www.thelia.org.

uk

LIGHTING
CONTROL GUIDE.

LIA Copyright © 2018. All information stated within this brochure is correct at time of publication – October 2018.
www.thelia.org.uk

OBJECTIVES OF THE GUIDE

The aims of this guide are:
To provide an appreciation of the benefits of lighting controls

• To demonstrate that the benefits and abilities extend beyond electricity use reduction
• To make the terminology of lighting controls more familiar
• To inform those who are considering the use of lighting controls
• To help match controls and light sources to ensure optimum results
• To show where expert and reputable advice may be sought
• To provide an introduction to a deeper understanding of the subject through training
• To provide a decision tree to assist in the selection of the most suitable lighting controls

The creation of this guide would not have been possible without the valuable help provided
by members of the LIA Controls Equipment Technical Committee (CETC).

Automatic lighting controls are often thought to be a dark art. In reality, they work in
the background to manage the lighting without fuss.

You can rely on a number of reputable suppliers to sort out the details to suit your
application. Just explain how, and when, your business works and they will design the best
control strategy and system for your needs.
www.thelia.org.uk

INTRODUCTION
This guide has been structured to give the reader a logical progression
through the subject of lighting controls. The subject is divided into a
number of sections, which are defined in the table below. Each section
can be read independently, and links will guide the reader to any
logical connections, both within this guide and to other relevant
sources.

NAVIGATING THIS GUIDE

Route to determine the control type for the application.

EVOLUTION OF CONTROLS FOR LIGHTING

This section provides the context for the guide and begins to familiarise the reader with the
reasons for using lighting controls. It describes the origins of the solutions and products
available today, while demonstrating that it is an established and reliable industry.

BENEFITS
Lighting controls are not only provided to reduce electricity use; there are much wider benefits.
They can be the means to deliver good lighting designs; to set moods and ambience. Controls
ensure that the right light is provided in the right place, at the right time.

TECHNIQUES
There are a number of ways to control lights; from simple wall switches to fully networked
management systems. This section describes the various ways lights are controlled both
manually and automatically; including daylight references and occupancy control.

APPLICATIONS
Different building types and accommodation require different lighting control solutions. The
most common applications are described and appropriate controls suggested. Sub-
headings include offices, industry, schools, hospitality, museums, floodlighting and shops.

TECHNOLOGIES
A brief technical description of generic lighting control products and systems is provided in
this section. All the component parts of a lighting control system are introduced, including
manual overrides, sensors, lighting control modules, software and interconnections.

STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS

An overview of the standards, regulations and guides that are relevant to the specification,
application and use of lighting controls. A number of links to Government and professional
bodies are provided here.

GLOSSARY
A dictionary of lighting and control terminology.
www.thelia.org.uk

NAVIGATING THIS GUIDE

www.thelia.org.uk

EVOLUTION OF CONTROLS
FOR LIGHTING
Lighting controls have existed for as long as we have had electric
artificial lighting. However, today the term lighting controls is
generally taken to refer to some form of electronic, or automatic
solution, rather than the simple, mains ON/OFF switch.
This section is intended to create a context for the understanding of lighting controls by explaining
their origins, and how they have developed over time; both technically and functionally.

Lighting Controls - the two branches and how they came about
The first lighting controls can be traced to the theatre / entertainment world where there was a
need to vary light output as well as to turn it ON and OFF. Initially largely manual in nature,
theatrical controls evolved into highly complex systems and began to spread to wider - but related
- applications. This branch has become known today as scene setting lighting controls.

More recently - from the late 1960s onwards - automatic lighting controls entered the commercial
built environment. The first systems were little more than an electronic switch that allowed the
use of pushbuttons and extra low voltage wiring. The first energy crisis in the mid-1970s brought
energy use in buildings into focus for the first time and gave purpose to this branch of the lighting
control evolution - to reduce lighting electricity consumption. The two branches of lighting
controls familiar to the built environment are, therefore: - Scene setting and Energy Saving

Dedicated theatrical control systems continued to evolve separately, but today they have
returned to influence the main stream market.

In order to assist the designer to select the most suitable lighting controls solution for the
application, a decision tree is provided for this purpose – follow this link.

Scene setting
The applications related to theatre lighting that led to scene setting lighting controls moving into
the built environment were auditoria, lecture theatres and conference facilities. The term scene
setting was derived from the fact that the systems generally allowed the user to select a specific
lighting effect; normally by pushing one button. This action would set the various lighting circuits
into a pre-set state - ON, OFF, or at a specific dimmed level.

These systems were usually manually operated and offered a wide range of static scenes - i.e.
once selected the lighting remained fixed until another scene was chosen.

Scene setting systems also dictated the choice of lighting source because not all could be
readily dimmed. Even today there are restrictions on certain light sources with respect to their
control. These systems were seen to be an integral part of the lighting design and often
specified by the lighting designer
www.thelia.org.uk

Energy saving
The early systems developed to control the use of lighting electricity relied heavily on the use of
localised switches overlaid with an automatic function that ensured lighting was turned OFF when
the building was expected to be empty. These functions included day light levels and time of day.

Most of the early energy saving lighting control systems were retrofitted into existing installations
and therefore had to be economical to install; they also only needed to be able to turn lights ON
and OFF. Dimming had not yet become practical in the commercial building world. And, in stark
contrast to the scene setting branch, energy saving lighting controls generally ignored the lighting
design. Little or no notice was taken of the original design intent.

This was especially true when pull switches were fitted to individual fixtures, allowing staff to
choose which lights were ON and which were OFF. The resulting ‘non-uniform’ lighting levels
were the subject of much debate (back then) in the world of lighting designers.

The impact on the original lighting design was, however, somewhat relieved by the fact that
most of these systems gave individual users far more control of their local lighting. This led
to higher satisfaction being observed in affected staff, and avoidance of the design issue.

+25% +50% +60% +75%

No dimming Manual PIR + manual Daylight linked Daylight linked

dimming dimming dimming dimming + PIR

Convergence
The two branches of lighting control began to converge when dimming became a practical
element of the energy saving systems. The introduction of the dimmable high frequency electronic
ballast for fluorescent lighting was the enabling technology.

As already mentioned, the past scene setting systems were all about dimming and levels and
energy saving systems relied on ON and OFF commands. Now the dimming function was
easily implemented in the building wide lighting controls; the basic functions of a light were no
longer just ON and OFF but DIM or BRIGHT according to current need.

Convergence, DALI, DMX and LEDs

In the meantime pure theatrical lighting control had moved down its own evolutionary path and
developed its own protocols; the most used of which is the DMX512. (See Sections 5 and 6.)
This protocol was developed to allow theatres to buy stage lighting from multiple vendors and
link it all to the ever more complex show control desks that delivered the lighting (and other)
effects on cue. As a result the DMX512 protocol is a highly robust and dynamic control method.
In a way two branches had become three; i.e. energy saving, scene setting and show control.
The arrival of LEDs onto the commercial lighting market has now brought the third way into the
convergence of lighting control systems. LEDs came first to the theatre and early luminaires were all
developed with DMX interfaces. As a consequence many of the evolved products moving into the
commercial market continued to support this technology. As LED fixtures have become viable as
commercial lighting solutions, the protocols from building lighting control systems have been adopted.
DALI and IP (internet protocol) interfaces are to be found in both LED luminaires and drivers.
www.thelia.org.uk

Integration and networks

The evolution of lighting control systems has involved many proprietary as well as open
protocols in creating networks. With these diverse communication methods the question of
integration to wider building management systems has been considered over the years.

The subject of integration is discussed in the technology section alongside the various
network protocols and interfacing options.

Conclusion
Lighting controls today are now developing along a more flexible, but integrated path, with the
idea that all the control needs of any lighting application can be met by a single system.

From simple stand-alone movement sensors and time delay switches, through to full
networked lighting management systems, controls can now meet the challenges of all types
of lighting including LEDs. Functionally controls can now:

• turn lights ON and OFF

• alter the intensity from dim to bright (where the light source is dimmable)
• set scenes statically or dynamically
• and with coloured light sources, change their hue and intensity

Add the fact energy saving lighting controls are practically required in order to meet
compliance with the Building Regulations, and the importance of this technology to lighting
design cannot be understated.
www.thelia.org.uk

BENEFITS
Lighting control systems of all types have been shown to deliver
a number of real benefits, including:

• Energy saving • Safety and convenience

• Installation cost reduction • Comfort, health and well-being
• Flexibility of building use • Compliance with standards and regulations
• Maintenance improvements

This section explains and quantifies these benefits with reference to case study material and other sources.

Energy saving
Energy saving lighting can be responsible for up to 40% of a building’s electricity use.

Lighting electricity use in commercial buildings can be successfully reduced if a control system
can take account of available day light and ensure that no unnecessary lighting is kept ON. In
early demonstration projects a number of case studies reported savings of 60% and more. This
was achieved without such devices as movement sensors.

Most of these successes involved the addition of individual switches for most of the light fittings.

The savings realised by lighting controls can vary according to the application. Deeper floor plans,
the extent of glazing, even the lighting layout can affect the end result. These variations will be
explained by your supplier.

The use of such local switching arrangements meant that both occupancy levels and daylight
factors were taken into account. In effect, staff had to make their lighting choice locally; and if
they were not there, or there was enough daylight, then lights were not switched ON.
The later introduction of movement (or occupancy) sensors automated the local switching to a greater
degree. Dimming technology has also brought new opportunities to reduce electricity use by adjusting
levels to local needs, and preferences, as well as optimising levels for different tasks.

Energy -cons.(%) of Dimmings versus Fixed Output

110
100% with Fixed Output
100
90
80
70
60
51% Average with Dimming
50
40
30
20
10
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
www.thelia.org.uk

Installation cost reductions

In the mid-1980s some commercial lighting controls were integrated into the lighting installation in
such a way that much site based, labour intensive, work was moved into the factory. This element
of a lighting control system is not well understood, even today, and is often ignored when the
construction project is priced.
Control systems have also dispensed with the power cable from every ON/OFF switch to the lights it
controls. Instead separate power and switching control cables are used; a single control cable
provides independent control of multiple luminaires fed from a common power cable. This reduces
both the quantity of cabling required and the cost of installing it.

Flexibility of building use

The separation of switching from the mains supply offered by most lighting control systems
provides a very cost effective route to making any changes as buildings are altered.
Devices like ceiling mounted movement sensors, extra low voltage local switches and/or remote control
devices have all facilitated changes to lighting to match new partition layouts or changes in use.

Maintenance improvements
Some lighting control systems offer maintenance benefits through additional facilities and
functionality. By ensuring lights are not ON when they are not needed the life of a lamp in situ
may be extended. Some systems include monitoring features such as logging lamp hours run
and control events.

Emergency lighting
There are legal obligations attached to the testing and monitoring of emergency lighting;
lighting controls can, and do, help building managers to meet these obligations. (Ref:
BS5266, BS EN50171, BS EN50172).
www.thelia.org.uk

Safety and convenience

The ability of a networked lighting control system to relate the status of (e.g.) corridor lights to office
lights means that safe exit routes can be maintained whenever staff are present. This facility is often
referred to as the corridor hold function. In certain applications the automatic response of a
movement sensor can aid convenience when entering a space with no natural light.

Comfort, health and well-being

Research into buildings equipped with full lighting control systems has demonstrated that those
with most convenient and numerous user overrides contain the most content staff and use less
lighting electricity. (Ref: Carter, Moore and Slater)
The comfort is derived from the fact that the staff feel they have more control over their environment.

A new interest in developing lighting to promote greater alertness, health and wellbeing in the work
place may, in future, rely on controls to deliver the best solutions. New lighting concepts involving both
illumination levels and diurnal variation of the colour temperature can only be delivered by using
automatic lighting controls.

Compliance with standards, regulations and ratings

Compliance with standards, regulations and ratings.

Lighting controls are able to help the designer to meet obligations found in both
standards and regulations. The following list covers the most relevant:

Building Regulations:
• Approved Documents L2A and L2B (England and Wales)
• HSG 38
• BS EN 12464-1 Lighting of indoor workplaces
• BS EN 12464-2 Lighting of outdoor workplaces
• BS EN 5266 Code of practice for the emergency escape lighting of premises
• BS EN50171 Central power supply systems
• BS EN 50172 Emergency escape lighting systems
• BS EN15193 Energy performance of buildings – requirements for lighting
• Building Management Systems (BMS) systems
• CIBSE Lighting Design Guide LG7
• ECAs
• BREEAM or LEED Rating of lighting
• RICS-SKA Rating for fitouts for both office and retail
Lighting is the most pervasive and visible of all the building services. As a result it is sometimes
beneficial to use the lighting control sensors to inform the BMS about occupancy. This information
can be used to generate additional energy savings in the mechanical plant systems.
www.thelia.org.uk

TECHNIQUES
The control techniques are those approaches required to control the
lighting in different applications. This section looks at control regimes
that can be applied and why. It discusses operational functions but not
how these are technically delivered. The subheadings are:

• Manual operation • Maintained luminance

• Timed control • Corridor hold
• Occupancy control • Load shedding
• Daylight linked control • Links to other building systems

In each of these sub-sections the use of both switching and dimming will be covered as required.

Note: The term technique is used because this element will look at the objectives of the lighting
controls but NOT the actual technologies used. It is intended that this element may be
understood without a knowledge of electronics.

Manual operation
This is a vital component within a lighting control system. Manual operation recognises the
importance of user accessibility to the lighting. There is a widely held belief that to be truly
energy conscious a lighting control system must operate automatically, and it is the users
that waste electricity. This is quite wrong and the reality is that fully automatic regimes will
usually use considerably more energy than those relying on the staff to use local switches.

The most successful energy reduction control regime can be summed up as request ON, auto
OFF. This relies on the fact that lighting should be switched ON by staff as, and when, they need
it, while relying on the lighting control system to turn the lighting OFF. Empowerment and
involvement of the staff improves their performance and feeling of wellbeing.

The value of local manual controls is recognised in the Building Regulations- e.g. Approved
Documents L2A and L2B for new and refurbished non-domestic buildings in England and Wales -
which requires a switch to be within 6 metres of any light if conventional (manual) ON/OFF
control is used. Both Part L, and CIBSE guidance on manual switching, encourage zoning and
proximity of the switching control to the occupier. In other words by zoning according to light
conditions, function and occupier groupings etc., economies are enabled because the
appropriate lighting can be turned ON and OFF as required.
The automatic element of lighting control ensures that the economies are delivered. If the automatic
scheme is planned in a similar way to that outlined above, it has been identified that request ON,
request OFF with auto OFF back up is the most successful energy reduction regime. The automatic
systems provide users with a relatively high level of control while ensuring space / building wide
parameters (including safety) are adhered to. Such a system can be further enhanced if the manual
ON control is supplemented by variable light level control, which provides additional savings and
improves comfort for the occupier - NB: the majority of individuals do not need, or like, the maximum
level of artificial light provided in a space at all times of the day.
www.thelia.org.uk

Time control
Managing lighting according to the time of day was one of the earliest control regimes, or
strategies, applied to reduce lighting electricity use. In effect automatically operating the lighting
during hours of occupation. This technique is still relevant today where applications like
shopping malls can still benefit from this type of managed operation. Time control may use fixed
times, such as the opening hours of a mall, or astronomical times, such as sunrise and sunset.
However, in the office and workplace the rigidity of a time schedule is no longer valid because of the
need to accommodate flexible working hours. In many lighting control applications timed events have
taken on a new role altering the mode of operation rather than actually affecting the lighting directly.
Mode changes can be used to alter or restrict the function of a photocell or movement sensor. Time
control can also be used to initiate a load shedding function, when the lighting levels are restricted for
a specific period e.g. when cleaners are operating outside working hours.

Occupancy control
Time scheduled operation can be considered to be a form of occupancy control because it is
used to predict the occupancy of a building. However, this is not accurate or optimal in most
modern workplaces and today sensors are used to monitor occupancy.
Practical movement sensors have been available to lighting control systems since the 1980s; various
technologies have been used (see Movement Sensors) and certain applications benefit from one type
over another. A movement sensor will confirm occupation and maintain lighting while it believes
someone to be there. Because they rely on movement, such sensors invariably have a built in time-
out delay that takes into account the fact that people can be still for short periods.

This delay to OFF is usually set at about 15 - 20 minutes for fluorescent lighting schemes, and it
also avoids frequent switching that might be damaging to the lamps. Advances in sensor
technology and the advent of LEDs will reduce time out periods in future in many applications.

Movement sensors are often combined with manual switches to enhance the potential for
minimum use of the lighting; in effect a small, self-contained example of request ON/OFF, auto
OFF. This mode is often referred to as absence control because the lights are turned ON by the
user, the movement sensor is an assurance that the lights are turned OFF in the absence of the
user. When the movement sensor is used in fully automatic mode it is called presence control; it
is beneficial in stock rooms where the user may not have a hand free to operate a wall switch.

The technique of using movement sensors for occupancy control is a well proven and
effective method of limiting the unnecessary use of lighting electricity.

Occupancy; switching lights on or off

12am 6am 9am 12pm 3pm 6pm

www.thelia.org.uk

Daylight linked control

Managing artificial lighting with respect to the availability of natural light is arguably both the
most obvious thing to do and the most difficult to deliver.
The simplest form of daylight linked operation is found in street lighting where individual photocells
determine the switch ON and OFF points at dusk and dawn. This occurs at very low light levels -
typically 50-70 lux - and requires only a modest hysteresis between the ON and OFF points.

Using daylight linked controls in a workplace is more challenging. The lighting levels involved
are much higher; in an office they may be anywhere between 350 and 500 lux.
The higher lighting levels mean that much greater care needs to be taken with the system settings;
nuisance switching can happen when the ON and OFF levels are too close. In addition light is
additive so that when a space is lit by both natural and artificial light there is a proportion of each in
the total measured value. This means that if the artificial component is removed the eye will
immediately notice a significant drop in illumination and the person will react by restoring the electric
light. This is true for any value for the artificial lighting exceeding 25%. In other words the daylight
component should be at least three times the artificial element before attempting a switch OFF.

If the daylight control can be used to dim rather than switch the lighting, then many of the
problems are overcome. With dimming the changeover from mostly artificial to mostly natural
light can be done smoothly and evenly without intruding on the user’s concentration.

In most indoor spaces, the daylight factor varies greatly across the room with areas nearest to
the windows enjoying the highest levels. Lighting control systems ideally need to be able to
accommodate graduated levels of daylight and adjust the lighting accordingly. In a roof lit area
the energy savings delivered by lighting controls will justify the use of up to 20% glazing.
www.thelia.org.uk

Maintained illuminance
Most artificial lighting sources lose some of their brightness over time, and this includes
fluorescent lamps. Much progress has been made with regard to minimising this effect but the
designer still has to take this into account. In addition luminaires get dirty over time and this
adds to the loss of light through life. Design specifications, therefore, refer to the required
lighting levels to be a maintained level, which can be as low as 60% of the “as new” capability of
the installed lighting; effectively the scheme is 40% over-lit on day one.

Maintenance factors - the difference between the designed and required level and the actual as
new performance - can vary between 20% and 40%. This means that, over the maintenance
cycle of cleaning and re-lamping, a dimming control system can save between 10% and 20% of
the lighting electricity. Lighting controls can deliver the designed illumination levels as soon as
the system is commissioned. This can reduce electricity use by as much as 20%.

Lamp Maintenance Cycle

100
Light loss due to aging
90
% of Lumen Maintained

80

70

60

50 Light loss due to aging + dirt accumulation

40
3000 6000 9000
30
Operating Hours

Corridor hold (or Group Dependency)

A useful feature of many lighting control systems is an ability to relate the status of one group
of lights to another. So, for example, a single private office light kept ON by the occupant may
dictate that lighting remains on along the safe exit routes from this location. This feature was
developed as a convenience or comfort factor; today it is often used to help a lighting design
to meet the recommendations contained in BS EN12464-1 - the European Norm for lighting
the indoor workplace. For special applications and increased comfort, alternative versions of
this system can be used.

Load shedding
Buildings are often equipped with standby generator systems so that they can continue to
function during a supply interruption, albeit with a reduced capacity. Traditionally this required
dual wiring divided into essential and non-essential circuits. Today lighting control systems can
facilitate this function by limiting the lighting in use when the generator is running, controlling
essential and non-essential luminaires over common wiring. The limit may be either a
wholesale capping of the level (if dimmable) or a selection of specific lights.

This technique can also be employed in other circumstances; in an office at night during the
cleaning period, in a shop when shelves are being restocked. It can also be used to avoid a
maximum demand overshoot.
www.thelia.org.uk

Links to other building systems

Lighting is the most pervasive service in any building; as a result many lighting control
systems have the most widespread network of sensors and components. For this reason
there is often a requirement that the lighting controls share information with other systems.
The most usual requirement is for the occupancy information from the movement sensors to
be passed on to the HVAC controls.

Linking can be done in a number of ways from full system integration to something as simple as
a volt free contact. Whatever technology is chosen it is important to understand the
consequences of such a choice. It is also highly important to define this element clearly and
unambiguously to avoid unnecessary difficulties later on.
www.thelia.org.uk

APPLICATIONS
Lighting controls can be applied to a wide range of both indoor and
outdoor installations. The priorities of the functions delivered by lighting
controls in these applications will vary according to the needs of the
installation. For this reason this section will try to expand on the use of
certain control functions / techniques whilst also attempting to avoid
repetition. This section considers the application of lighting controls to:

• Offices • Museums and galleries, and

• Industrial buildings, including warehouses other public buildings
• Schools, and other educational buildings • Hotels, restaurants and cafes
• Shops and shopping malls, • Street lighting
including retail parks • Architectural lighting
• Hospitals • Floodlighting

Whichever application is being considered it is helpful to bear in mind the purpose of the lighting
to be controlled and its ownership. In effect it is important to understand (a) why the lighting has
been provided, (b) who is responsible for it and (c) there is safe and ready access for
maintenance and optimisation.
The Building Research Establishment developed the first two columns of the following table, which can
be almost universally used across the different applications listed above when developing the design.

By testing each application, and any sub-application, against these six types of space, the
designer can develop a control strategy and hence identify the correct equipment to be applied.

Selecting controls to match the space

Type of space Examples Controls

Cell office, small workshop, Wall switch, remote, movement

Owned
consulting room sensor - possibly in combination

Open plan office, production Manual switching, movement

Shared
area, ward light sensors sensors, - localised and combined

Scene control plate or logical

Meeting room, hot office,
Temporarily owned manual switching with automatic
classroom
OFF

Movement sensors, possibly

Occasionally visited Store room, book-stack, toilet combined with local manual
switching

Automatic or remote manual

Un-owned Corridor (open or closed), stairs operation, movement sensors in
some applications

Hotel lounge, museum, foyer, Remote manual and/or automatic

Managed
terminal control
www.thelia.org.uk

Offices
Arguably the largest and most important part of the lighting control market, it is now unusual for
any significant office building to be designed without a control system.

Lighting controls in offices may be a series of independent movement sensors right through to a
fully networked lighting management system. The installation approach may be fixed or based
on highly flexible, plug-in lighting control modules. The scale of the project and its intended use
will influence the design choices. The Building Regulations (e.g. Approved Documents L2A and
L2B in England and Wales) will also need to be considered, in order to ensure compliance.

Most office buildings contain the following accommodation, each of which require a
detailed variation of the basic design applied:

• Open plan
• Cell, or private, offices
• Meeting rooms
• Circulation areas, including corridors and lobbies
• Toilets and store rooms

Open plan offices are shared spaces that may accommodate a very large number of people.
The lighting in such a space has to be designed to provide the correct illumination for the
people and space whenever the space is occupied. However, occupation levels may vary
during the day, when it would be wasteful to provide full lighting levels throughout the space.
The lighting controls therefore need to adapt the lighting to the varying occupancy, and
daylight, levels whilst maintaining a well-lit working environment.
Current lighting control practice in open plan areas is to use movement detectors across the space to
determine occupancy levels and to adjust the lighting accordingly. The designer needs to select the
correct type of movement sensor (see Section 5: Technologies), and then place them correctly.
Because the space is shared it is important that all the occupants are satisfied with the lighting and
no single person - either deliberately through their actions or inadvertently through their absence -
can adversely affect the lighting design. This design approach is very clearly expressed in the SLL
Code for Lighting Design and BS EN 12464- 1 Lighting of indoor work places.

People need to be able to make their way safely through such a space as they occupy
the space, especially if they are among the first to arrive, or last to leave.
www.thelia.org.uk

Offices (continued)
Cellular, or private, offices are owned spaces when they have a single occupant. The lighting in
a private office only needs to provide for its occupant and normally does not play any other role.
Simply put, the lighting should be OFF when the office is empty, ON only when the occupant
requires it. This is most effectively achieved by using a combination of movement sensor and
manual override. The occupant therefore has to choose to have the lighting ON and the sensor
will turn the lighting OFF when the space is empty.

For truly personal lighting a manual controller that allows the user to set the lighting level is to be
encouraged. In some larger cell offices this control might extend to scene setting, particularly if
there are multiple lighting technologies (e.g. senior management offices).

Some cellular offices have two, or more, occupants, in which case the space is classed as being
shared. In these circumstances the controls for such offices need to be thought of as small open
plan areas. Consideration must be given to the comfort of each occupant whilst respecting the
need to minimise energy use.

Meeting rooms are temporarily owned spaces, which should allow the organisers/user group the
freedom to adjust the lighting to their requirements. This must be easily controlled in order to
adapt it to different uses; e.g. presentations, interviews, discussions and other functions. This is
often called scene setting; but it does require the lighting to be either dimmable or have multiple
switch circuits - or possibly both. Scene setting is usually done via a manual controller with a
number of buttons to recall pre-programmed lighting levels and/or select only certain lights.
Solutions range from simple four button, wall mounted, switch plates to touch screens integrated
into sophisticated AV (audio visual) controllers or smart devices. These facilities provide the user
with the ability to turn lighting ON and OFF as well, but it is also worthwhile to consider adding
movement sensors to ensure that the lights turn OFF when the room is not occupied. The control
strategy when movement sensors are added must be set to absence mode; the sensor must not
be able to turn the lights ON automatically.

In these applications the manual controller is there for simple functional flexibility; the
movement sensor is there to minimise energy wastage. Higher tier conference facilities would
need liaison with AV specialists and integrators for smart input and output devices (e.g.
mobile phones and partition switches).

Circulation spaces including lobbies and corridors

Here lighting generally needs to be maintained, or available, whenever the building is occupied.
Circulation space in office buildings may be dedicated (i.e. a distinct, walled, corridor) or notional
corridor within a larger space. The lighting in these applications should be treated differently from
each other.

A dedicated corridor, or lobby area, may be controlled by suitable movement sensors so long as
they are located to monitor all possible points of entry to the corridor. In addition, if there is useful
daylight then harvesting this could save energy.

A notional corridor is often lit in the same way as the whole area, and is effectively part of the
lighting design. Any controls must, therefore, be sympathetic to the surrounding office space.
However, where possible, such lighting may be set back to a lower circulation level by dimming
or turning OFF some of the luminaires.

As a general principle, circulation lighting should be there to provide safe access and egress
and it may often also be managed on a regular time schedule that matches the occupied hours
of the building. The provision of a centralised manual override is also beneficial to facilitate
security walk rounds, or for an out of hours event.
www.thelia.org.uk

Toilets and store rooms

Lighting in toilets and store rooms is best controlled by movement sensors. In these applications the
sensor can usually be used in a fully automatic mode; i.e. lighting is brought ON when people enter
and is turned OFF some minutes after the space is vacated. In a toilet application, care must be
taken to ensure that cubicles are properly covered by the sensors. In a store room the movement
sensor control is an added convenience to those entering the room with their hands full, when
reaching for the wall switch might be difficult. If there is sufficient daylight consider using photocell
control as well.

The risk of an unwell person locked within a small compartment should be considered when
setting time delays; i.e. set back provision could be a solution.

Always select, and locate, movement sensors carefully, to suit each application.

Industry, incl. warehouses

The lighting in industrial premises is more variable in design than those found in offices. The use
and dimensions of the building will often dictate the lighting solutions, which used to limit the
choice of dimming controls. Industrial spaces may include hazardous, high risk areas and
ingress/impact protected products. In addition the selection of the lighting and control products
should be optimised for the application to avoid potentially dangerous stroboscopic or flicker
effects.

Industrial spaces can have very high ceilings and may contain large or moving equipment such as
production lines or manufacturing plant. These applications are generally referred to as high bay
spaces and frequently the lighting is installed before the plant and machinery. In effect the whole
space is lit before the tasks and activities below are defined. The height and structure of many
industrial buildings have influenced the lighting design towards the use of powerful high bay
luminaires. The rationale behind this thinking largely relates to reduced energy usage, flexibility,
controllability, light on demand and reduction of operating costs.

The design of the lighting installation is also likely to be delivering the highest required lighting
level throughout the whole of the space instead of discerning between the task and circulation
areas, precisely because the final machinery/equipment layout is not known. This is an approach
found in many work places, including offices, which often leads to excessive lighting energy use.
It is now possible to refine the lighting controls to maximise flexibility and controllability of the
lighting

Other spaces having obstructions or lower ceiling heights such as mezzanines can be more
complicated. Some applications may be laboratories and/or clean rooms; these situations have a
significant influence on both the lighting and the potential for control systems.

Warehouses are frequently high ceiling buildings but, in the main, the storage racking and
layouts are determined before the lighting design is fixed. In these applications lighting follows
the aisles and storage racking layout.
www.thelia.org.uk

Industry, incl. Warehouses

In the installations using addressable dimming control, it is possible to tailor lighting levels
throughout the industrial space to match the activities and space utilisation below the lighting. In
industrial lighting installations where it is possible to address and set the output of each individual
luminaire, the energy use can be significantly reduced. Lights illuminating circulation space can be
set to the appropriate level and where there is (for example) a large amount of automated
machinery installed, it may be possible to turn OFF the overhead lighting in that place altogether
until maintenance requires people to be present.

In many production facilities there is additional lighting provided at lower levels to illuminate
small inspection areas, or a local requirement for extra light. Providing high levels of overhead
lighting in these places is often unnecessary. This localised lighting should also, if at all possible,
be included in the control system.

Low bay industrial (including laboratories / clean rooms)

These applications often have false ceilings which can be akin to an office scheme. The lower
ceilings in these applications open up the possibility of using movement sensors, especially where
the ceiling height may be as low as 3 metres.
The application of controls should complement whether the luminaires are linear, continuous or
point-source

High bay warehouse

These have high racking systems that are accessed by fork lift trucks, or cherry pickers. Lighting
tends to be aligned with the storage rack aisles. If useful daylight is available then it should be
harvested.
Very substantial energy savings can be made by using localised zones and movement sensors in
large warehouses, especially in infrequently visited aisles.
www.thelia.org.uk

Industry, incl. Warehouses

Low bay warehouse / storage

These applications are where the storage racking is low level and designed for manual sorting.
Two basic methods of controlling these aisles can be considered. Either movement sensors can
be used to operate the lighting or very localised manual switches can be effective if they are
regularly turned OFF or dimmed.

Movement sensors can be applied in two ways in these aisles; either using a downwards looking
device at regular intervals or by using a sideways, long range, unit to monitor the aisle. The
former solution might even extend to the sensor being mounted in each luminaire. The use of
downwards looking sensors has the benefit of only activating those lights that are local to each
sensor; this avoids whole aisles being brought ON when the visit is to a bin at one end. The
decision to choose between the downward v. sideways looking solutions is usually one of
balancing cost (number of sensors) against benefit (potential energy cost savings).

Manual switching can be used with movement sensors (Absence mode) so that someone
entering an aisle can choose to turn the lights ON and the sensor will turn them OFF.
Manual switching can also be used in conjunction with a timed reset. In its simplest form this may be a
pull-switch or push-button that starts a countdown timer that turns the lighting OFF after a pre-
determined period. A variation on this approach is the use of a timed reset command that turns all the
aisle lighting OFF at pre-determined times of day; typically at shift change or during specific work
breaks. With both these control strategies there should be some background lighting provided
because the lights are turning OFF without the reference to occupancy made by a movement sensor.
www.thelia.org.uk

Schools, and other educational buildings

The lighting of most educational buildings is most closely related to office lighting; luminaires
and many of the spaces are often very similar. As a result many of the potential lighting control
strategies use similar techniques to those used in office applications. The SLL Lighting Guide
LG5 is dedicated to the subject of lighting education buildings.

Education buildings present a number of variables when each establishment is considered. A

primary school has comparatively limited hours of use in general. Secondary schools, however,
may be classed as community schools and used outside normal school hours; often by people
unfamiliar with the building. The range of classrooms now encountered in schools is also quite
wide; some have open plan teaching spaces while more traditional classrooms can be likened to
meeting rooms in office applications. Education buildings within the tertiary sector - colleges and
universities - extend the applications into lecture theatres and some specialised, larger spaces.
Other spaces to be considered are assembly halls and indoor sports facilities.

Manual controls in public areas should be well labelled and intuitive to use.

Other spaces in education buildings include administration offices, store rooms, and (normally)
quite extensive circulation and common areas.

The primary applications in education buildings are:

• Classrooms
• Lecture theatres
• Sports halls
• Circulation space
www.thelia.org.uk

Schools, and other educational buildings (continued)

Classrooms
A classroom can be classed as a temporarily owned space on the grounds that a teacher or
tutor is normally responsible for its use but they may not be the only one to use said classroom.

Most classrooms are rectangular spaces with between 9 and 12 main luminaires. Many benefit
from generous daylighting with either large windows or some form of rooflight. The lighting should
be absence controlled by wall switches adjacent to the door, which should be used to bring the
lighting ON when needed. The switch circuits should be aligned parallel to the windows (or other
daylight source) to encourage users not to use lights near the window, ideally dimming and
daylight harvesting is recommended. There should also be provision for the lighting to be turned
OFF automatically, either through an occupancy sensor or a pre-programmed, scheduled timed
OFF. The latter is only to be considered if the class change times are closely adhered to. The
manual switches must also allow the user to turn the lighting OFF so that the lighting can be
adjusted to match the current teaching activity.

If lighting is dimmable then the controls should also be able to manually regulate the installation;
in these circumstances it would also be beneficial to add a daylight sensor. The important
consideration for any control panel is ease of use and clear labelling as teachers/students may
not be familiar with the switches and end up using the first lighting arrangement they manage to
create that will do.

Lecture theatres
A lecture theatre may be little more than a larger, tiered classroom, in which case similar
controls to those recommended immediately above are appropriate. However, in larger,
more complex lecture theatres a scene setting type controller that can be operated from the
lectern and/or associated projection booth is more appropriate. There is no reason, though,
why these controls might not be supplemented with movement sensors in order ensure lights
are turned OFF when the room is empty.
www.thelia.org.uk

Schools, and other educational buildings (continued)

Sports halls
Should be provided with readily accessed manual switches and some means by which lights
might be turned OFF if the last occupants of the day forget.

Control is best done using a combination of movement sensors and manual switches. Lighting is
selected to suit the current use of the hall and the movement sensors are then relied upon to
switch the lighting OFF once the hall has emptied. The manual switches will, though, also allow
users to switch OFF the lighting.
Alternatively some form of timed OFF command might be scheduled for a time when it is known that the
hall is empty.

Circulation space
The corridors, staircases, and entrance halls of schools and universities are important in any
lighting control application because they are often extensive but they must be lit safely at all times
that a building is occupied. Where these spaces are day lit then photocell control should be used
to inhibit the artificial lighting. Other suitable control strategies include timed operation and
occupancy sensing.

Atria, hubs and multi-use spaces

Many modern schools now include large open areas that are akin to Atria. These spaces are used
variously for assemblies, receptions and displays. They also contain reception desks and other
functional spaces. It is important to zone the lighting in these spaces so that it may be controlled
according to both ambient and functional conditions. So, for example, where there is good daylight
the artificial lighting should be circuited so that it may be turned down or OFF in bright conditions.
www.thelia.org.uk

Shops and shopping malls, including retail parks

Most of the lighting loads in retail premises have the primary role of enhancing displays and
encouraging sales. However, lighting is also provided in stock rooms, training rooms, and other
back of house facilities. Lighting within shops must be split so that it is possible to turn OFF the
display lighting outside trading hours. The control strategies for lighting in retail premises can be
most easily described by detailing a typical trading day.

These are outlined below by application:

• Shopping malls
• Shops
• Supermarkets
• Retail parks

Each of these categories has different needs but all have to balance the cost of high levels of
display lighting with the benefit of increased visibility and hence sales.

Shopping Malls
These are very large, and diverse, indoor spaces that rely on artificial lighting throughout. Many have
large indoor car parks associated with them but these areas are excluded from this section.

Many shopping malls have very high levels of daylight in the main malls where their major
lighting loads are located. Clearly maximum advantage should be taken of any natural light so
photocell operation is one control function that should be provided. Malls also keep regular
hours and a daily routine might typically follow this sequence:

08:00 Open mall for arrival of staff using a pre-trading level of lighting.

Open for business; lighting brought to full level but subject to

09:30
photocell control where practical.
Manage lighting according to available daylight and
Trading period
also balance mall lighting with shop fronts.
Closed to public; reduce lighting to basic ‘safe circulation’
18:00
level for egress of remaining visitors and then shop staff.
End of post-trading period; reduce lighting to basic security level.
20:00
Maintain this level until the complex opens for shop staff next morning.

During the overnight period allow the security staff to remotely

Overnight
manage any additional ‘walk-round’ lighting.

The above daily routine very much defines the scheduled management of the artificial
lighting to match the current activity. In back of house admin offices, store rooms etc. both
local manual switches and movement sensors should be used. Public toilets should also be
equipped with movement sensors.
Shopping malls may also contain significant amounts of feature and/or seasonal lighting, and some (or
all) of it may be operated dynamically, which infers that it is equipped with lighting controls. If that is
the case then consider linking the feature controls to the main mall lighting control system.
www.thelia.org.uk

Shops and shopping malls, including retail parks (continued)

Shops
A shop will go through the same daily routine as a shopping mall, whether it is itself within a mall
or part of a High Street. The display lighting should be separated from the basic pre/post-trading
lighting so that it is only used during trading hours. If the shop has a display window it may be
necessary to have reverse photocell control; i.e. the photocell turns ON additional lighting in the
window when the daylight is very bright and causing veiling reflections in the glass. Otherwise the
application advice for malls pertains, even though the scale (much smaller) may be very different.

Supermarkets
The link to daily routine also applies to supermarkets; however, this control regime may be
enhanced by taking some additional measures. The main, overhead lighting in a supermarket is
usually provided by a regular array of luminaires providing high levels of lighting throughout the
store. This often ignores the fact that many of the displays in the aisles are also provided with
lighting - e.g. freezer cabinets. Providing overhead lighting that is equipped with dimming control
gear will allow the store manager to set lower levels where aisles contain cabinet display lighting.
This feature can also be used for pre/post trading lighting levels throughout the store.

If possible any lighting control system provided to manage the main store lighting should also be
linked to local display and cabinet lighting, as well as any illuminated posters. Where lighting have
been used in freezer cabinets it is possible to include them in the display cabinet controls.

Supermarkets also contain significant back of house areas and these should be integrated into
the main control system. Local manual switches, movement sensors and photocells should be
deployed in these spaces to suit their use and environment. Application advice for these areas
can be found under offices, and industrial.

Retail parks
The buildings in retail parks are often more akin to warehouses in their construction. They are
usually large, with only a single storey; many are constructed with a minimum of 10% roof
lighting. The standard application advice to manage the lighting to match the daily routine
applies, and where there are roof lights a daylight harvesting should also be used. Pre/post-
trading lighting levels can easily be achieved by bringing ON an even pattern of lights to give just
50% (or possibly less) of the artificial lighting. If possible, schedule different lights to be part of
the reduced lighting level so that usage is evened out over time..
www.thelia.org.uk

Hospitals
Wards - including nurse stations
Most wards are, in reality, a number of rooms and spaces. There may be several 4 bed modules as
well as a number of single bed side wards; there will also be bathrooms, toilets and a nurse station
within each ward. There are both cost and operational reasons for installing lighting controls. The
lighting in the patient areas has always been required to provide both day and night lighting levels; in
the past this was done with completely separate luminaires. Using lighting controls and dimming
luminaires both lighting levels can be provided from the same fixtures. Patient rooms are also
normally well day lit and so photocell control should also be incorporated in the system.

The main patient room lighting needs to be manually controlled from the nurse station as well as
locally. Such switching should be obvious, accessible and where necessary clearly labelled. This
will permit lighting to be increased in any patient room in the case of an emergency.

Local patient bed head lights are normally under the direct control of the individual patient.

Lighting in bathrooms is best controlled by local wall or ceiling switches but there is no reason why
such lights should not be included in the overall control system. The general control strategy for these
areas is one of inclusion in the system with scheduled events to manage day and night lighting, whilst
largely relying on manual operation for the comfort and convenience of both staff and patients.

In some patient rooms novel wake-up lighting is used where the background lighting starts at a
low level and high colour temperature gradually increasing in brightness and warming in colour
temperature to simulate dawn. This facility obviously uses a scheduling control system.
www.thelia.org.uk

Hospitals (continued)
Light and well being
There is increasing evidence that lighting plays a part in the speed of recovery and wellbeing of patients.
Setting the correct levels and colour of lighting, particularly at night, can help patients’ sleep patterns
through maintenance of their circadian rhythm. SLL LG2 gives further information on hospitals and
health care buildings.

Clinics
A clinic within a hospital is also a multi-room complex, usually comprising of a reception area,
waiting room and consulting rooms. Lighting for the general public areas should be controlled
from the reception point; if the waiting area is large then consideration should be given to zoning
it so that only a part is lit when the clinic is not busy. Consulting rooms should be equipped with
both local manual switches and movement sensors. Operating the lighting with scheduled events
that match the clinic opening times may also be practical.

Administration offices
These areas should be treated in the same way as the recommendations for office buildings.

Corridors and circulation spaces

Hospitals contain extensive corridors and circulation spaces, most of which benefit from high
levels of glazing and hence good daylighting; photocells should be used in such applications.
Where there is no daylight available, movement sensors can be effective so long as measures
are taken to ensure sufficient light is available for safety purposes.

Operating Theatres
Normally automatic lighting controls should not be considered when lighting the actual
operating theatre. However, lighting in support areas and washrooms may be locally switched
and movement sensors used to ensure lights go OFF when these areas are unoccupied. Any
controls employed in these areas must be equipped with obvious local switches so that the
lights can be put ON at any time the theatre might be required.

Lobbies and waiting areas

In general, these can be treated as for similar areas in office buildings.

Other health buildings

Doctors surgeries, health centres and care homes all contain spaces that are either similar
to those found in hospitals, offices or hotels. The lighting controls can, therefore, be applied
in a manner already described.
www.thelia.org.uk

Museums, galleries, exhibition halls and other public buildings

This lighting sector has much common ground with retail applications but with additional, and
interesting aspects concerning modelling and conservation of exhibits in some spaces. Lighting in
museums and galleries is required to illuminate exhibits and display cases; however, where the
artefacts being displayed are susceptible to degradation due to exposure to natural and artificial light
it is clearly necessary to limit the amount and level. Many of these applications also use roof lighting
so photocells are employed to turn OFF (or down) the artificial lighting and control blinds.

Most public buildings, museums and galleries are operated on regular hours and so scheduled ON and
OFF commands are practical. These may be done in a progressive manner; lighting sufficient for the
staff being brought ON initially and only during public attendance is the full display lighting added. In
any associated offices, meeting rooms etc. the application advice for offices should be followed.

In an exhibition hall, the main lighting may be altered to suit the event as well as its different
functional use at any time. Lighting may need to be at higher levels during the build-up and
take-down periods. The lighting pattern may be different for each event. To meet both needs a
lighting control system needs to applied to control small lighting groups or even individual
fixtures to aid this control strategy.

Locational services may be of benefit in these applications.

Light management
As mentioned above, it may be necessary to limit the quantity of light falling on certain exhibits; a
quantity measured in lux hours. For a control system to manage such lighting it would be necessary
to calibrate the light levels and then use a carefully chosen time schedule to operate the lighting. If
daylight is also involved such a system might also require a feedback photocell to log the lux hours.
Also movement sensors might be used to brighten lighting when a visitor approaches such exhibits.

Store rooms and associated warehousing

Many museums and galleries have significant associated store rooms or warehouse areas;
the lighting in these spaces may be controlled in the same way as described in previous
similar applications. Guidance may be sought from SLL Lighting Guide No. 8.
www.thelia.org.uk

Hospitality
This sector requires lighting design which is similar with other sectors but also has its own
bespoke requirements. The common ground includes display / effect lighting as well as the
need to light mundane office and other tasks. In considering the application of lighting controls
in this sector it is practical to analyse the various areas within a hotel:

• Reception
• Conference facilities
• Bars and restaurants
• Health spas / gymnasia
• Guest rooms
• Ancillary areas including toilets and store rooms

Using these headings means that restaurants and cafes are covered within the overall hotel sector.

Reception
The lighting of the reception area of a hotel is important because of the impact that it will have on
the guests on arrival. It should be both welcoming and practical ensuring the process of
registration is performed in good lighting conditions. All signage and announcements being easily
seen and read. However, the amount of lighting in use can vary during the day with, perhaps,
lower levels being used late at night and during the normal night time hours. Reception lighting
can be managed on a fully automatic, scheduled, control regime with the addition of an easily
understood override facility to be used by reception staff should the occasion be necessary.

Conference facilities
Many modern / larger hotels have extensive conferencing and business meeting facilities. Lighting in
these areas needs to be controlled for both electricity conservation and operational purposes.

Most conference and meeting rooms are equipped with a scene control type lighting controls as a
matter of course. These controls are intended to meet the operational / functional needs of these
spaces but should be well labelled and/or intuitive to use. Many scene setting controllers offer multiple,
unlabelled, pushbuttons, and the user has to guess which button to use to get a specific lighting effect.
Although scene set controllers are generally the norm in these applications they do not always have
automatic control functions; there is no reason why these features should not be added.

These spaces often contain flexible partitioning, which requires control plates to adapt to the
changing layouts. When a larger space is subdivided each must have its own detector and
controller so that when the space becomes one they are correctly linked.
It is not unusual for conference and meeting rooms in these complexes to have generous windows or
even rooflights. Having invested in the scene set controls the addition of photocells and automatic
time scheduling is highly cost effective, as is the use of movement sensors in smaller rooms and
support areas. This can be an attractive starting point to creating a hotel wide system.
www.thelia.org.uk

Hospitality (continued)
Bars and restaurants
Any bar or restaurant needs to be able to alter its ambience to suit the time of day and/or the
occasion; this is most easily done by changing the lighting. These spaces, therefore, are
usually provided with scene set controls that the staff use as each day progresses. Multiple
light sources are used and the controls need to be compatible with the range of lamps and gear
used. As per the conference facilities there is no reason why these controls should not be
integrated into a building wide solution so that automatic commands can be used to set the
appropriate lighting scenes throughout the day.

Note: For individual bars, cafes and restaurants (i.e. those not part of a hotel) it is probably
sufficient to have a manually operated scene selection lighting controller.

If the bar is a night club the control system might be more dynamic and feature colour changing
and responses to the music. These are specialised applications requiring expert advice.
www.thelia.org.uk

Hospitality (continued)
Health spas and gymnasia
Where these facilities are included in a hotel the lighting here should also be included in the
control system. Scene control is most appropriate in a health spa and movement sensors would
be effective in a gymnasium along with its associated changing rooms and toilets.

Guest rooms
The first requirement for any form of lighting control within a hotel bedroom is that it should be
obvious and accessible to the guest. In fact this requirement is often reflected in the way the
lights are controlled from both the entrance and from the bedhead. The multiway wiring for this
arrangement can often be simplified through the addition of electronics, which then opens the
opportunity to manage the room lighting in accordance with current status - available or occupied.

Introducing automatic controls into a hotel room that is occupied is probably not practical; the
guest must be in charge at all times whilst in the room. A good method to ensure that a guest
does not use lighting when they are out, is the use of a room key operated enabling switch at
the entrance. A time delay device should be used so that the guest can remove the key and
leave the room without the lights going out suddenly.

However, there is no reason why the room lighting should not be linked to the reservations
system, and consequently restricted to overhead lighting only for cleaning and maintenance.

Ancillary areas including toilets and store rooms

Hotels contain many back of house spaces like offices, as well as public toilets and various store
rooms. All of these areas can be included in a lighting control system so long as appropriate
local switches are provided for staff areas, as well as movement sensors. The public toilet areas
should be operated by movement sensors, local switches are not necessary in these areas.
www.thelia.org.uk

Road, street and amenity lighting

The primary role of road lighting is to offer safety and security to the public, either as
pedestrians, cyclists or motorists. This lighting covers public lighting in residential roads and
footpaths all the way through to motorway lighting.

Most road lighting is currently controlled by individual dawn to dusk photocells but there is an
increasing need to manage the hours of use more carefully. This can be done using individual
controllers that work out the hours of darkness and then reduce lighting levels in the small
hours of the morning, when there are far fewer people about. The alternative to the individual
control per lighting column is to introduce some form of networked or smart control.

Controlling road lighting with a system

There are three primary reasons for installing a road lighting management system; (a) to control
the energy use, (b) to use as an asset management system and (c) for environmental impact or
curfew/planning restraints. As a result such systems have been developed to cater for both
needs. The majority of lighting management systems in this field use signalling methods that
require no (or very little) new cabling. The reason for this approach is that the addition of some
form of signal cable to existing lighting columns would be an almost prohibitive cost. In addition, it
should be noted that most road lights are located in residential areas and share supply cabling
with the surrounding houses.

There are two obvious technologies that can be used to control widespread electrical loads
without new cabling; (1) use power line or mains borne signalling, or (2) employ an RF wireless
solution. This application note does not consider the pros and cons of these methods but solely
looks at the functionality that should be considered.
In its simplest form, a road lighting control system would turn the lights ON as the daylight fell
below a specific threshold, allowing for any start-up time required by the lamp. If electricity use is
not the principal concern, then the next event would be turning OFF the light as dawn broke.
Where electricity use is a concern, then the OFF command might occur just after midnight and,
depending on the time of year, another ON period delivered from (say) 0530 hours to dawn.

HID lamps can now be partially dimmed and the use of this feature can also save energy.
Thus a part night dimmed period could be used in the early hours of the morning, or when
there is low traffic density. In these circumstances the road lighting is never entirely turned
OFF after dark. However, the application of LED street lights will be more energy saving
and even more controllable.

Controls can turn down road lighting - avoiding the need to turn OFF at all after dark.
www.thelia.org.uk

Road, street and amenity lighting (continued)

Apart from the fact that a road lighting control system must have both photocell and time
scheduled automatic functions there may be a need for some form of local area override. It may,
for example, be necessary for the emergency services to request that street lighting be restored
fully during an OFF or DIM period. With most of the solutions using a distributed hierarchical
control with a web based supervisory software, it should not be difficult to introduce such
measures via mobile telephony. Although such systems require every lighting column to contain
an addressable control node, it is unlikely that the override would be placed on each column.
The other functionality of networked road lighting controls is their ability to monitor and report on the
condition of the light source to assist in the maintenance cycle. Such systems may also be approved
by UMSUG (unmetered supply users group) for reporting energy use to make billing more accurate.

Road lighting columns provide ideal positions for location of smart sensors which could give
beneficial use to other equipment, systems or infrastructure.

Underpasses and tunnels

Underpasses and tunnels on highways require lighting controls to manage their illumination.
During the day the threshold areas need to be brighter to help driver’s eyes to adjust as they
enter the tunnel. The controls must match these lighting levels to all daylight conditions and use
photometers to do this accurately. At night the lighting must match the correct levels for the type
of road involved. These lighting systems require expert designers, suppliers and installers.
www.thelia.org.uk

Architectural lighting
Architectural applications, such as illuminating the exterior of a prominent building, are intended
to enhance the viewer’s night time experience and improve the appearance and ambience of
buildings and city spaces. As significant users of electricity it is logical that such schemes should
only be lit when there are passers-by present to observe the effect. Architectural lighting may
also be employed inside larger spaces like shopping malls and atria.
Lighting controls for architectural lighting schemes have, until recently, largely been designed to turn
the scheme ON after dark and OFF at a time when the public have gone home. However, some
schemes employ colour changing effects and have much in common with theatrical lighting. The
introduction of LED lighting has brought colour changing within the reach of even quite modest
schemes, and delivering these effects with much reduced connected loads. These schemes have
altered significantly the requirements of the controls; they must now be capable of selecting specific
elements or colours and adjusting their intensity as well as dictating the hours of use.

Some colour changing, architectural lighting schemes will employ a control system that can
operate the lighting loads dynamically - i.e. while the lighting is ON the control system varies the
intensity and colour on a pre-programmed cycle to add interest and excitement. It is, therefore,
not difficult to add overall time management to limit the hours of use as well as choose particular
sequences or colours for specific occasions or anniversaries.
The likely system configuration involves a central controller that either includes a means of
programming the system or just storing a programme loaded from an external source. The central
controller then addresses the various light fixtures via a control bus (often using the DMX protocol
used in the entertainment world) which tells each light what intensity, colour and rate of change it
should follow. The fixture themselves often being supplied with the control node built in.

Floodlighting
In the context of this guide floodlighting covers applications where the primary purpose is to
illuminate a task (like a sports pitch) or to provide a specific functional benefit, like security. The
latter might include area lighting in a town centre or other public place; floodlighting of buildings
for artistic or ambient effect is considered separately as architectural.
Floodlighting is chiefly used to - in effect - turn night into day, so that sporting events can take place at
night; either for the benefit of the public or for training purposes. Such lighting is, by definition, usually
very powerful and covering a significant area. It may also be provided at different levels to suit
different occasions; a base level for training, a normal level for attended matches and potentially a
high level for broadcast TV. A lighting control system not only makes the multi-level operation easier
to do, it also permits the economical addition of centralised control functions. Such systems usually
comprise a number of distributed control panels (adjacent to the lighting gantries) all linked back to a
central controller offering automatic time and photocell operations and a convenient means of
overriding the system via (say) a key switch.

A floodlighting control system restricts the use of the lighting to the period when it is required
and therefore limits the energy used. Many systems only need to have an ON/OFF capability
because the different levels are achieved by the quantity of lights in use. This allows the use of
simple and robust control technologies to give reliable operation; failure of a floodlighting
system during an important sporting occasion is not desirable. The introduction of high power
LED floodlights means that dimming controls may be required in preference to switching.

Area lighting
Floodlighting includes the illumination of outdoor work areas and even public places like
station platforms. These applications need to take account of times of use and daylight.
Zoning should ensure that - for example - the need to illuminate a pedestrian underpass
does not keep other lighting ON during the day.
www.thelia.org.uk

Architectural lighting (continued)

Domestic Lighting Control
The increasing use of wireless and smart devices in the home provide additional opportunities for
users to adjust and integrate their own individual light sources directly with other IoT devices.

Historically lighting controls in domestic applications has involved the installation of wall switches.
This normally has been a single way switch placed near to the doorway of a room controlling the
main ceiling lamp and possibly a second switch controlling a set of wall lights where installed.
Where switching a light source is required from more than one location such as in hallways and
stair areas, two way switches and intermediate switches are used. In addition, users occasionally
enhanced room lighting by retrospectively installing dimmer switches.

The rapid recent development of lighting controls for domestic use has been the result of the
aspiration of users for greater levels of comfort, convenience and flexibility coupled to the trend
for incorporation of greater number and types of light sources into lighting designs. In addition to
switching and dimming, modern domestic lighting control systems provide two key additional
functionalities. Firstly the ability to easily and flexibly group together several light sources to
enable them to be controlled together. Secondly, through a series of predetermined settings,
achieve different combination of light sources and lighting levels often known as scenes to match
the task requirement of users from a single control operation. These two functions allow users to
simply and precisely control their lighting requirements however complex their installed lighting
design. Most systems will also provide users with the flexibility to alter the pre-determined
groupings and scenes as their needs and requirements change over time.

There are a multitude of different alternative systems available to deliver lighting controls to a
modern lighting installation. Key in deciding which option to adopt will be the level of adaption
available for the installation especially in terms of providing new electrical and control circuits.
Where minimum change to an existing installation is required, systems based around wireless control
will probably be the most appropriate. This involves the local installation of wireless receiver modules
to control the selected light sources. Such systems are increasingly able to provide high level of
controls especially in single room installations. Care has to be taken that there is not interference to the
wireless transmission either from physical objects or other electrical equipment.

In new installations or where major refurbishment is taking place, a system based around circuits
that provide separate power and control gives the greatest flexibility. In many cases the lighting
control system forms part of wider home system. Often such installations centralise the controls
(switching and dimming) in a control cabinet which aids maintenance, future alterations and
upgrades. It is important in such installations to provide users with a method to plug in additional
free standing lamp fixtures by provision for example of a lamp circuit with 5A plug integrated into
the lighting system. A combination of control circuits and wireless devices is a common solution
where the refurbishment does not impact the whole house but there is a requirement for the
lighting system to be operable throughout the home.
www.thelia.org.uk

TECHNOLOGIES
This section considers the how of lighting controls. The actual
engineering - both electrically and electronically - of lighting control
products is covered. The following subjects are introduced:

• Manual controls - override switches, scene • Central supervisors

setting plates and remote controllers • Lighting management software
• Sensors - presence detectors • Protocols
(all types), photocells • Wiring and connectivity, including busbars and
• Lighting control modules (load marshalling boxes
controllers) - covering both switching • Compatibility with light sources and gear
and dimming • Interfaces to other systems - AV, HVAC,, BMS
• Network components

Lighting controls also vary in scale and structure from stand-alone devices that might operate
an isolated room to building wide networks.

Manual controls
Override switches
Lighting controls benefit from the addition of override switches that allow users to make some of
the choices about lighting levels. Overrides may be very local or remote and come in several
forms, which are listed and described below.

Their ability to place the onus on the user to choose to turn ON lights is the basis of the key
control strategy of request ON, auto OFF. The range of manual control devices includes:

• Push buttons
• ON/OFF switches
• Scene setting controls
• Touch screens
• Wireless remotes (RF or IR)
• Computer or smart device
www.thelia.org.uk

Manual controls (continued)

Switches
The simplest manual control, these are often connected using ELV wiring or mains voltage and
provide a momentary closure to change the current state of the lighting. Some systems allow
these controls to change the lighting level by pressing and holding until the desired level is
reached.

Scene setting controls

These generally use a number of buttons. However, some include additional electronics so that the
controls are connected to the lighting control system network. Each button is assigned a specific scene
so that it always recalls the same lighting choice whenever it is used.

A scene might be OFF, ON, 50% or some lights only; the choices are only limited by the
systems abilities. It is important to select a control that is clearly labelled or intuitive to use.

Sometimes it is possible to reconfigure scenes using a Graphical User Interface, and

external interface or some other means to reconfigure the system, depending on
manufacturer.

Graphical User interface (GUI)

Effectively these are evolved scene setting controls but using a computer, smart device or
another touch enabled display screen. This allows the creation of clearly labelled virtual buttons
as well as the inclusion of simple instructions. Some GUIs offer additional functionality over and
above user override.
Time scheduling, blind control, temperature control, room reconfiguration and interfaces to
(e.g.) audio visual systems may be included. They may also be multi-purpose and provide
access to other services.

Wireless remotes (RF or IR)

Originally most wireless remote controls for lighting were point and shoot hand held devices to
override the lighting. A receiver is mounted in the ceiling, which is connected to the lighting
controller. Both radio frequency (RF) and infra-red (IR) versions are available; the latter requires
line of sight to the receiver.

Fixed remotes using batteries or renewable energy sources are used to avoid additional
cabling. These devices also allow installation directly to glazed partitions! Most use RF
technology and some lighting controllers are now supplied RF enabled.

It is common for smart devices to be used as wireless remote controls.

www.thelia.org.uk

Sensors
Presence detectors
The ability of a lighting control system to manage the lighting according to space utilisation
(presence, absence, heat maps, etc.). Often referred to as presence or occupancy detector the
current sensors on the market typically rely on the following methods of detection:

• Passive Infra-Red (PIR) • Bluetooth

• Ultrasonic • Wi-Fi
• Microwave • CO2
• Cameras
• Thermal

These sensor technologies have various pros and cons but all of them effectively depend on
human activity to trigger an occupancy signal. In the lighting industry these can be used
individually; however, two or more sensor types may be combined in one unit to give greater
assurance of occupancy or presence. For example some sensors use both microwave and
sound to make an alarm judgement or passive infrared and the presence of a Bluetooth
device.

Passive Infra-Red (PIR)

The most popular movement detector used for lighting control, the passive infra-red (PIR) sensor
has been successfully applied in a wide range of applications for some 30 years. These units
rely on a sensor that detects the movement of an infra-red emitting body as it crosses its zones
of detection. The pyro-electric element of the sensor looks through a lens that creates the pattern
of zones that suits the specific application. The complexity of the lens, or the more zones that are
created, determines the sensitivity of the device.

Some sensors are designed to detect large movements, like a person walking through a corridor,
and are not suitable for applications where a person is sitting at a desk typing on a keyboard. It is
important to choose the right sensor for the specific application, as not all PIR sensors are the
same.

PIR sensors are generally more versatile than other types simply because their detection patterns
and sensitivities can be readily tailored by the choice of lens in front of the unit’s pyro electric
element. Variants are available for longer range and higher mounted applications.

A PIR sensor does need to be positioned carefully, particularly with regard to its location with
reference to the area it is intended to cover. The sensor should not be located directly adjacent
to an air conditioning outlet, which may interfere with the detection.
www.thelia.org.uk

Sensors (continued)
Ultrasonic
This type of movement sensor emits an ultrasonic signal that effectively sets up a standing
wave within the space it is monitoring (or covering). The unit then listens to the return signal, or
echo, and so long as this remains the same (or constant) the sensor will not change its state.
Movement within the monitored space alters this signal, or echo, and the unit notices the
change of signal and reacts accordingly. These sensors will react to any solid body movement
within the space and they can also be affected by the movement of air from (e.g.) an air
conditioning outlet. Typically these units use a frequency of between 30kHz and 50kHz, beyond
the range of human hearing and also that of most animals.

Ultrasonic movement detectors give good coverage over areas and higher ceilings.. They are best
used in situations where significant, or multiple, movements are occurring. Application can include
stock rooms and classrooms. To some degree an ultrasonic detector can see around corners but
generally not through walls or partitions.

Microwave
The movement sensor for larger spaces, a microwave detector uses similar principles to the
ultrasonic approach described above but with a signal emitted in the gigahertz range;
frequencies that are more often found in radar systems. These sensors are very sensitive and
can require care when commissioning.

Particular attention needs to be paid to potential:

• movement of the surface on which the detector is mounted

• Movement of other surfaces that are seen by the detector e.g. signs and other
surfaces within the field of view of the detector
• Movement of other elements e.g. moving air from draughts or heating and ventilating systems.

• Microwave sensors can potentially detect through thin walls, glass or other surfaces.

Microwave detectors cannot distinguish between a live person and other moving objects and
may not, therefore, be appropriate in such applications as automated storage facilities with
installed mechanical handling equipment.

The main attractions of microwave sensors are (a) their sensitivity and (b) the fact that
some will cover large areas. They are often used in sports halls and similar applications but
the perimeter walling needs to be checked for rigidity to avoid false triggering by vibration.
Lower range units have been used in classrooms and multi-occupant office and work
spaces.

Cameras
Lighting systems can be triggered by events detected by cameras using image analytics
Cameras in car parking can detect empty spaces – linking to guidance systems and an
input to lighting. Standalone cameras can have built-in processors running image analytics.

Thermal imaging
Thermal imaging is simply the technique of using the heat given off by an object to produce an
image of it or locate it. Thermal imaging can be used to detect people in a building and a
combination with other system can feedback information to lighting systems to operate the
lights based on human presence.
www.thelia.org.uk

Sensors (continued)

Bluetooth (Location Positioning)

The Bluetooth technology and the functionality are not new and has been used since the
1990’s. However, these are now being used in a wider range of applications with the advent of
the low energy consumption of the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) and with other big names such
as Apple and Google pushing the market forward.

Bluetooth is a good alternative for indoor positioning and indoor navigation since GPS does not
work effectively indoors. Bluetooth beacons can be set up which send signals to a Bluetooth
receiving device which can determine the location within an area based on the beacon’s ID.
The interface to other technologies and communications such as Bluetooth mesh will need to
be considered along with the programming and commissioning of the whole system.

Wi-Fi (Location positioning)

This is similar to Bluetooth but Wi-Fi can handle a lot more data and is already available as part
of a building’s infrastructure and therefore there are no additional hardware costs associated
with using the existing Wi-Fi infrastructure. However, Wi-Fi can be less accurate than using the
Bluetooth technology.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Carbon dioxide is generated by people as a result of the human metabolism and concentrations
within a building can often be used to indicate whether adequate fresh air is being supplied to
the space. Moderate to high levels of CO2 concentration in an enclosed area can have adverse
health effects and CO2 sensors can monitor the levels to ensure people are receiving fresh air.

On the other hand, CO2 sensors can also detect stationary people in an area when working
alone or at odd hours which overcome nuisance triggering of traditional monitoring systems
which uses mechanical movement/vibrations to monitor the wellbeing of workers.
www.thelia.org.uk

Sensors (continued)
Photocell types
Lighting controls employ a wide range of photocells to deliver day light harvesting systems and/or
adjustment to ambient lighting conditions. They range in complexity from calibrated photometers
used as reference points in road tunnel lighting schemes to low cost devices that operate individual
road lighting luminaires from dusk to dawn. The following types are described here:

• Photometers
• External photocells
• Internal photocells and Light sensors
• Cameras

Each of these types of detectors is used in different applications according to their characteristics.
Most photocells (except those on (e.g.) lighting columns) should be located to avoid direct sunlight.

Photometers
The most accurate type of photocell encountered in lighting control systems, photometers are used in
mission critical applications, and in particular they are specified for road tunnel lighting controls. In
these applications at least two units are used at each end of a tunnel and their light level readings
used to determine the level of threshold lighting appropriate to the current daylight conditions. The
photometer is so called because it is a device designed to measure the intensity of light. Its output is
a value rather than a decision. These devices are also usually calibrated.

External photocells
A photocell is the generic term given to almost any sensor intended to switch or alter the
level of artificial lighting.
External photocells are most commonly found in street lights where they are used as dusk to dawn
controllers. These devices are usually self-contained units that combine light sensing with a low cost
actuator so that it will close at a pre-set lux level and open at another (usually lower) level. The
difference between the ON and OFF levels is known as hysteresis and is designed to stop the device
from switching ON and OFF too rapidly, when the light is close to the set level. The sensing element
within a photocell is either a light dependent resistor (LDR) or a photodiode.

External photocells can also be used as reference input to control larger groups of lights via a
system. Applications include both exterior and interior lighting schemes. When used with interior
lighting it is often necessary to carry out commissioning in order to relate the light reading to the
various levels of daylight penetration within a building. The general principle behind the use of
external photocells to manage internal lighting is based on the idea that any daylight penetration
into the interior will be directly related to the amount falling on the building.

Internal photocells and light sensors

Internal photocells tend to use the same sensing technology as external units, when they are used
to look at the incident daylight. They can simplify the system set-up because they can be fitted
more locally to the loads they control.

Internal photocells may provide light output value readings to a control system, rather than just
ON/ OFF decisions. This type of photocell can be used where lighting is to be dimmed gradually
in response to natural light levels.

In industrial buildings (for example) the act of mounting a photocell beneath (say) a rooflight
means that it will automatically adjust the system control points when the rooflight deteriorates
due to any build-up of dirt.
www.thelia.org.uk

Sensors (continued)

An internal light sensor can be used as an integrating device; i.e. the sensor looks down at the
task area and receives reflected light containing both natural and artificial components. Also
using similar light sensing technology, these devices are best fitted with a filter to ensure they
are seeing a light spectrum similar to that seen by the human eye. This type of sensor will be
sensitive to the reflecting properties of the surfaces below them. It is generally important to
ensure that such sensors see a sample area beneath them and that they do not pick up
extraneous light from outside. These photocells provide light output values to the lighting control
system, which uses the information to turn lighting ON or OFF and UP or DOWN.

It is also possible to use internal photocells designed to coordinate the use of blinds and electric
lights, to avoid situation where a closed blind prompts the lighting control system to turn the
lights up, where there is enough natural light available.

Stand-alone lighting controls - Sensors integrated into load controllers

Almost all the types of sensors described above are available as either a sensor to be
connected to a lighting control system or as a stand-alone device that integrates the sensor
with a load controller. Photocells mounted on road lighting columns fit the category with their
integrated relay which interrupts the supply to the control gear.
The most popular stand-alone devices are PIR movement sensors that either switch, or dim,
locally connected luminaires.

Luminaires supplied with integral control sensors can be stand-alone devices. Often called
intelligent luminaires, it would be more correct to describe them as self-managed. These are
good solutions for some smaller offices and rooms but expert advice should be sought when
applying these to wider areas.

In some cases, it is also possible to integrate these self-contained luminaires with the rest of
the lighting control system.
www.thelia.org.uk

Lighting control modules (load controllers)

- covering both switching and dimming
In this guide the term lighting control module (LCM) is a generic description of the unit that actually
switches and/or dims the lighting. There are several more specific terms used for these components,
either due to its manufacturer’s description or its physical / mechanical application. A LCM may be a
single or multi-channel device and can be presented in a range of formats. The following list covers
the majority of LCM types that may be encountered within a lighting control system:

• Plug-in (or pluggable) LCM

• Hard wired LCM
• Compact, or luminaire mounted, LCM
• DIN rail mounted LCM
• Lighting control panel
• Dimmer rack

Plug-in (or pluggable) LCM

This type of LCM is a popular solution used in many commercial office projects distinguished by
the fact that it has multiple socket outlets to supply the luminaires adjacent to it. In effect it is a
distribution point for the lighting in its vicinity and integration of controls into installation material.
These LCMs have varying degrees of intelligence and addressability. In their simplest form they
are little more than marshalling boxes with the focus being on installation cost benefits rather than
effective lighting control.

Their complexity then builds in two ways:

1. The number of sockets in the unit controlled by each channel reduces until
there is a one-to-one relationship.
2. The degree of addressability within the lighting control system, which
ultimately is the ability to identify each individual channel and socket.

The plug-in LCMs vary in their physical configuration and size, which largely depends on
their functionality and chosen connector system.

In addition to their outputs being done via socket and plug, some also have their supply
and network connections done by connector systems to meet the demands of those
installations using modular wiring systems.
www.thelia.org.uk

Lighting control modules (continued)

Hard wired LCMs
These LCMs are intended for those parts of installations which are fixed and most easily wired
using more conventional methods. Generally these units are supplied in adaptable enclosures
with mechanical features that facilitate electrical installation. As with plug-in versions, these LCMs
have varied levels of intelligence and ability. If they are fully addressable then they will also be
connected to the lighting control system network. Typically these units are used in the core areas
of office buildings, and usually located in electrical cupboards.

DIN rail mounted LCM

Many suppliers offer their LCMs in a DIN standard enclosure to facilitate its installation into
electrical distribution equipment. These LCMs clip on to a top hat profile rail and may vary in
length; their cross section however must conform to the DIN standard. These LCMs can be
combined with other DIN rail devices, like contactors, MCBs etc. to form an integrated lighting
supply and control panel, which can benefit installation costs in some applications.

Lighting Control Panel

Some projects require LCMs to operate very high current lighting loads that far exceed the capacity
of a normal relay. In these situations LCMs may be used to control the coils of heavy duty switching
contactors, and it is often convenient to assemble all the necessary components into one large
control panel. This type of panel is usually located adjacent to the lighting distribution board and hard
wired into the installation. These panels also take care of those instances where the installation
requires the lighting wiring to use larger cable sizes due to the distances involved. Most LCMs will
only accommodate 4 mm2 cable terminations; some industrial applications require 10 mm2 cables.

Dimmer rack
A dimmer rack is usually a multi-channel device that combines an addressable unit with a number of
dimmer modules and often includes an isolator and MCBs. In this format it can effectively be used as an
intelligent lighting distribution board, effectively reducing installation time and effort. Common sizes offer
4, 8, 12 or more channels and each channel may be rated at 5, 10 or (sometimes) 20 Amps.
www.thelia.org.uk

Network components
Lighting control systems vary greatly in size, architecture, complexity and ability; those that have
the most features and functions rely on data networks to operate. The network may use cable or
be wireless but either way it is likely to require additional equipment - beyond LCMs and sensors
- to handle the data traffic and create a reliable lighting control system. In effect network
components are used to distribute the systems intelligence, assist in set-up / commissioning
processes and to manage the data streams. Suppliers have a number of names for their network
components:

• Load Controllers
• Processors
• Interfaces
• Routers
• Repeaters
• Bridges
• Gateways/Application controller

The distinction between the functions of these components is usually indicated by its name; a bridge or
repeater is likely to be simply a means to extend a system because of either its length of network or the
number of controlled items. Using the word control or controller in the name indicates that the unit may
well be more intelligent; it could well be providing the same functions as a bridge or repeater but added
to this may be a degree of data gathering, storage and/or self-contained control functions.
www.thelia.org.uk

Network components (continued)

Central controller vs Distributed intelligence

A central controller has historically been the brains of the lighting control system or BMS.
Advanced in electronics and miniaturisation means that it could be a dedicated device, or it
can be software based, which can be hosted locally or remotely. However, distributed
intelligence provides improved response and reliability by bringing communication and
decision making locally for the users. Also consider the robustness of the system, please
refer to the IoT guide LIATS38 – Interim guide to IoT and lighting.

If a lighting control system is required to respond to global commands (i.e. automatic functions
that may affect the whole system) then it is likely that some form of central controller will be
needed. A central controller can also provide a gateway to other building control / monitoring
systems. Arguably the most beneficial role of some central units is their ability to monitor the
systems they are attached to; logging the hours run on each output and recording faults. The
ability to record hours of use helps the owner to determine how much electricity the lighting is
using and the impact any changes in the control programme might have.

Additional beneficial features offered by central controller include emergency lighting testing
and monitoring together with fault diagnostics, integration to the BMS of a building or campus,
remote access for maintenance, etc.
Lighting management software
Virtually all networked lighting control systems rely on some form of software for their set-up,
configuration, commissioning and day-to-day operation. The software may be resident on the
systems central controller or only provided by the supplier during set-up and any future
reconfigurations. There may also be access via the internet that allows the user, the engineer,
or any other authorised person, to review and even amend current settings.
www.thelia.org.uk

Network components (continued)

Protocols
In any lighting control system that links several components on a network the signalling between the
units needs to conform to a recognised protocol; i.e. each system component must understand the
data language used. The protocol used within any given lighting controls system might be entirely
proprietary (i.e. it is specific to that system or supplier) or it might conform to an internationally
recognised standard. This section intends only to inform the reader about which protocols / signalling
standards are used by lighting controls suppliers and to expand on any abbreviations.

Examples of protocols / standards which may be encountered when discussing a lighting control
system:

• Bacnet
• RS232
• RS485
• Echelon LonWorks
• KNX: previously known as EIB: the European Installation Bus
• DMX 512: Digital MultiPlex
• RDM: Remote Device Management - an extension of DMX 512
• Zigbee (RF standard)
• Bluetooth
• DALI: Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DiiA)
• DSI: Digital Serial Interface
• Analogue 1-10V dc (also 0-10V dc - occasionally) interface
• Internet/ PoE/ Ethernet / Wi-Fi protocols
• Mains Borne signalling
• Distributed DC
• VLC/Li-Fi

Some of the above are known as open protocols, which mean that products from multiple vendors
can work on the same network. However, it is important to verify the degree of interoperability
between the different systems or components, and check with the manufacturers if necessary.

Multiple protocols might be encountered at different levels within any given lighting control system.
Additional expertise may be required when integrating multiple protocols.
www.thelia.org.uk

Network components (continued)

Wiring and connectivity
The system components need to be linked to form a network. The system network can be
implemented over low voltage bus wiring, Ethernet, mains, Wi-Fi, or other wireless means in order
for signals to be passed around. This may vary between manufacturers, or even systems from the
same manufacturer. Hybrid systems that use multiple connectivity technology are increasingly
more common. For example, a central control unit can be connected to the IT infrastructure using
Ethernet, a wired connection to the fixtures, and wireless for sensors and controls.

Bus wiring is a particular cabling area where care must be taken during installation to ensure a
problem free period after commissioning. Always follow the supplier’s advice concerning the
selection of the bus cable, its polarity rules and other installation / topology constraints. Some
suppliers may ask for a record of the details of the installed bus cable runs, and installation should
always follow the latest regulations and standards for installation.

Busbars
Some suppliers offer pre-wired busbar systems to supply lighting with both power and
command signals. These are often used to minimise labour costs. Always check with both the
busbar and controls supplier regarding compatibility between the signal cable and the chosen
protocol.
Compatibility with light sources and gear
There are two aspects of compatibility that need to be considered when selecting appropriate
lighting controls. Firstly, different light sources require different control methods and strategies;
while the other aspect relates to the technical compatibility between control gear and functional
performance. Reputable suppliers and manufacturers will give good advice on this subject.

Equipment compatibility is largely limited to the ability of a lighting control module to operate
the connected control gear. If the control gear requires a DALI command then this protocol
must be provided by the lighting management system.
www.thelia.org.uk

Network components (continued)

Interfaces to other systems - AV, HVAC, BMS, security
The vast majority of lighting controls can interact with other building services and controls.
Some examples are briefly described below.

Building management systems (BMS)

Most BMS installations were primarily intended to manage the HVAC and rarely include lighting
services. However, giving a BMS the ability to intervene and manage the lighting control system
is now a very common requirement. For example the BMS might ask the lighting to close down
for a holiday period, or some exceptional event, that is not programmed into the lighting
controller. The real opportunity lies in the fact that the lighting control system sensors can inform
the BMS about occupied zones in great detail. This is an additional value that can be delivered by
the lighting control system; potentially enhancing the energy savings in other building services.

Audio Visual Systems (AV)

Lecture theatres, meeting and conference rooms often have audio visual systems that can be
operated from a control panel on the lectern, or from within a control / projection room. As
different use or events require different lighting such controls are often required to operate the
lighting as well. The link may require a special interface component to translate the control panel
command to a volt free closure into the lighting controls, or it may be that there is specific input
that is compatible to both systems.

Security systems
The movement sensors within a lighting control system can be used to supplement the coverage
of a security system. After hours the operating mode of the sensors can be altered to inform a
dedicated LCM output (or volt free contact) that is in turn connected to the security network.

Control of lighting is one of the most visible forms of energy saving.

www.thelia.org.uk

STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS

This section looks at the relevant building regulations and codes
with respect to their influence on the selection and application of
lighting control systems. The following documents are specifically
considered to be relevant:
Building Regulations: Approved Documents L2A and L2B (England and Wales)
• These documents cover the energy usage in new and refurbished non-domestic buildings.
There is a strong emphasis on controlling lighting to reduce the energy consumption in use.

BS EN 12464-1 Lighting of indoor workplaces

• This European application standard provides the lighting design requirements for indoor
work places and recommends the use of controls where necessary.
BS EN 12464-2 Lighting of outdoor workplaces
• This European application standard provides the lighting design requirements for
outdoor work places and recommends the use of controls where necessary.
BS EN 5266 Code of practice for the emergency escape lighting of premises
• This British Code of practice provides the requirements for the application of emergency
lighting in all work places when the mains supply fails. Activation of the emergency lighting
may be by a number of different control mechanisms which are identified in the LIA document:
“Considerations for the interface of emergency lighting with normal lighting control systems.”
BS EN50171 Central power supply systems
• This European product and application standard covers the central supply of power to the
emergency lighting when the main supply fails. Controls are used to facilitate this and
advice is given in the LIA document: “Considerations for the interface of emergency lighting
with normal lighting control systems.”
BS EN 50172 Emergency escape lighting systems
• This European standard specifies the provision of illumination of escape routes and safety
signs in the event of a failure of the mains supply. This is detected and controlled by
controls. See LIA document: “Considerations for the interface of emergency lighting with
normal lighting control systems.”

BS EN12193 Sports lighting

• This European standard specifies the provision of lighting for sports events. Control of that
lighting and the emergency lighting is made by controls.
www.thelia.org.uk

Standards and regulations (continued)

BS EN15193 Energy performance of buildings – requirements for lighting

• This European application standard covers the prediction of lighting energy use in buildings.
There is an emphasis on the use of controls for lighting to reduce energy consumption in use.

Building Management Systems (BMS) systems

• This is a computer-based control system installed in buildings that controls and monitors
the building’s mechanical and electrical equipment

CIBSE Lighting Design Guide LG7

• This is a lighting design guide based on BS EN 12464-1 (see above)

CIBSE Commissioning Code L

• CIBSE Commissioning Code L presents current standards of good commissioning practice

in the form of recommendations and guidance.

BREEAM

• A design and assessment method for sustainable buildings

LEED

• Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is intended to help building
owners and operators be environmentally responsible and use resources efficiently.
www.thelia.org.uk

GLOSSARY
Area control unit Communications or signal bus
A control unit controlling a significant area of a building into A communications network used to connect field control
which one or more local control units may be connected. devices such as outstations and unitary controllers.

Building management system (BMS) Configuration

A BMS has at least one permanent operator workstation The process of linking basic pre-defined control
(BMS supervisor) connected via a communications functions to provide a control strategy.
network to a number of direct digital control (DDC)
controllers which are often referred to as outstations. Controlled illuminance
Managing the output of luminaires by using an internal
Building logbook light sensor to set a target level of illuminance.
A document detailing the state of the building services
systems within a building as defined by Approved Control strategy
Document L2 2002 of the Building Regulations. A list of required control functions for various areas
of the building.
Commissionable system
A system designed, installed and prepared to Correlated colour temperature (CCT)
specified requirements in such a manner as to The temperature of a full radiator (black body) which
enable commissioning to be carried out. emits radiation having a chromaticity nearest to that of
the light source being considered.
Commissioning
Lighting commissioning is the process of ensuring that a Corridor link
lighting scheme performs according to the design intent which Facility that relates office lighting to circulation lighting so
should embrace the needs of the owner and occupants. It that exit routes are kept lit while any office lighting is on.
includes the setting-to-work of an installation, the regulation of Critical path analysis
the system and the fine tuning of the system. A method for defining the time critical
Commissioning completion certificate processes in a project.
A document signed off by the relevant parties as Design criteria
defined by the contract to confirm that commissioning The specified numerical quantity together
has been completed to their satisfaction.
with allowable tolerances.
Commissioning management Design intent
The planning, organisation, co-ordination and
A written specification of the whole lighting and control
control of commissioning activities. system prepared by the lighting designer giving the
Commissioning manager (CM) design criteria, control strategy and other system
The firm or person appointed to manage requirements, as appropriate.
the commissioning process. Digital multiplex (DMX) system
Commissioning method statement (CMS) E.g. DMX512 - Asynchronous serial digital data
A document specifying the processes required to transmission standard protocol for controlling lighting
achieve commissioning and those responsible for equipment and accessories. Although it was originally
completing those processes. defined by the United States Institute of Theater
Technology (USITT), its technical definition is always
Commissioning plan or timetable being reviewed and updated by ESTA (Entertainment
A time schedule for the various works required Service and Technology Association).
to complete commissioning.
Dimming
Commissioning specification varying the light output / intensity of a luminaire.
The document that prescribes the requirements with ‘Dimming’ systems are generally those that are used in
which the various commissioning services have to conference rooms etc. whereas ‘regulation’ or variable
comply. (Note: the specification should refer to drawings, output is used to describe the same control in offices.
schedules and relevant parts of the Code, manuals,
guides and other standards.)
www.thelia.org.uk

External light sensor Lighting connection unit

Light sensing device mounted externally to A unit that connects a luminaire to the low
measure ambient lighting conditions. voltage power supply.

Field control device Lighting controller

A control device such as an outstation or unitary controller. Any control unit for a lighting circuit.

Fit out Lighting designer (LD)

The process of altering the internal configuration The person responsible for the detailed design of
of a building to suit the user’s needs. the lighting scheme.

Flexibility Local control unit

The ability of a lighting installation to adapt to A control circuit for a small area that may be an individual
changing needs and/or layouts. (One of the popularly cellular office or part of a larger open plan area. The control
promoted benefits of lighting controls.) unit should be in the vicinity of the luminaire(s) it controls.

Gateway Low voltage

A device used to link two or more control systems Voltage level up to 1000V.
which have different communication protocols.
Mains-borne signalling
Group dependence Transmission of command or data signals super-
Similar to ‘corridor link’ but used where the linked lighting imposed onto the power cabling (also known as power
is required for comfort or environmental reasons. line carrier (PLC) signalling)

Handover Maintenance factor

The process of handing the building over from the The ratio of the illuminance provided by an installation at
contractor to the client following practical completion. some stated time, with respect to the initial illuminance e.g.
that after 100 hours of operation. The maintenance factor is
Hard and soft points the product of the lamp lumen maintenance factor, the lamp
Points in the system where hardware (hard) or software survival factor (where group replacement without spot
(soft) can be checked during the commissioning process. replacement is carried out), the luminaire maintenance
Hard-fired factor and the room surface maintenance factor.
Term used to describe certain solid state dimmer circuits. Marshalling box
HID lamp Plug-in connection unit for luminaires that is similar to
Abbreviation for high intensity discharge lamp a plug-in lighting control module. It may or may not
have intelligence / addressability. Usually contains
High frequency control gear between six and ten sockets.
Generic term used to describe electronic ballasts
Miniature circuit breaker (MCB)
for fluorescent lighting.
A circuit and cabling protective device used in
Intelligent luminaires place of a fuse.
Luminaires with in-built sensors and control circuitry.
Modular wiring
Internal light sensor Pre-fabricated wiring harnesses designed to provide rapid
A photo-sensitive device that reads internal lighting levels, installation of lighting circuits and small power in ceiling
usually as observed from the ceiling looking down. voids. Basically a ‘plug and socket’ approach to wiring.

IR Occupancy detection
Abbreviation for ‘infra red’, which is commonly used as a Sensing the presence of occupants through PIR,
means of transmitting coded commands for the purpose microwave, ultrasonic or acoustic technology.
of remote control. Usually initiated by hand. Sensing technologies may be combined (c/f security
systems) to give greater accuracy / reliability.
Leading-edge dimmer
Type of dimmer that ‘chops’ the leading (or rising) Operating and maintenance manual (O&M
edge of the mains sine wave to reduce power manual) A series of documents detailing the
delivered to luminaires. design, mode of operation and maintenance
requirements of building services systems.
www.thelia.org.uk

Operator workstation RF
A device used to provide a central monitoring facility for Abbreviation for ‘radio frequency’, which is used in a
a BMS. Also referred to as a central station, head end, similar manner to ‘infra-red’ transmission. This
host or BMS supervisor. technology is also used to provide ‘wireless’
communication between system devices.
Outstation
A device capable of control and monitoring functions to Scene Setting
which sensors actuators and other controls are The use of a lighting control system to create a number
connected. Outstations are linked together by means of of different lighting effects that can be set (and recalled)
a communications bus. using a single command from a show controller or push-
button. (The latter can be called a ‘go to’ switch.)
Override
A system, usually manual in operation, which will Specification
override the automatic control strategy. The document that prescribes the system design and
requirements for commissioning by reference to
Performance testing drawings, information schedules and relevant codes,
The testing of a system, or a grouping of systems, to manuals, guides and standards.
determine if certain performance criteria are met.
Switching
Photocell ON-OFF operation.
A photo-sensitive device used to provide a
reference lighting level. System integration
The linking of two or more control systems
PIR from different manufacturers.
Abbreviation for ‘passive infra-red’, which is a presence
/ occupancy sensing technology that is based on Testing
looking at moving ‘hot bodies’ or infra-red signatures. The measurement and recording of system
parameters to assess specification compliance.
Point data
Data collected at pre-determined points in the Time schedule
system during the commissioning process. A programme used to manage lighting according to
the time of day.
Practical completion
A legally defined point in the construction process where a Trailing-edge dimmer
designated person, often the architect, agrees that all major Type of dimmer that ‘chops’ the trailing (or falling)
construction tasks have been satisfactorily completed. edge of the mains sine wave to reduce power
There are still likely to be small defects (snags) that must delivered to luminaires.
be rectified later.
Unitary control device
Pre-commissioning A control device that controls one single unit, which
Specified systematic checking of a completed installation will often be an integral part of that un
to confirm its state of readiness for commissioning.

Predictive occupancy control

The use of a time schedule designed to control lighting
use in line with the hours of occupation.
Ramp speed
The rate of fading or dimming a light. Used in
‘scene setting’ to add interest to the establishment
of different lighting effects.

Regulation
Varying the output of fluorescent luminaires by
managing the control gear.