Controls

T1L (10BASE-T1L) Ethernet technology has significant potential to accellerate building automation, by enabling the reuse of existing wiring to upgrade network infrastructure without costly running of new wiring. Building management systems (BMS) can been run on T1L and this can have implications for lighting systems. T1L Ethernet is a long-distance networking solution that leverages a [...]

In March 2025, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) published the ANSI/NEMA C137.9-2025 standard, titled “Networked Lighting Control Systems Configuration Report.” This new standard was developed through the efforts of industry leaders, including the DesignLights Consortium’s (DLC) Levin Nock and working group co-chair Jason Jeunnette, with the goal of streamlining the configuration and verification process [...]

The ANSI 137.10 standard enhances outdoor lighting resilience by addressing interoperability and infrastructure durability during extreme weather events. Developed by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), this standard establishes unified communication protocols and technical requirements for networked outdoor lighting systems, particularly in hurricane-prone regions. Interoperability for Continuity By mandating open communication interfaces, ANSI 137.10 ensures [...]

  Here is an update on two important industry conferences & trade shows: NYControlled 2025 This show is being held Wednesday, October 15th, 2025, from 9am – 6pm, at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City. Exhibitor registration is now open. Lighting control manufacturers will be showcasing their cutting-edge products. Also exhibiting will be: + [...]

  The role of Z-Wave in the smart home industry is evolving, particularly in light of the emergence of Matter, a new universal standard for smart home connectivity. Z-Wave, once a dominant protocol for connecting Internet of Things (IoT) devices, has faced challenges in maintaining relevance as consumer preferences shift toward simpler, hub-free solutions. Z-Wave’s [...]

  Researchers from the Institute of Microelectronics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a cutting-edge humidity sensing system capable of monitoring human behaviors in real-time through the detection of respiratory patterns. This innovative system combines a highly sensitive humidity sensor with a thermistor, micro-heater, and machine learning algorithms, achieving an impressive 96.2% accuracy [...]

  When I entered Lutron’s booth at LEDucation, I expected to be overwhelmed by endlessly complex control options and a dizzying assortment of products and components. I was wrong. The Lutron booth was a master class in presenting highly technical and complex products in a simple to understand story. Some of the credit goes to [...]

  The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) has released a new NLC-HVAC toolkit to improve collaboration between building operators, lighting professionals, and HVAC engineers. DLC claims integrating networked lighting controls (NLC) with HVAC can save over 20% of the whole building load. The toolkit helps building professionals: Understand the benefits of integrating Networked Lighting Controls (NLC) with [...]

Image: Helvar 5611 Node Link enables hybrid control of Helvar’s wired and wireless lighting control systems. Hybrid wired and wireless lighting controls combine the strengths of both wired and wireless systems to create a flexible, scalable, and efficient lighting solution. This approach integrates traditional hardwired controls with wireless technology, enabling the best of both worlds [...]