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CATEGORY: Products » Residential
By Lighting Controls Association, on December 27, 2011
 Leviton can make the transition to Standard Time even easier for homeowners with its Vizia+ 24-Hour Programmable Timer. The timer can be programmed to automatically adjust to and from Daylight Saving Time, allowing homeowners to enjoy an effortless transition when clocks are turned back one hour on Nov. 6.
The Vizia+ 24-Hour Programmable Timer features a built-in astronomical clock that automatically adjusts the timer to local sunrise and sunset times for year-round efficient lighting control. The wall-mounted timer is easy to program for precise automation of all indoor and outdoor lighting. With the random option setting, lights can be programmed to turn ON and OFF at varying intervals within a 15-minute range, giving the home a consistent and secure appearance. The device is particularly useful for second residences, where owners may not have easy access to lighting timers.
In addition to the Vizia+ 24-Hour Timer, Leviton offers a line of digital plug-in timers that also feature an astronomical clock and random option setting. Perfect for control of indoor lamps and seasonal lighting, they are programmable in the same user-friendly fashion as the Vizia+ 24-Hour Timer and coordinate with Leviton’s Decora® devices and wallplates.
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 May 10, 2011
Lutron Electronics recently announced that its new Diva C•L dimmer has won the 2011 Consumer Electronics Association Gold Mark of Excellence award in the Green Product of the Year category.
The Mark of Excellence Awards program, presented by CEA’s TechHome Division, recognizes the best in home electronics products, services and installed technology. Each year, manufacturers, distributors and systems integrators enter to compete in award categories for this coveted honor judged by independent experts within the industry.
Lutron’s new C•L dimmer family works not only with today’s most popular light bulbs, like incandescent and halogen, but also with dimmable CFLs and LEDs, which are expected to become even more widely adopted over the next 10 years. By installing one of these new dimmers, homeowners are able to reliably control the widest range of dimmable light sources available in the market today.
Lutron’s new C•L dimmers have been engineered to specifically address issues commonly found when dimming CFLs with standard incandescent dimmers, including lights dropping out, lights not turning on and lights turning off unexpectedly.
C•L dimmers use Lutron’s HED™ Technology, which features advanced dimming circuitry designed for compatibility with most high efficacy light bulbs to alleviate the aforementioned problems of dimming CFLs and LEDs. And with HED Technology, the dimmers can also dim a mixed load of light sources (i.e. LED and halogen or CFL and LED bulbs) on the same circuit.
The Diva/C•L dimmer is available now at home improvement centers, lighting showrooms, electrical distributors, electrical contractors and online for $39.70.
By Lighting Controls Association, on November 12, 2009
 WattStopper has launched the RT-200 Astronomical Time Switch, augmenting the company’s already extensive line of energy-efficient residential lighting controls. The new user-programmable time switch turns lights, or other electrical loads, on and off relative to dusk or dawn, or at selected times of day, providing energy savings and security both inside and outside the home. It is compliant with the requirements of California’s Title 24-2008 for outdoor lighting control.
The RT-200 is the first astronomical time switch produced by WattStopper, and was developed to give homeowners a wider range of lighting control options. It includes a bright organic LED (OLED) display, hidden programming buttons and a large on/off control button. The time switch may be programmed with up to eight control schedules to activate lighting at different times on one or more days of the week. After entering the local time, date, latitude and longitude, users navigate through simple menus to establish the control schedules. The OLED display facilitates wide-angle viewing of the menus, and the control button allows residents the option of manually switching lighting on or off. Advanced features include an optional audible beep and/or a visible flash to warn of an impending off-time.
When programmed relative to dusk or dawn, the Astronomical Time Switch saves energy by automatically making daily adjustments to on- and off-times throughout the year, so lighting is only turned on when it is needed as the days become longer or shorter. The RT-200 was developed primarily for control of outdoor lighting, spas and entryway lighting, where it also provides security by turning lighting on to make the home feel inviting and appear to be occupied. The internal clock automatically resets for daylight savings time.
The low-profile, decorator-style RT-200 Astronomical Time Switch complements WattStopper’s countdown time switches and residential vacancy sensors, and is available in five colors. It operates most common types of residential lighting, including energy-saving LEDs, as well as motor loads up to 1/6 horsepower. WattStopper’s residential vacancy sensors and controls are available from electrical distributors and retailers, including hardware stores and home improvement centers. WattStopper’s award-winning “Quick Guide to Reducing Lighting Energy Use at Home” and an online multimedia program educate consumers about the benefits of energy-saving lighting controls and how to select the right product for each application.
For more information about WattStopper, visit www.wattstopper.com.
By Lighting Controls Association, on November 12, 2009
Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, announced today its sponsorship of this week’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build near the company’s Peru, Ind., facility. As Benefactor Sponsor, Schneider Electric will provide energy-efficient products, volunteer support from the local plant and a financial contribution to support the family receiving the custom-built home.
Today, Ty Pennington and the show’s design team will knock on the door of one lucky family in Indiana to notify it that it will receive a brand-new custom-built home. The family will then meet the Build team, sponsors and community that will be building its new home in just one week. The build will take place from Oct. 21 through 27 when the newly constructed house will be revealed to the homeowners, also known as the time for “Move that bus!”
“Schneider Electric has a long-standing commitment to both community involvement and sustainable development,” said Amy Huntington, president, Schneider Electric USA. “This sponsorship enables our company and employees from our facility in Peru to positively impact the lives of local residents by supporting this family in need.”
As part of its commitment to help people make the most of their energy, Schneider Electric will donate the following products, which will help reduce energy consumption and lower costs for the homeowner:
• Juno® Recessed LED Downlights, advanced LED technology resulting in brighter and whiter illumination, provide 50,000 hours of operation, resulting in more than 11 years of maintenance-free operation based on 12 hours of usage per day. Energy Star®-rated and environmentally friendly Juno LED fixtures save 85 percent in energy costs annually over traditional incandescent fixtures.
• Load Center and Circuit Breakers, including the Square D® 240V NQ lighting panelboard from Schneider Electric that is easier to get to a job site and install compared with similar products. This helps maximize a contractor’s ability to meet tight deadlines and keep a project on schedule. Square D QO® circuit breakers are easily recognized by the red Visi-Trip® Indicator, which makes it easy to spot a tripped circuit breaker. The Square D exclusive Qwik-Open® protection is standard on all 15A and 20A circuit breakers — trip reaction within 1/60th of a second. No other circuit breaker trips faster.
• Whole-house Surge Protection, namely the Surgebreaker® Plus whole-house surge protector, provides surge protection ratings of 80,000A, and whole-house protection for valuable appliances and home electronics with surge protection that addresses the electrical, telephone and TV systems.
In addition to product donations, Schneider Electric is making a cash donation to the family, bringing the company’s total donation to approximately $40,000. Throughout the build this week, employees from Schneider Electric’s facility in Peru will volunteer on-site. This facility, which manufactures panelboards for Schneider Electric, is a primary employer in the region.
Other business and community partners include: Hallmark Homes, Inc., Anderson University, Carter Lumber, BiltBest Windows, Reese Wholesale, ClimateMaster, J&N Stone, Modern Trailer Sales, Blakley’s Flooring, Madison Millwork and Ball State University.
For more information about Schneider Electric, visit www.squaredlightingcontrol.com.
By Lighting Controls Association, on October 12, 2009
 Leviton Manufacturing Co. has expanded its award-winning Vizia RF+® line of radio frequency-based lighting and home controls with three new combination devices that offer lucrative opportunities for installers in the home controls market. Designed for “no new wires” installations in retrofit environments, these stylish devices replace a single switch or dimmer with a multi-button combination switch/controller that provides local load control plus the additional benefit of scene and/or zone (area) control.
The new Vizia RF+ offering includes: a 4-Button Scene Controller with Switch and Optional IR Remote Capability; a 4-Button Zone (Area) Controller with Switch and Optional IR Remote Capability; and a 2-Button Scene Controller with 2 Switches.
The 4-Button Scene Controller with Switch provides control of up to four unique lighting scenes as well as ON/OFF control of its connected load. The top four buttons on the device provide ON/OFF switching of four scenes, while one button provides ON/OFF control of a single-pole switch. The bottom button transmits DIM/BRIGHT commands to the most recently switched-ON scene. An optional IR Handheld Remote Controller can be used to activate a scene and to dim or brighten the lights. Button labels are available to identify the scene that each button is controlling.
The 4-Button Zone Controller with Switch affords remote control of up to four Vizia RF+ scene-capable devices in addition to ON/OFF control of its connected load. The top four buttons on the device provide ON/OFF control of specific assigned areas and one button provides local (single-pole switch) load control. The bottom button on the device transmits DIM/BRIGHT commands to the most recently switched-ON zone. An optional IR Handheld Remote Controller can also be used for zone control and to dim or brighten the lights. Button labels are available to identify the areas being controlled.
The 2-Button Scene Controller with Switches provides remote control of up to two different scenes in a Vizia RF+ home lighting network as well as ON/OFF switching of two lighting loads in a single wallbox.
The new line of innovative Vizia RF+ multi-button wall-mounted controllers makes it possible for installers to offer an innovative solution that enables homeowners to control local loads throughout their homes without having to install extra devices in the walls. These four and two-button controllers provide exceptional one-touch control convenience without the need for additional wires, labor and costs. From a single location, homeowners can set up timed events for energy saving and safety, as well as convenient control of lighting scenes and zones from either the controller units or from a handheld remote.
Z-Wave® to ensure superior integration and reliability with Z-Wave-enabled devices used to control HVAC, shades, garage doors and other home systems. The result is an affordable whole-house automation solution with a wide range of benefits for contractors and their homeowner customers.
For more information about Leviton Manufacturing, visit www.leviton.com.
By Lighting Controls Association, on September 12, 2009
The Schneider Electric North American Operating Division has earned the prestigious Partners of Choice Award from David Weekley Homes, the second-largest for-profit, privately held homebuilder in the United States. Schneider Electric achieved an “A,A” rating in quality and service — the highest rating possible — in David Weekley Homes’ annual National Trading Partners Survey. Schneider Electric supplies Square D® brand residential electrical distribution solutions to David Weekley Homes, including load centers, circuit breakers and surge arresters.
David Weekley Homes, founded in 1976, is headquartered in Houston and operates in 14 cities across the United States. David Weekley Homes was the first builder in the United States to be awarded the Triple Crown of American Home Building, an honor which includes “America’s Best Builder,” “Builder of the Year,” and the “National Housing Quality Award.” Weekley has also appeared seven times on FORTUNE® magazine’s coveted “100 Best Companies to Work For” list. Since inception, David Weekley Homes has closed more than 60,000 homes.
“Schneider Electric is truly honored to have earned this year’s highest award,” said Mike Matthews, residential marketing manager for Schneider Electric North America. “As a leader in electrical distribution and energy management, Schneider Electric is committed to providing outstanding quality in our solutions and the best service to our residential partners. This award represents our continual commitment to homebuilders nationwide.”
The Partners of Choice Awards are based on the David Weekley Homes’ National Trading Partners Survey, a running quarterly review of about 150 suppliers. Nearly 600 team members from all levels within the company provide the ratings. Suppliers are rated on quality and service, and the scores for each company are averaged and ranked with all others that participate. This year only 11 suppliers received the prestigious “A,A” award for achieving the highest ranking in both quality and service.
“World-class can be defined as the willingness for a company to put its products and services up against anybody, anytime, anywhere and come out on top. The National Trading Partners Survey is a practical, quantitative way for measuring world-class excellence,” said Bill Justus, vice president of supply chain services for David Weekley Homes, based in Houston. “As evidenced by its scores on our survey, Schneider Electric has delivered on its promises to provide first-rate quality solutions and services to David Weekley Homes.”
By Lighting Controls Association, on July 12, 2009
Green Life Smart Life™, a Rhode Island-based green building showcase home, has announced Lutron Electronics as the home’s lighting control partner. Lutron, whose products save 9.2 billion kWh annually, will be showcasing its HomeWorks® total home lighting control system in the home.
The HomeWorks total home lighting control system provides unprecedented flexibility, power and versatility to home lighting and streamlines connections with other home systems, such as security, whole-house audio and energy monitoring systems. Lighting control is an integral factor in minimizing a home’s energy consumption. By dimming an incandescent light by 15 percent, which is virtually unnoticeable to the human eye, homeowners can prolong the life of the bulb by four years and save 15 percent on electricity. The Green Life Smart Life Lutron lighting control system will be programmed to include a high-end trim of 85% for every connected light in the house.
Lutron was well-suited to this project particularly because of its leadership in compatibility and control of the newest and most energy-efficient light fixtures and lamp types. Control of LED-based lights is especially challenging because they are built quite differently from traditional light bulbs, and behave differently when dimmed or linked in groups. With 70 recessed LED lights in the project, specified because of their ENERGY STAR® certification and their dimmable control from Lutron, the project saves 7730 kWh over traditional 65 watt incandescent light bulbs and 791 kWh over today’s 26 watt CFLs (calculations based on 1000 hours of use).
The Lutron HomeWorks system not only helps homeowners reduce energy consumption by dimming the home’s lights, but also enables the users to create lighting scenes for optimal performance. A lighting scene readies the home for a specific event, such as a “party”, “movie time”, and “all off”. Activated by pressing designated buttons on the Lutron keypad, or through the home automation platform, the Lutron system will turn lights on or off automatically depending on the homeowner’s preference, ensuring that only the essential lights are powered on. The system will also use the Lutron “Green” button, which reduces energy consumption with a single button press.
For the Green Life Smart Life project, Lutron’s HomeWorks will be programmed to manage load shedding of high-energy appliances such as the refrigerator and will shut the unit down from 1AM to 4 AM daily. The system also features automatic controls from motion sensors, occupancy and vacancy sensors, magnetic door switches, and even a sensor buried below the driveway for security and exterior lighting control.
By Lighting Controls Association, on February 12, 2009
Lighting control manufacturer Lutron Electronics has announced that its HomeWorks® whole-home lighting control system can now be accessed and controlled via Apple iPhone and iPod Touch devices.
Utilize the on-the-go convenience of adding Lutron lighting and shade control to an iPod Touch or iPhone home screen. With the touch of an icon, users gain complete access to their HomeWorks keypads no matter where they are.
Just like the keypads in a home, this new application enables users to:
* Set the mood for arriving guests and welcome them to a well-lit home, even if they are not there.
* Save energy by turning off lights that may have been left on while away.
* Use the iPhone or iPod Touch to control lights, music and ambiance in a home, creating a complete entertainment experience, even from the deck in the backyard.
The application will be available free of charge on iTunes® starting in early January.
How Does a HomeWorks Lighting Control System Work?
Lighting control systems “connect” all of a home’s light switches and dimmers to each other, regardless of home size, and lets them be controlled from a variety of remotes inside and outside the home. System dimmers and switches can be controlled individually, operating like a typical dimmer or switch, or can operate in conjunction with several dimmers and switches at the same time to create a lighting scene.
A lighting scene readies the home for a specific event such as a party, movie or bedtime. Scenes are activated by pressing designated buttons on Lutron remotes, turning some lights on and some lights off depending on your preference for that activity. For example, an “Entertain” button could turn lights on to 75% brightness in the foyer, 65% in the kitchen and 50% in the family room, while turning lights off in “off-limit” areas like the master bedroom, playroom and mud room.
Lighting control systems can be easily integrated with other sub-systems, including audio/video products, like programmable remote controls, projection screens and touchscreens, as well as security systems, HVAC and automated window shading systems.
HomeWorks system devices are available in wired and wireless options. The wireless devices utilize Lutron’s reliable, proprietary radio frequency (RF) technology.
By Lighting Controls Association, on February 12, 2009
 While planning the Palms of Perdido condominium project on beautiful Perdido Key, Florida, developers and resident owners Dick and Teresa Domurat spent several years researching amenities, including lighting controls. They selected Miro wireless RF controls and occupancy sensors from Watt Stopper/Legrand based on ease of installation, simplicity of system expansion and product performance and styling.
The new building is 14 stories with 23 luxury residences ranging from approximately 4,000 square feet to 5,400 square-foot townhouse penthouses with roof gardens. The architectural detailing is reminiscent of the classic hotels that are icons on the Florida coast. Mrs. Domurat, who is responsible for the interior design, explains that the project is very “design and detail sensitive, and Watt Stopper’s Miro architectural styling fits well.”
Residential lighting controls
In each residence, the GrandSalon has been equipped with Watt Stopper universal dimmers, driving a variety of downlighting and track lighting, and a room scene controller that allows residents to quickly set the mood with preset lighting. House scene controllers in the master bedrooms facilitate shutting down Miro-controlled lighting at night and turning scenes on remotely.
Additional Watt Stopper Miro controls have been installed in the penthouses for all the lighting and ceiling fans. In their own penthouse, the Domurats enjoy using a touch screen and have a time clock that executes basic scenes, including automatically turning lighting off at night. House-level scenes have been created for pathways of lighting throughout the residence and for security.
 This penthouse unit also serves as a showplace, and when new owners see the convenience afforded by the additional controls they, too, are choosing to expand their Miro systems. Mr. Domurat notes, “Our buyers expect the best products in every category. Watt Stopper delivers on that promise.”
System flexibility
Miro’s distributed intelligence and wireless control combine to provide the flexibility that was required for the Palms project. Miro scene information is stored in the dimmers, so there is no need for a central processor. The dimmers and the scene controllers communicate using an RF protocol without any control wiring. These features make Miro easy and economical to install, expand and reconfigure.
There is no interference between the controls in different condominium units because Miro assigns a unique House ID to each system and codes all communications with that ID. This also prevents interference from any other systems using the 900 MHz frequency band.
Automatic control for public areas
In the future, a concierge will oversee the elegant Palms Club, but at present a Miro time clock reliably evokes lighting scenes throughout the day and night to establish the desired ambience. Residents using the club can easily adjust lighting levels as needed using individual dimmers or room scene controllers.
Watt Stopper occupancy sensors have been installed throughout the Fitness Center to automatically turn lighting on when the spaces become occupied. Passive infrared (PIR) devices were selected for the open club area while ultrasonic sensors, which can sense around partitions, were used for the restrooms. Dual technology sensors, which use both PIR and ultrasonic technologies, were selected for the locker areas. All of the sensors ensure energy savings by turning lighting off after each space is vacated.
 Future plans
The Palms developers intend to further enhance the property with landscape lighting and additional Watt Stopper controls due to their satisfaction with the products and service to date. They also plan to add plug-in lamp modules to the Palms Club system in order to include desk and floor lamps in the programmed lighting scenes, and use the occupancy emulation feature on a Miro repeater in the showcase penthouse for additional security.
“I love the simplicity of programming the systems, the local switches that permit easy override and the ability to expand. And working with the helpful sales and support teams, including AMA Lighting, has been a pleasure. We couldn’t be happier with our decision to use Watt Stopper controls,” Mr. Domurat concludes.
For more information about Watt Stopper/Legrand, visit www.wattstopper.com.
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