Lighting control is often the first thing people add, and the thing they would least like to give up. Here is what the terms mean and how it all fits together.
Circuits
A circuit is a group of lights that switch together: the downlights in a living room, the wall lights, the lamps, the joinery lighting. With lighting control, each circuit can be dimmed on its own.
Scenes
A scene is a saved combination of circuit levels. Dinner might set the pendant over the table bright, the downlights low and the wall lights warm. One button recalls the whole combination.
Good scenes are set in the finished room, at the time of day they will be used.
Keypads
Keypads replace rows of switches. Each button is engraved with a scene name, so the room is easy to use for everyone. Keypads come in many finishes and are chosen to suit the interior.
Dimming
Smooth dimming depends on the fitting, the LED driver and the dimmer working together. Checking compatibility during design avoids flicker and buzzing later.
Automation
Lights can follow the clock or the sun: garden lights on at dusk, hallway lights low at night, the whole house off when you leave. Lighting can also link to blinds, music and the cinema room.
Questions we are asked
Wired or wireless lighting control?
Wired systems suit renovations and new builds. Wireless systems suit finished homes. Both can produce excellent results.
Can we use voice control?
Yes. Most lighting control systems work with popular voice assistants as well as keypads and apps.
