Dos & Don’ts of Lighting Control

There are many variables that can impact the performance of a lighting control system.

The amount of sunlight your clients' homes receive, the layout and size of the residence and even how the buttons on the controls all deserve careful consideration.

Here are a few key things you’ll want to do (and not do) when your client is ready to invest in a lighting control system.

Do plan for 3-way switches. In a hallway or staircase, for example, put a keypad at both ends - so they can turn the lights on or off whether they’re coming or going.

Do integrate shading into your system. They’ll be able to blend natural and artificial light for a pleasing effect that’s more energy efficient than lighting the house completely with light bulbs.

Do experiment with the settings of the lights before engraving your keypads. Give them at least a month to tweak the system, using temporary labels on the keypad buttons.

Do offer follow-up visits. Your clients' lifestyle will change over the years; they’ll want the lighting to adjust accordingly.

Don’t leave at 5 p.m. Lighting looks much different at night than during the day, so be sure some of the programming happens in the evening.

Don’t get too personal with keypad labeling. It may date the house or make it difficult for other people to use the system. Having scenes like “Dave’s favorite,” or a “dance fever” may seem like a fun way to distinguish the lighting scenes, but they’ll make no sense to your clients' friends or future homeowners should they ever sell the house.

Don’t worry about leaving a room(s) off the system. Most lighting control systems are modular so that they can be easily expanded as your clients' budget allows or their needs change.

Don’t forget about exterior lighting. Weaving those fixtures into certain scenes can have a huge impact on the appearance and functionality of their home.