Smart Lighting

What is Smart Lighting Systems?

Smart lighting is a term used to describe a lighting product that can be controlled using a smartphone. Instead of having a conventional light switch or dimmer switch, smart lighting products operate more intelligently. Smart lights work by connecting wirelessly to smartphones and smart home systems, allowing users to control lighting remotely, customize settings, and automate functionalities through apps, Bluetooth, and dedicated hubs.

The main advantage of smart lighting products is that they provide you with the ability to do more than just switch or dim. You have the added benefits of being able to set timer functions that switch your lights without you even having to be there.

Various light fittings and electrical devices can all be activated from one command. You can link multiple products together including switching from occupancy detectors and photocells. Or, just like a light switch, they can allow you to switch things manually via a remote control or your smartphone from anywhere in the world.

Smart Lighting Systems

Smart lighting systems are designed to provide a comprehensive and integrated lighting solution for homes and businesses. These systems typically consist of a central hub or controller that connects to various smart lighting devices, such as smart bulbs, lamps, and smart switches. With a smart lighting system, you can control your lights remotely using a smartphone app, voice assistant, or smart home hub, allowing you to adjust lighting levels, colors, and scenes with ease.

Popular smart lighting systems like Philips Hue, LIFX, and Belkin Wemo offer a range of features, including scheduling, automation, and energy monitoring. These features make it easy to optimize your lighting usage and reduce energy consumption. Whether you’re looking to create the perfect ambiance for a dinner party or ensure your home is well-lit when you’re away, smart lighting systems provide a versatile and convenient solution.

Best Features

One of the best features of smart lighting products is the ability to set lighting scenes. Lighting scenes can dim or switch a mixture of your lighting circuits to the level of your choosing at the touch of one button. If you're watching TV in your lounge you might want your main light to be switched totally off, your wall lights to be dimmed down to 30% and your table lamps to be switched on; this could be called your ‘TV scene'.

Home Automation Wind of Change

For many years brands like Lutron, Crestron, and Rako have dominated the home automation market with typical installations starting at the £1000 mark, but there are now many newcomers on the scene such as Lightwave (formally Lightwave RF) who offer a much more affordable solution. It’s also easier to install and doesn’t require any special programming.

All smart lighting systems work differently; some require a main control panel for them to work such as the Lutron Grafik Eye QS but other systems like Lightwave operate independently. Most smart switches require a neutral wire for continuous power supply and are compatible with non-smart bulbs. A Lightwave system could be anything from just one dimmer switch. You also need a Wi-Fi Hub for Lightwave, but that’s it; no other items are needed.

Smart lighting has certainly shaken up the entire home automation market. While making it more popular, it’s also become affordable for everyone.

Do I Need a Hub?

Some systems like Lightwave do require a hub. Smart switches require a neutral wire for continuous power, which is crucial for installation, especially in older homes. It is important to understand the specific requirements and configurations of various types of smart switches. Some standalone systems like Integral smart lamps don’t; they can operate directly from the Tuya App. Sometimes the cost of a Wi-Fi hub can prohibit the use of some brands, especially for smaller, single-room projects.

Smart Lighting for Energy Efficiency

Smart lighting systems can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency in your home or business. One of the key benefits is the ability to program your lights to turn off when not in use, which helps to eliminate unnecessary energy waste. Additionally, smart lighting systems can adjust lighting levels based on the availability of natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Many smart lighting systems also provide real-time energy usage data, allowing you to monitor and optimize your energy consumption. Features such as automatic dimming and scheduling further enhance energy efficiency by ensuring that lights are only used when needed. By incorporating smart lighting systems into your home, you can enjoy lower energy bills and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

Smart Lighting for Security and Safety

Enhancing security and safety is another significant advantage of smart lighting systems. By programming your lights to turn on and off at specific times, you can create the illusion that someone is home, even when you’re away. This can be a powerful deterrent for potential intruders. Additionally, smart lighting systems can be integrated with security cameras and alarm systems, providing an extra layer of protection for your property.

Smart lighting systems also offer safety features such as automatic lighting in case of a power outage or emergency. Some systems come equipped with smart motion sensors that can detect movement and trigger alerts, making it easier to respond to potential security threats. With these advanced features, smart lighting systems not only enhance the convenience of your home but also contribute to a safer living environment.

Smart Lighting Installation and Setup

Installing and setting up a smart lighting system is generally a straightforward process. Most systems come with a central hub or controller that connects to various smart lighting devices. Once the hardware is in place, you can download a smartphone app or use a voice assistant to control and customize your smart lighting system.

While some smart lighting systems may require additional setup, such as pairing devices or configuring scenes and schedules, most come with user-friendly interfaces and clear instructions. This makes it easy for even the least tech-savvy individuals to get started.

However, it’s important to note that some smart lighting systems may require professional installation, especially if they involve complex wiring or electrical work. In such cases, hiring a licensed electrician or smart home installer is recommended to ensure a safe and proper installation. By following these steps, you can enjoy the full benefits of your smart lighting system with minimal hassle.

Other Brands: Philips Hue

Some brands of smart lighting products don’t require a hub such as Ener-J. They work out of the box, without needing any other accessories. Smart lamps are particularly good for individual lights or rooms when you want something simple.

Philips Hue lights are known for their convenience and technical advancements, providing different colors and color consistency. Many of these systems such as Lightwave can do much more than just lighting and now include electrical power sockets, security, and heating controls.

When comparing smart lighting systems, some of them require a hub or gateway to allow internet connectivity such as the Philips Hue. Hubs cost more money as they are an additional component. Some of our latest smart lighting products such as the Ener-J smart range don’t need a hub. The products themselves communicate directly with your home router.

The Philips Hue is a product that completely revolutionized the world of smart light. This is a fairly costly product that needs a hub. We stock alternatives to this including Aurora, Integral, and Ener-J. These brands are a more affordable alternative to the Philips Hue range and have more extensive accessories available.

Home Automation

If we use the term smart lighting to describe lamps and fittings, then the term home automation can be used for controls. This marketplace is changing rapidly; many of the giants of the industry such as Lutron, Creston, and Rako are overpriced. Newcomers such as Lightwave have gained market share, offering similar systems that cost a fraction of the price.

Voice control adds to the convenience by allowing users to operate lights through simple voice commands like asking Alexa or Siri to turn on the lights. The Lutron Grafik Eye for example was once the benchmark for home automation but if you want to control your lights from an App, you need at least two more add-ons. Recently, Lutron decided to stop producing the Grafik Eye system which hasn’t come as a surprise as it’s expensive and has become dated.

Comparison

In comparison to Lightwave which does require a hub and at least one smart switch or socket, it has no central processor. Smart light bulbs are a cost-effective and energy-efficient option, compatible with various smart home systems. It does depend on what you actually want to achieve from a home automation system. If you’re unsure about which system to go for, get in touch with us and we’ll recommend the best system that suits you and your budget.

Voice Control Activated Dimming

If you want to be really technologically advanced you can now control your lighting and electrical products by voice command. Smart lights offer versatile lighting solutions that enhance home decor with modern technology, featuring remote control and compatibility with various smart home ecosystems. Lightwave and Ener-J products, for example, are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Connected Lighting: Smart Light Bulbs

Widely regarded by lighting industry leaders as the future of commercial lighting, connected lighting is a mixture of smart lighting and home automation. With light fittings that communicate via an App, letting it know if it's operational, how much energy it’s consuming, and if it needs replacing.

Many of the big lighting manufacturers including Ansell Lighting and Philips now have their own versions of connected lighting systems.