Lighting
Automatic lighting controls can present a steep learning curve for those new to smart
systems. DALI is a great first step, owing to its simplicity and ease of installation.
as the maximum number of nodes (unique addresses) is limited to 64 in a single network and are based on the programming sequence of sensors and actuators which respond to the set points input into the system at the commissioning stage. The added comfort, energy savings and cost
savings provided by DALI systems helps them pay for themselves relatively quickly, particularly in larger offices and communal dwellings like university halls of residence, hospitals or care homes.
Smarter buildings, smarter FM Smart lighting systems can make life easier for facilities managers. Emergency lighting can be tested without human interaction, so long as the lights have been programmed correctly. Parameters can be set up to automatically test the fittings monthly, six-monthly and annually, as per the requirements of BS EN 5266, and generate electronic reports. These reports can then be held locally on servers, emailed to specific individuals or held in a cloud-based system to provide a robust record of maintenance.
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As each ballast has a unique address, fault- finding also becomes an easier process. Fault reports can be automatically generated and narrowed down to easily identify a faulty component. A data-informed decision can then be made to dispatch an engineer to fix the problem – saving time and money in the process.
New challenges As with any new system, there are risks and challenges that contractors and installers should recognise. Automatic lighting controls can present a steep learning curve for those new to smart systems. DALI is a great first step, owing to its simplicity and ease of installation. Initial programming can also be laborious when first installing a system. As with any open source protocol, there is an
added risk of cyber-attacks. However, this can be mitigated by using closed networks and having robust security measures in place. Engineers should have a strong knowledge of basic programming and security systems before making smart lighting installations a part of their arsenal.
Connecting to HVAC DALI is specific only to lighting controls, however for combined control of lighting and HVAC (which uses a different open source protocol called BACnet), different protocols can be made to work in concert using a ‘gateway’. A gateway will translate one protocol, in this
case DALI, into one that BACnet can utilise and which can be controlled using one building management system, via one user interface. The compromise here is that the speed of data transmission is slowed – though it is still largely adequate for building services applications. Although somewhat removed from the world of the electrician, it will become increasingly important for contractors and installers to be aware of HVAC automation systems as demand for these, and for total building automation and control systems, is likely to rise.
Lighting the way forward In short, automatic digital lighting controls have been around for a while and are most definitely here to stay. They make for better-performing, energy efficient buildings and can be tailored to an almost limitless range of user needs. Installers should see this as an opportunity to grow and offer much- needed expertise to FM teams across the country.
To find out more about smart control systems, and how ECA can support building controls and smart building installations, visit
www.eca.co.uk
September 2020 electrical wholesaler | 29
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