What should be included in a networked lighting controls system?

The anatomy of an advanced lighting controls system can seem tricky


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. 

Read the article.



September 25, 2019


Topic Area: Energy and Power , Information Technology


Recent Posts

Mature Dry Surface Biofilm Presents a Problem for Candida Auris

Multiple methods are described in the literature, but no consensus has been reached for disinfection efficacy tests against biofilms.


Sutter Health's Arden Care Center Officially Opens

With an adaptive reuse of an underutilized office building, the 70,000 square-foot facility was renovated to meet current healthcare standards.


Insight Hospital and Medical Center Falls to Data Breach

The investigation determined that an unauthorized individual accessed the network between August 22, 2025, and September 11, 2025.


The High Cost of Healthcare Violence

As workplace violence increases, healthcare facilities face mounting financial and operational disruptions- prompting legislative action.


EVS Teams Can Improve Patient Experience in Emergency Departments

A report confirmed that cleanliness of the ED was the third most impactful element on patient experience surveys.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.