A Guide to LED Lighting Controls and Automation for Commercial Properties

LED lighting has become the go-to solution for businesses looking to improve energy efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance the overall lighting quality in their commercial properties. One of the key advantages of LED technology is its compatibility with various control systems and automation options that can further optimize lighting performance and energy savings. This article explores different LED lighting control options and discusses their benefits and applications for commercial properties.

1.  Dimming

Dimming is one of the most basic and widely used lighting control options for LED lights. By adjusting the light output to the desired level, dimming can help reduce energy consumption, extend the lifespan of the LED fixtures and create a more comfortable and adaptable lighting environment.

Benefits:

• Energy savings
• Enhanced occupant comfort
• Prolonged lifespan of LED fixtures

Applications:

• Conference rooms
• Office spaces
• Hospitality settings (restaurants, hotels)

2.  Occupancy Sensors

Occupancy sensors, also known as motion sensors, automatically turn the lights on when movement is detected and off when the area is vacant. These sensors can be highly effective in reducing energy consumption in spaces that are not in constant use.

Benefits:

• Significant energy savings
• Reduced maintenance costs
• Improved security

Applications:

• Restrooms
• Storage and utility rooms
• Stairwells

3.  Daylight Harvesting

Daylight harvesting systems use sensors to detect the amount of natural light available in a space and automatically adjust the LED light output accordingly. This ensures that the space is always well lit while minimizing energy consumption by using natural light whenever possible.

Benefits:

• Optimized energy savings
• Improved lighting quality
• Enhanced occupant comfort

Applications:

• Office spaces with large windows
• Retail stores
• Atriums and lobbies

4. Dusk-to-Dawn Operation

With photosensors, outdoor lighting (like wall pack lights and street lights) can turn on and off automatically based on the amount of daylight available. This allows for lights to come on at dusk, or when a dark storm moves in, and turn back off at dawn, or when the storm has passed.

Benefits:

• No programming required
• Optimized energy savings
• Improved safety and security

Applications:

• Parking lots
• Streets and roadways
• Loading docks

5.  Time-Based Control

Time-based controls, such as timers and scheduling systems, allow businesses to program their LED lights to turn on and off at specific times or follow a pre-determined schedule. This can be particularly useful for outdoor lighting or in spaces where occupancy patterns are predictable.

Benefits:

• Energy savings
• Increased security
• Reduced maintenance costs

Applications:

• Office spaces
• Retail stores
• Warehouses

6.  Smart Controls and Building Automation Systems

Smart controls integrate LED lighting with building automation systems, enabling businesses to monitor and control their lighting remotely through a centralized platform. These systems can be customized to incorporate various control strategies, such as dimming, occupancy sensing, daylight harvesting, and scheduling, to optimize energy savings and lighting performance.

Benefits:

• Enhanced energy savings
• Improved lighting quality and occupant comfort
• Centralized monitoring and control

Applications:

• Large commercial buildings
• Office complexes
• University and hospital campuses

LED lighting controls and automation options can significantly enhance the performance and energy savings of commercial properties. By understanding and implementing the right combination of dimming, occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting, time-based controls, and smart building automation systems, businesses can optimize their lighting environment, reduce operational costs, and improve occupant comfort and satisfaction.

ELEDLights' in-house lighting pros can assist with your lighting controls plan, daylighting design, or lighting system modeling and calculations. We can also supply any level of lighting controls your project needs.

Get in touch with us early in your project; the sooner we're involved, the more support we can provide.

Our lighting services are free to customers who source their lights and controls from us. Call 215.355.7200, text 267.266.8330, email lights@eledlights.com to get started, or visit our Lighting Services page for more information.