Question 1

What are types of lighting controls?

Accepted Answer

There are several types of lighting controls, including:

Manual controls, such as switches and dimmers, which allow users to manually turn lights on and off and adjust their brightness.
Automatic controls, such as motion sensors and timers, which turn lights on and off based on occupancy or a pre-set schedule.
Daylight harvesting controls, which adjust the light level in a space based on the amount of natural light coming in through windows.
Networked controls, such as those connected to a building management system, which allow for remote control and monitoring of lighting.
Scene-based controls, which allow users to set different lighting scenes for different activities or moods.
Smart controls, which allow the control of lighting via web browsers and include the ability to integrate with other smart devices.

Question 2

What is the purpose of lighting control?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of lighting control is to optimize the use of artificial light in buildings and spaces to improve energy efficiency, enhance the user experience and meet the specific needs of different activities and tasks.

Energy efficiency: Lighting controls can reduce energy consumption by turning lights off when they are not needed, dimming lights when less light is required and adjusting lights based on natural light levels.
User experience: Lighting controls can create a more comfortable and inviting environment by adjusting light levels for different tasks and activities and by creating different lighting scenes for different moods.
Specific needs: Lighting controls can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different activities and tasks, such as providing task lighting for reading and working, accent lighting for artwork and safety lighting for emergency exits and stairways.

Additionally, lighting control also can enhance safety and security by providing appropriate light levels in hallways, stairways and other public areas.

Question 3

What are the four parts of a lighting control system?

Accepted Answer

The four main parts of a lighting control system are:

Control devices, such as switches, dimmers and sensors, which allow users to manually or automatically turn lights on and off and adjust their brightness.
Control panels, which act as the brain of the lighting control system and provide power, communication and control functions.
Wiring, which connects the control devices and control panels to the lights and other components of the system.
Software, which provides a user interface for programming, monitoring and controlling the lighting system.

Some advanced lighting control systems may also include additional components such as gateways for connecting to a building management system (BMS) or the internet, as well as power supplies and other accessories.

Question 4

What is lighting control strategy?

Accepted Answer

A lighting control strategy is a plan or method for designing and implementing a lighting control system in a building or space. It outlines how the lighting system will be controlled and how it will interact with other building systems. The goal of the lighting control strategy is to achieve energy efficiency, enhance the user experience and meet the specific needs of different activities and tasks.

A lighting control strategy typically includes:

A detailed assessment of the space and the lighting needs of the building and its users.
A description of the types of control devices and systems that will be used, such as manual controls, automatic controls and networked controls.
A plan or sequence of operations for how the lighting will be controlled, including schedules, scenes and strategies for adjusting lights based on occupancy, natural light levels and other factors.
A plan for integration with other building systems, such as HVAC and security systems.
A maintenance and testing plan to ensure the system is working correctly and efficiently over time.

It's important to note that lighting control strategy is a constantly evolving process as technology advancements, energy policies, user needs and building codes change.

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