How to install lighting controls

If you take action in the simple measures described in this guide, you could reduce your lighting costs by up to 30%. You could also provide a more comfortable working environment for your staff

Lighting controls

Internal and external lighting can be controlled by time, occupancy and condition. It is possible to purchase lights containing all of these controls integrated into one fitting. The type of control will be limited by the sort of light used – e.g. lights that take a while to reach full light output should not be controlled using occupancy sensors.

 

For intermittently used areas it is often best to have fast response lighting, eg fluorescent lighting (including energy saving bulbs) connected to occupancy sensors. Automatic on/off switches prevent these lights being left on accidentally.

For slow response lighting (eg metal halides or sodium lighting), it is best to use time controls to ensure lights are switched off out of occupancy hours.

For areas with large numbers of lights, there should be enough switches to allow staff to choose only those lights that are required. Label switches according to the lights they control.

 

Controlling lights in parallel to windows allows lights to be switched off or dimmed when there is adequate daylight

 

External lights should have both daylight sensors and a timer to ensure lights are only on when it is dark enough. Consider whether external lights have to be on all night - would switching them off late in the evening and back on again in the early morning still meet requirements?