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Control tech terms

Published 1/31/24
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Let’s get on the same page

With the rapid pace of change in the lighting and controls industry, it is easy to confuse the ever-expanding list of new terms, technologies, and concepts being applied to Luminaire Level Lighting Controls (LLLC).

  1. Understanding system components

    Most lighting control systems have basic components in common. Understanding the discrete components will help you better understand the pros and cons of different systems available in the market.

  2. Basic controls terminology

    Once you understand the system components, it’s easier to understand basic controls concepts and terminology.

    So it’s on my network?
    It is important to understand that, though the system is a network, it does not necessarily need to be on the building IT network. Many lighting systems operate on their own independent network.

    Communication protocols and load control protocols
    A communication protocol is a system of rules that allows two or more devices to transmit information. Common wireless examples include WiFi, bluetooth, Zigbee or cellular networks.

    A load control protocol can be thought of as the actual content in the message being communicated. Examples include DALI, DMX512, proprietary digital protocols or 0-10 volts (analog).

  3. What’s the difference?

    Now that you understand the basic components and concepts, we can take a closer look at the definitions of networked lighting controls (NLC) and luminaire level lighting controls (LLLC) and explain the primary ways in which these systems operate in commercial buildings.

    A networked lighting controls (NLC) system is the combination of sensors, network interfaces, wall stations, and controllers that affect lighting changes to luminaires. In an NLC system configuration, there is a one-to-many relationship, in which one sensor controls many luminaires.

    A luminaire level lighting controls (LLLC) system is a specific type of NLC system. Manufacturers are integrating NLC system components directly into individual luminaires, resulting in a one-to-one relationship with every light fixture capable of being controlled directly. Each luminaire is its own control zone or may be grouped into zones with multiple luminaires. This simplifies design, streamlines installation, and provides unparallelled flexibility for future space reconfigurations.

    Both systems deploy the same control strategies to ensure code compliance, tenant comfort, and sustained energy savings. Some products can be configured to operate in either mode.