The 4 Lighting Control Client Profiles

These days, it's important for installers to be able to supply solutions for a variety of potential clients -- from the middle class to the luxury market.

Larry Bem -- a lighting expert with the Home Theater Specialists of America (HTSA) -- offers the following lighting design and product tips for four client profiles.

The Penny-Pincher "Installing a dimmer is one of the most impressive and cost effective ways to use light," says Bem.

"If you're looking for the most bang for your buck, this is it." Bem suggests the Lutron Maestro IR preset dimmer, which is controlled by an integral micro-processor and can be programmed to recall a favorite brightness.

The Facelifter "You want to change your life with light? A scene controller can make it happen," Bem says. He recommends the wall mounted master Spacer System.

It replaces switches, one for one, and enables creation of up to five combinations of light levels, or scenes.

The Remodeler For the next level of programmable dimmers, Bem recommends the Lutron GRAFIK Eye QS, a more advanced lighting control system that enables manipulation of light from six zones or sources to create four scenes.

As an added bonus, this system can integrate with up to three groups of Lutron's Sivoia QS precision controllable shades. The RS232/Ethernet interface also taps into audio/video and building management systems.

The Control Freak "If you're serious about light control you must consider Lutron's Sivoia QED or Sivoia QS shading," says Bem. "'Total Light Control' combines the use of solar filtering or blackout shade fabrics that work with your dimming solutions to harvest or limit light from the sun."

Lutron offers shading solutions that can be integrated with the GRAFIK Eye QS, including roller shades, drapery and more elegant roman shades.