The Evolution of Lighting Controls

Traditional lighting control devices have existed since the late 1800s and have generally remained very similar – power runs through a switch, then to the fixtures to be controlled.

 With the advancement of green building design and local energy codes, lighting control systems have integrated energy-saving systems such as occupancy sensors, daylight level sensors, and timeclocks. This gives a new topography to our lighting control systems – power runs through a relay (typically located out of sight), and this relay connects to various low-voltage switches and sensors. This type of control has generally relied on CAT5 or similar low-voltage wiring connecting these devices. Further advancements have seen switches and sensors go entirely wireless, powered via integral batteries that allow them to wirelessly communicate between components for full control.

However, now even battery-powered devices may be on the way out – numerous controls manufacturers have created ‘self-powered’ devices, where the kinetic energy used to flip a switch or press a button creates enough power to allow the device to wirelessly send its signal to a nearby receiver.

An engineer from the University of Alberta has recently developed a different technology, where a light switch contains only a radio frequency (RF) receiver. This receiver is powered via RF transmitters in the nearby area, which allow the switch to transmit its control signal to nearby lighting fixtures without the need for hard wiring or integral batteries in the switch.

These advancements provide more flexibility than ever before – buildings that would have required extensive demolition and repair work in the past to upgrade lighting controls may now be able to rely on these wireless and self-powered devices to enhance their existing systems.

At TLE, we are excited to help our clients use the latest technologies in smart and meaningful ways to realize their goals.