Controls

Fellow Electrical Contractor Magazine columnist Stan Shook contributed a column on estimating titled, “Controlling Light,” which begins: Today’s lighting control systems (LCS) are more elaborate and high-tech than ever. The once-simple systems consisting of a few low-voltage switches, a small lighting control panel (LCP) and a time clock now involve special ballasts and relays, motion [...]

The California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC), a research, development, and demonstration facility at the University of California, Davis, recently announced that it has installed more than 100 demonstrations of energy-efficient lighting since the Center’s inception in 2004. These demonstrations, conducted at the University of California, California State University, California Community College campuses, and state and [...]

Wattstopper has announced that Dorene Maniccia, Director of Policy and Industry Affairs, has been named Chair of the Lighting Controls Section of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). The section’s focus is to promote the benefits of lighting controls including reducing energy costs and improving occupant satisfaction. Section members share experiences and work to transform [...]

Columbia’s Bi-Level Luminaire is ideally suited for stairwells and other low-occupancy areas such as storerooms, restrooms and parking structures. The luminaire utilizes two 4-ft. T8 lamps controlled by a PIR occupancy sensor to provide design light levels during times of occupancy while adjusting levels down to acceptable minimums when the space is unoccupied. Click here [...]

Lutron has announced its associate membership in the Electronic Security Association (ESA). The ESA is the largest professional trade association in the United States whose purpose is to represent, promote and enhance the growth and professional development of the electronic life safety, security and integrated systems industry. In cooperation with a federation of state associations, [...]

WattStopper has launched eCampus, a comprehensive and interactive online training site designed to make learning about lighting controls enjoyable and rewarding. Specifically designed for all influencers, including electrical contractors, distributors, ESCOs, and specifiers, the courses cover control applications in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The free site features two offerings: eWards, where participants earn points [...]

The California Lighting Technology Center will exhibit several interesting new technologies in booth #2034 at LIGHTFAIR 2010 in Las Vegas next week. These include the Adura LightPoint System, a wireless integrated photosensor and motion sensor system that uses wireless communication to control lighting from a Web-based application while avoiding costly and complicated rewiring. Another product [...]

The University of California, Davis has signed co-exclusive license agreements with Wattstopper and Axis Technologies Inc. to commercialize inventions that reduce the cost and increase the reliability of daylight harvesting systems–control systems that automatically adjust indoor lighting to match changes in ambient daylight. The license agreements cover a package of strategies and technologies developed by [...]

The Lighting Controls Association has announced that EE110: Commissioning Lighting Controls, a new course I authored for the organization, has been added to its Education Express series of online distance education courses. Residing at the Association’s website, Education Express provides in-depth education about lighting control and controllable ballast technology, application, system design and commissioning, as [...]