Schneider Electric

Construction cost is rising, size of urban flats is becoming smaller and space optimization is the need of the hour. At the same time, technology is now more affordable, connectivity for all devices at home and in turn convergence to mobile technology or smart phones is the latest trend.

The Home automation industry is now evolving more to a converged offering with integration of Lighting, Security, AV and Automation. Advances in the areas of Apps are also changing the user interfaces and it is becoming much more user friendly and simple for users to manage, even on their handheld devices.

Know the science behind automation Taking control of your lights –

Schneider Home Automation
The concept of "Fine Lighting" has been popular in the US for years. The trend has lately become prevalent in the interior design field, where the needs for lighting control are in both residential and commercial settings. Dimmers and scene control systems become a necessity for lighting control and for creating a variety of moods and scenes.

Fine Lighting In Action

In order to achieve optimal Fine Lighting effects, a choice of light sources and light fittings are used to create different combination of luminance for the ideal ambience. To manage the luminosity of various light sources, dimming systems are an essential part of the design. There are 3 types of dimming controls in general, while each of them is suitable for different purpose and needs.

Standalone Dimming

A single dimmer is connected to a single light source to control its brightness for simple lighting control or to create simple ambience. The choice of the dimmer depends on its loading capacity, the type of light source, and its way of wiring. Incorrect combination results in unstable lighting, blinking or interference, and can cause damage to the light source and the dimmer. Therefore, it is important to choose a suitable dimmer to ensure smooth and effective operation. Dimmer switches normally come in press or rotary format. Some are equipped with remote control devices such as the IR Remote Control Dimmer, using infrared to transmit signals to the switch; and there is also RF Remote Control Dimmer, using radio frequency to transmit control signals, consequently getting rid of the need to point the remote controller in the receiver's direction.

Remote Control Dimmer

Collective Dimming

Standalone dimming might not be able to fulfil the needs of the contemporary homes. Collective dimming makes use of one or more dimmers to control different light sources, making it possible to enhance the home environment by a multitude of lighting effects. However, collective dimming involves fine-tuning each single dimmer independently to accomplish the correct effect, which is more time consuming and complicated to enact.

Scene Control Systems -

Scene Control Systems
Scene control systems are used for controlling different light sources simultaneously, allowing different combinations of light sources to be switched on or off to the pre-set brightness. Scene control systems are created for user- friendliness - you can call for your pre-set "home scene" at one-touch of a button. Systems that come with RF remote control function are even more convenient. There are 2 types of scene control systems: the Retrofit that directly substitutes the existing 2-wire switches, offering scene control without rewiring; and the Interoperable that suits to situations where the whole-house rewiring is done, providing more scene options and compatible with upgrades to home intelligence systems.

Scene Control

Scene control means that you can decide the pre-set lighting effects with one-touch of a button. The trick lies in linking up all the light sources to the scene control system to assemble an integrated dimming network. Scene control can also be used with a remote control device, on which each button denotes a pre-programmed scene setting. You can relax in comfort and all at once bring forth your favourite home lighting scene, be it a romantic dining, a chirpy partying or a peaceful bedtime reading, all could easily be done at a touch of the button on your remote control device. Today we care a lot about home design, and lighting is becoming a significant issue. Light sources interact with space to produce the best chemistry, playing little tricks to improve our daily lives, creating different environments and ambiences to fit different lifestyle needs.

Fine lighting is fine living.
Schneider Electric India