Commercial Lighting Controls & Automation

Different spaces need different types of lighting control. A conference room may need occupancy sensing and dimming, while a warehouse may need zoned controls based on aisles and work areas. Exterior lighting may depend on photocells, time clocks, or contactors, while offices may benefit from daylighting and multiple control zones.

OTC looks at the actual use of the space before determining which controls make sense.

Occupancy Sensors

Occupancy sensors automatically turn lighting on, off, or reduce light levels based on whether a space is being used.

Common applications include:

• Private offices

• Conference rooms

• Restrooms

• Storage rooms

• Breakrooms

• Warehouses

• Low-traffic spaces

Proper placement matters. A poorly located sensor can create nuisance shutoffs or leave lighting operating when it is not needed.

0–10V Dimming

0–10V dimming is common with modern commercial LED fixtures and gives the customer smooth control over light output.

It can be useful in:

• Offices

• Conference rooms

• Training rooms

• Retail

• Restaurants

• Warehouses

• Multi-use spaces

The fixture, driver, control device, and wiring all need to be compatible.

Line-Voltage Dimming

Some lighting systems use line-voltage dimming rather than separate low-voltage control conductors.

OTC verifies that the fixture and dimming method are compatible before installation.

A dimmer should never be selected simply because it physically fits the wall box.

Daylight Controls

Daylight controls can reduce artificial lighting when natural light is already providing enough illumination.

They are commonly used near:

• Exterior windows

• Storefront glass

• Skylights

• Open office areas

The purpose is to maintain the desired light level rather than operate every fixture at full output regardless of available daylight.

Time Clocks

Time clocks are useful when lighting needs to follow a predictable schedule.

Common applications include:

• Exterior lighting

• Signage

• Parking areas

• Common areas

• After-hours lighting

They can provide simple, reliable control without requiring a more complex automation system.

Photocells

Photocells control lighting based on ambient light conditions.

They are commonly used for:

• Parking lot lighting

• Building-mounted exterior lighting

• Site lighting

• Signage

A failed photocell can leave lights on all day or off all night, making it a common commercial service item.

Contactors

Larger lighting systems may use contactors to switch multiple lighting circuits together.

A typical exterior-lighting system may include:

Panel → Lighting Circuits → Contactor → Photocell / Timer / Control → Fixtures

Contactors are especially useful when one control needs to operate several circuits or large groups of fixtures.

Zoned Lighting Controls

Large spaces do not always need to operate as one lighting zone.

OTC can divide lighting into separate control areas based on:

• Work zones

• Departments

• Conference areas

• Warehouse aisles

• Tenant spaces

• Natural daylight

• Operating schedules

This gives the customer better control and can reduce unnecessary lighting operation.

One of the biggest problems with lighting controls is compatibility.

A fixture may be:

• 0–10V dimmable

• Line-voltage dimmable

• Non-dimmable

• Controlled by proprietary equipment

• Designed for a specific sensor or driver

Installing the wrong control can cause:

• Flickering

• Fixtures that will not dim correctly

• Lights that will not shut off

• Premature component failure

• Inconsistent operation

OTC verifies the fixture, driver, control method, voltage, and wiring before finalizing the installation.

Lighting controls can often be added to existing commercial properties without completely replacing the lighting system.

Depending on the existing equipment, OTC may be able to add or upgrade:

• Occupancy sensors

• Dimming

• Photocells

• Time clocks

• Contactors

• Control zones

The existing wiring and fixture compatibility determine how much of the system can be reused.

An LED lighting upgrade is often the best time to improve the controls as well.

New fixtures may allow the property to add:

• Dimming

• Occupancy sensing

• Daylight control

• Better zoning

• Updated exterior controls

This allows the customer to improve both the lighting and the way the lighting operates during the same project.