatures in the LED device and thereby increasing its light output. For example, as shown in Table 1 below, a sample LED product, which can dim from 100 percent to 10 percent of full output, experiences a dramatic increase in LED efficiency at its maximum dimming level.
Table 1. Example of LED dimming system performance. Source: NEMA LSD 49-2010.
Meanwhile, dimming may extend LED product life. Unlike compact fluorescent and incandescent lamps, integrated LED lamp life is based on lumen maintenance—specifically L70, or the point at which the lamp is producing only 70 percent of its original light output (general lighting) or L50, at which the lamp is producing only 50 percent of its original output (decorative lighting). Because reducing LED internal temperatures increases light output, the LED product’s useful life is likely to be extended, as show in Table 2 below. Additionally, high operating temperatures can cause a color shift towards blue among most white LEDs as their phosphors fail; by reducing temperatures, this color shift can be delayed.
Table 2. Typical lifetime of light sources at full light output and when dimmed. Source: NEMA LSD 49-2010.
Compatibility issues
Not all LED replacement lamps are compatible with all existing dimmers, and not all lamps are even compatible with dimming at all. Some lamps are line-voltage AC LED products that do not use driver circuits or power supplies, and work directly on 120VAC power and with compatible existing dimmer controls, but may present a risk of flicker. Other lamps contain integrated drivers and power supplies, which provide required current at a high frequency and thereby enable dimming with minimal flicker. The driver may be a constant current or voltage device; constant-current drivers regulate current and allow output voltage to adjust, while constant-voltage driver regulate voltage regardless of the current drawn by the load. Constant-current drivers are generally recommended for integrated LED replacement lamps. For the product to be dimmable, the driver must be designed to interpret control signals and produce a range of LED current; the added control circuitry and broader current range can produce higher energy savings but with a tradeoff of lower driver efficiency.
As LEDs are still a young technology and standards are still being developed, selecting LED replacement lamps and matching them with existing dimmers should be approached with caution. LED lamps and controls should be verified as compatible (assume they are not until proven otherwise). Any chosen product should meet safety performance requirements as well as power quality and industry standard specifications. The driver should have a rated life comparable to the LED array (20,000 to 50,000 hours). If layering dimmable and non-dimmable LED lighting in the same space, these different systems may age differently, resulting in diverging light output levels and degree of color shift. Because light output increases at the low end of the dimming range, the light output and dimmer setting may drift out of proportion at this low end. And because incandescent line-voltage dimmers are designed specifically for incandescent lamps, their requirements—such as constant leakage current path, minimum load, resistive impedance, which are met by most incandescent lamps—must be met by the given LED product, or else the product may flash, flicker, not turn ON or operationally fail.
Ask the right questions
Below is a list of questions to ask when evaluating compatibility between given dimmers and integrated LED replacement lamps:
Are all components in the system rated as compatible and supported by their manufacturers?
Has the system’s particular component combination been tested to ensure it will work as specified?
What is the maximum dimming level of the lamp?
Is the relationship between the dimmer control position and light output known?
What is the maximum load allowed by the dimmer? Is there a minimum load requirement?
Does the LED product turn ON at all dimming levels of the dimmer?
Does the LED product turn OFF or “cut out” during the travel of the dimmer?
Is there noticeable flicker or stroboscopic effect when the LED product is dimmed?
Is there any color shift when the LED product?
Does the dimmer make audible noise during dimming the LED product?
Many of these questions are related to a device designed to dim incandescent lamps being used to dim LED lamps. In short, incandescent lamp dimmer reliability is ensured if each of the stresses when the dimmer drives non-incandescent loads is less than the stress when the dimmer drives the rated incandescent load.
For more information
These and other compatibility issues are covered in greater technical detail in a whitepaper recently published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA): LSD 49-2010 Solid State Lighting for Incandescent Replacement: Best Practices for Dimming, produced by the organization’s Solid State Lighting Section. This whitepaper provides recommendations for the dimming and design of screw-based incandescent replacement solid-state lighting products. The main object of the paper is to encourage coordination among control, power supply and LED module manufacturers to achieve desired performance and product harmonization throughout the market. The paper is a precursor to a NEMA standard that will provide metrics for evaluating LED dimming compatibility and performance.
HONORABLE MENTION: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc RadioRA 2 Phase-Adaptive Dimmer
