Lighting control – What does it consist of?

Before the lighting was controlled simply with switches, then came the lamp dimmers and later lighting control systems. In recent years, lighting control has evolved to become increasingly intelligent.

Intelligent lighting control saves energy and raises the lifetime of the lights, but did you know that it also increases your wellbeing?

How does lighting control work?

Lighting control provides the right lighting and atmosphere. Control can achieve significant energy savings, especially in areas where there is a lot of luminaires.

Week and day and clock time controls can be added to the control system. Lighting can be controlled from different operating panels or mobile devices. The intensity, colours and colour temperature of the lighting are adjustable if only these characteristics exist in the luminaire.

Nowadays, the systems are mostly wireless and intelligent. Different sensors can be connected to the system to measure the lighting level of the space and the mode of movement and presence. They understand the space and its use, and automatically adjust the light as needed. This way the space always has the correct, desired amount of light at the right time.

Wellbeing with human-centric lighting

We need light to see our environment, but light is also important for our inner clock. When we spend a lot of time indoors, the characteristics of artificial light are important. For example, the color spectrum, light intensity, and timing. In human-centric lighting, these qualities are provided to support our wellbeing.

Light influences our mood and our activity level. Human-centric illumination has been shown to increase prosperity, motivation and productivity. It can also support circadian rhythm, improve concentration and prevent sleep disturbance.

Thanks to its wellbeing and alertness features, human-centric lighting is beneficial for example in a working environment. Below is an example of a control plan that has been developed to help employees focus on working hours and relax during lunch and before departure.

• 09.00 Warm light for a relaxing day start.
• 09.30 Cool white focus light for additional stimulation.
• 11.30 Standard workstation light.
• 12.45 Lunch: Relax with warm light when preparing for lunch.
• 13.45 Energy light for full concentration after lunch.
• 15.30 Standard workstation light.
• 16.45 Warm light reduces tension before returning to home.

Lighting Control for Home

The installation of lighting control at home is usually straightforward. In the simplest solutions, only wireless receivers are required, which are installed in electrical outlets. There are also different types of lamps on the market where wireless technology is integrated. They are also often equipped with base stations to implement a dedicated network for lighting control. When the control is planned for the object from the very beginning, the control technology and the “brain” is usually placed in the home electrical center, and is to be used with push-buttons or mobile devices. There are several methods of implementation.

Thus, the easiest way of installing lighting control is by putting the plug on the wall, but in the wider assemblies, the electrician is required.

What to consider before acquiring the lighting control system?

First, think about your needs and your desires regarding lighting. You can write down what is being done in any space, what kind of lights there already are, or what kind of lights are designed to be installed.

At CARIITTI we help you with the choice of lighting control system. All our lights are designed to fit seamlessly together with a wide range of control systems.

The video introduces to you the Mount Kelvin wireless lighting control system.

Lighting Control in brief:

• Lighting control has developed a lot and offers a large number of different options.
• The simplest solutions are easy to install, the more versatile solutions require professional help.
• Intelligent lighting learns how you use the premises and adjust the lighting according to it.
• Human-centric lighting increases the wellbeing and alertness, supporting the human natural biological clock.
• If you are not sure what kind of solution is right for your premises, professionals can help.