The Paradigm Shift In Controls

David Shiller September 2, 2022

C. Webster Marsh authored an interesting article about the latest paradigm shift in lighting control design. As the above image conveys, lighting controls have moved from on-off to dimming, to color-tuning and/or color-changing, and now to circuit dependent or independent, as control signals moved beyond line voltage wiring for both wired & wireless controls.

The article was published on the Lighting Controls Association (LCA) website in early August. It argues that this paradigm change facilitated more advanced control solutions, which is altering the landscape of lighting control systems. Many designers, manufacturers, and contractors are resisting this change, however, and it appears as though controls are headed towards a third paradigm shift that will sustain those who adapt and eliminate those who don’t.

You can read the full article about the shift to dynamic, circuit-agnostic lighting controls here.

David Shiller

David Shiller is the Publisher of LightNOW, and Senior Business Development Consultant at Capacity Consulting, a North American consulting firm providing business development services to advanced lighting manufacturers. The ALA awarded David the Pillar of the Industry Award. David has been co-chair of the ALA’s Engineering Committee since 2010. David established MaxLite’s OEM component sales into a multi-million dollar division. He invented GU24 lamps while leading ENERGY STAR lighting programs for the US EPA. David has been published in leading lighting publications, including LD+A, enLIGHTenment Magazine, LEDs Magazine, and more.

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