Beyond the light switch
Smart lighting is revolutionising the built environment, helping to reduce energy consumption whilst making lighting more flexible, creative and responsive. Yet despite becoming increasingly commonplace, misconceptions remain about its cost, complexity and suitability for different applications. Lighting Designer Nick Gwilliam from Ansell Lighting explores its many benefits and dispels some of the most common myths surrounding its use and installation.
Smart lighting is a game-changing technology that is enhancing modern buildings and changing how we interact and use the spaces around us. Yet despite its growing popularity there are still several misconceptions surrounding the technology and what is involved in installing and operating it. Put simply, a smart lighting system is an advanced lighting system where wireless technology such as Wi-Fi, Zigbee and Bluetooth is integrated into individual luminaires enabling them to be connected.
The fittings can then be grouped into different zones or scenes and set to operate at different times or with individual CCT and brightness settings, according to the desired requirements and how each area is used. This means that lighting can be entirely customised to users’ preferences and needs. From the timings of operation, to the colour, brightness, intensity and combination of luminaires in use, every individual light fitting can be programmed and controlled in considerable detail. Dashboards can provide data which can be used to identify where savings can be made on lighting and other building services.
There are many benefits of this. The first is that it is hugely energy efficient, in fact it is widely accepted that a well designed and carefully managed smart lighting system can reduce lighting energy use by up to two-thirds. By giving precise control over factors such as operating times, brightness and CCT levels, smart lighting ensures that energy is only used when it is actually needed. This automation also reduces reliance on human input, helping to prevent energy being wasted because lights have accidentally been left switched on.
Creating a scene
Another benefit of smart lighting is that it can enhance both interior and exterior design, adding to the overall look and feel of a space. Rather than being restricted to a single setting, different scenes can be created to change the ambience of a room, highlight architectural features or to adapt the same space for different uses.
Smart lighting can also be hugely beneficial for occupant health and wellbeing. Light is one of the biggest influences on circadian rhythm, the natural 24-hour human sleep/wake cycle which can affect mood, productivity and sleep patterns. By using smart lighting systems to set scenes to automatically mimic the pattern of natural lighting indoors, it can be used to enhance circadian rhythm, helping to improve focus and productivity during the day and create a more restful environment later on.
Another major benefit of smart lighting for many commercial building users and operators is that it simplifies monitoring and maintenance. Used alongside compatible dashboards and apps, the performance of all connected light sources can be monitored in real-time. This means luminaires that aren’t working properly can be identified at a glance, without carrying out time consuming physical inspections and testing can also be implemented remotely.
Dashboards can also provide data which can be used to identify where further savings can be made on lighting and other building services. For example, if lighting controls show particular spaces haven’t been used during the day, building managers can use this information to update heating and air conditioning settings or even cleaning schedules, reducing additional operational costs.
Easy control
One of the common myths surrounding smart lighting is that it is complicated to operate but, in reality, it is incredibly easy to control. Creating automated settings means users don’t have to continually adjust lighting themselves, whilst remote controls, apps, voice commands and ecosystems such as Hey Google or Amazon Alexa are all popular options for making ongoing adjustments when required. Another myth is that smart lighting is incredibly complex to install or retrofit but, again, that is not the case.
Many wireless smart lighting systems require little or no additional wiring and are simple to install. They can be fitted in a similar way to conventional lighting before being connected, grouped and configured wirelessly. This also makes systems incredibly easy to adapt or expand, with settings, scenes and groups reconfigured as the requirements of a building change.
With the potential to cut energy use and costs, whilst also improving flexibility, aesthetics, occupant wellbeing and building management methods, smart lighting offers benefits far beyond simply switching lights on and off remotely. Far from being an expensive or overly complicated addition, it is a practical and accessible way to make buildings work better for both their occupants and operators.
