Home lighting is something we take for granted in the modern era and long gone are the times when residents would need to light a candle or lantern after dark to make their way from one room to another. Today, we have the power to simply walk into a room and switch on a light in an instant, yet house automation technology is taking this science to a completely different level.
What is new in the lighting industry?
Although dimmers have been around for a while, historically they were installed to be controlled from a main panel. Now, however, each fixture in buildings, including residential properties, has dedicated drivers and can therefore be individually controlled to create varying atmospheres and ambiance in different rooms and areas. As an example, brighter light encourages alertness, activity and a cheerful mood, while subdued lighting promoted relaxation and intimacy.
The end user is most definitely key to the latest lighting trends, with new innovations being developed to make life easier for them, such as the ability to control their lighting using their mobile phone or by voice activation technology. Not only are the latest advancements exciting on a scientific level but also they are bringing a new element of art and drama into the household.
What are the benefits of home automation?
The obvious benefits of home automation and lighting technology are the ease and convenience that they offer homeowners; however, the technology also plays a huge part in home security and giving property owners a sense of safety and wellbeing. They can control exterior lighting to enable them to safely approach their front door, for example, or can give the impression that somebody is at home whilst they are away on holiday.
What is driving this new technology?
The rise of solid-state lighting, also known as LEDs (light-emitting diodes), is enabling the lighting industry to play more with the technology. The introduction of digitally-controlled lighting and low-voltage controls has made residential lighting an integral part of a home’s design and decor, with home automation and lighting projects now on the rise.
With developing science come challenges, and the latest developments in lighting have not been without their trials and tribulations. Luckily, all issues can be solved by careful planning and the selection of compatible products.
