Wireless Lighting Controls (Benefits and Challenges)
Wireless lighting systems are made up of physical devices and a communications network that securely collects data and controls the system. The light fixtures are still hard-wired for power, but all communication and data to the in-room devices is done wirelessly. This go-to solution for contractors is relatively new and has pros and cons that come with it.
BENEFITS
Flexibility: Wireless control devices can be placed where they’re needed without limitation imposed by wiring, including areas that are difficult to wire. (glass walls, existing masonry, or scenarios where running wires would be costly or complicated for the installing contractor.)
Labor and material cost savings: Wireless control eliminates the need for dedicated control wiring and associated switch legs, traveler wires, conduit in many cases leading to a more simplified installation.
Scalability: With no wires required to connect to existing installations in the building, it becomes easy to expand and add new rooms or zones.
CHALLENGES
Battery Life: Most systems claim anywhere from 10–25 year battery life. Not all wireless devices are battery devices and thus power can be supplied directly depending on the product’s capabilities.
Distance Limitations: The installing contractor must learn and understand the proper placement of devices and their limitations in order for the system to be successful.
VxV Solutions Inc. currently carries a line in wireless controls, Crestron Zūm system for Toronto and Southwestern Ontario. The Crestron Zūm system comes in wired and wireless options to allow for unique and multi-purpose applications.
With just a few wireless “building block” devices, Crestron Zūm makes lighting control exceptionally simple to design and set up. All Zūm devices intelligently “pair and play” with the tap of a keypad, dimmer, or mobile device. The Zūm app makes it easy to name and combine rooms, set scenes, optimize daylighting, set up a time clock for scheduled events, and execute temporary overrides.
Zūm Wireless is a distributed lighting control system that uses industry standards, such as 0-10V, DALI®, DMX, and phase control and can be managed from a secure wireless 2.4 GHz network. Zūm Wireless systems are scalable from just a single room with two devices up to 32,000 devices, 1,000 rooms or spaces, and nearly six million square feet!
Design your space around the fixture needs, control types and user interfaces. Use a network-level ZUMNET controller to allow the space to use a high-speed Ethernet infrastructure for control and data.
Flexibility is the name of the game with Zūm Wired. Mix in wireless keypads and sensors to meet special project conditions, or add a Zūm Ethernet switch for additional sensor data collection and touch panel connectivity.
