Automatic Lighting Controls
Installing lighting controls is one of the simplest and most efficient means of reducing lighting energy costs. When lights are left on unnecessarily, or areas are lit excessively, energy costs increase. Each hour that an unneeded light operates represents unnecessary expense. Listed below are some devices available to prevent this kind of waste.
Dimmers
Dimming incandescent and fluorescent lamps saves energy, increases the life of the lamps and adds a range of lighting levels to your lighting system. The ability to dim lamps can enhance the versatility or aesthetics of your living and entertainment room, bedroom, dining room and kitchen. All incandescent lamps can be easily dimmed, and many affordable dimmers can be found on the market. However, not all fluorescent lamps can be dimmed. They require a special ballast and a dimming interface. Many compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are not suitable for use with dimmers. Please check with the vendor when buying dimmers for CFL products.
Timers
With timers you can save energy and control your interior or exterior lighting, or even appliances, by turning them on and off at a determined time. Most of the modern timers are digital, easy to operate, affordable and can be programmed from 24 hours to 7 days and seasonal daylight schedule. Many timers are plug-in products, so you do not need an electrician to install them. You can program the timer to turn lights and electronic appliances on and off at specific times. Look for timer mechanisms that have manual override and a good power disconnect. Some digital timers do not operate CFL lamps efficiently, so please check with the vendor when buying timers for CFL products.
Motion Sensors
In residential applications, outdoor security lights can account for a large portion of overall lighting energy costs, and are often left on when not needed. Motion sensors are a good choice for controlling outdoor security lighting. The motion sensor keeps the lights on as long as there is movement. After motion has stopped (lapse time is adjustable), the detector switches the lights off.
Photocells
Photocells are especially good for outdoor or security lighting control. They sense existing light and turn electric lights on when natural light levels are low, off when light levels are higher. They allow the outdoor lighting system to adjust to changing seasons. If exterior lighting is needed for only a portion of the night, a photocell can be used to turn lighting on and a time clock to turn it off. Some photocells have delay mechanisms to prevent temporary cloud cover from turning the lights on.
