Lighting control

The atmosphere in a room can be changed by controlling a number of variables. These include basic functions such as switching circuits on and off through to automatically timed colour progressions. Programming the light scenes means that the settings are saved but can be redefined and adjusted to suit changing requirements.

Buildings increasingly use automatic control systems. The lighting is only one component, operation of solar screen equipment, air-conditioning and security systems are others. Special lighting control systems have the advantage that they can be designed to suit the requirements of a lighting design and are less complex than more extensive building control systems.

Lighting control systems are composed of different components: sensors register changes in the surroundings, control panels enable light scenes to be recalled or new lighting parameters to be programmed. The output devices translate the control circuit signals into actions. The connection to the computer allows for easy operation of the lighting control system through software, while gateways facilitate the combination of different control systems.

The application area for a lighting control consists of the functional adaptation of the individual lighting requirement, the optimisation of the use of energy and the differentiated design of architecture, exhibition and presentation.