A networked lighting control system consists of dimmable drivers or ballasts, accessory devices such as sensors and manual overrides, power controllers (which may be the driver or ballast), and supporting hardware and software used for system programming, communications, and data storage, according to an article from Building Operating Management on the FacilitiesNet website.
Controllers are connected via dedicated control wiring or radio signals to build a network in which addressable control points can be controlled and programmed individually or in groups. The system may be luminaire-, room-, building-, or campus-based.
Luminaire-based. Some manufacturers package control systems with LED luminaires to offer luminaire-based solutions. A controllable LED driver and sensors are embedded in each luminaire.
Room-based. The majority of installed systems are room-based, in which lighting controls are installed as part of luminaires or remotely across a room and act as a single autonomous lighting control system. Installation is often plug and play for simplicity.
Building-based. In terms of features and benefits, centralized building-based control systems are the most robust option. The advantage of this system is in the ability to program layered control strategies in detail, measure energy information for later retrieval and analysis, and monitoring to support maintenance operations.
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