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EDUCATION
EXPRESS
EDUCATION
EXPRESS
Lighting Controls Association
The Lighting Controls Association has created a comprehensive online
education program consisting of several courses, including Introduction
to Lighting Controls, Switching Controls & Systems, Fluorescent
Dimming, Daylight Harvesting, Lighting & LEED-NC and Lighting & Commercial Energy Codes. Other courses are being added. These distance education courses are currently registered/accredited by NCQLP for its LC certification program, NALMCO for its CLMC certification, and AEE for its CLEP certification.
LATEST
LIGHTING CONTROLS ASSOCIATION WHITEPAPERS
NEMA Premium Ballast Brand Now Includes High-Efficiency T8 Electronic Ballasts
Lighting Controls Association, May 2008
NEMA launched the Premium Ballast program to identify the industry’s most efficient fluorescent fixed-output and dimmable electronic T8 ballasts, thereby providing a mechanism for market recognition and specification of these products. Ballasts qualifying as NEMA Premium Ballasts are recognizable via a special mark on the label distinguishing these products as the most efficient T8 ballasts on the market.
Research Demonstrates Controls Can Help Reduce School Average Power Density to About Half of ASHRAE 2004/2007
Lighting Controls Association, April 2008
NYSERDA sponsored a demonstration project featuring a new Integrated Classroom Lighting System (ICLS), installed as a retrofit into 28 existing classrooms at seven schools and universities. The Lighting Research Center (LRC) assessed teacher and student satisfaction. The result is a design template demonstrated to satisfy audio-visual needs and improve teacher and student satisfaction while reducing lighting power density to an average 0.73W/sq.ft., nearly 50% less than ASHRAE 90.1-2004/2007.
What's New for Lighting in ASHRAE 90.1-2007?
Lighting Controls Association, March 2008
Ready for adoption by states verbatim or amended, ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007's lighting section clarifies the Standard’s intent and enacts several significant refinements ...
New Energy Law to Phase Out Today's Common Incandescent Lamps, Probe-Start Metal Halide Ballasts
Lighting Controls Association, January 2008
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (HR6) does not include many provisions directly related to lighting. Two of its provisions, however, are nonetheless highly significant. One virtually eliminates the manufacture of today’s probe-start magnetic metal halide ballasts starting in 2009. Another virtually eliminates the manufacture of most common general-service incandescent lamps, putting billions of sockets up for grabs.
2008 Construction Forecast: Slower Growth in Nonresidential Construction Market
Lighting Controls Association, January 2008
Cooling rapidly at the end of 2007 and in a precarious position at the start of 2008, the U.S. economy is not technically in a recession and, despite the gathering stormclouds, was predicted to steer clear of national recession unless the unemployment rate increased significantly. However, in December 2007, it did just that, as reported January 4, rising from 4.7% to 5.0% and leading many economists to suddenly become pessimistic. Even before December's jump in unemployment, the present economic slowdown was still expected to impact the nonresidential building market starting in the second half of 2008 through 2009, although growth will remain impressive in 2008. Meanwhile, the residential building construction market’s fall is expected to come in for a landing in the second half of 2008 and show robust growth in 2009. The result is total construction spending is expected to grow in 2008 after a modest decline in 2007.
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INTRODUCTION
TO LIGHTING CONTROL
EDUCATION
EXPRESS
Lighting Controls Association
The Lighting Controls Association has created a comprehensive online
education program consisting of several courses, including Introduction
to Lighting Controls, Switching Controls & Systems, Fluorescent Dimming, Daylight Harvesting, Lighting & LEED-NC and Lighting & Commercial Energy Codes. Other courses are being added. These distance education courses are currently registered/accredited by NCQLP for its LC certification program, NALMCO for its CLMC certification, and AEE for its CLEP certification.
Introduction
to Lighting Automation
Lighting Controls Association
Lighting automation can save energy and is required by most energy
codes. Before designing an automatic lighting control system, it's
important to understand the functionality of controls and what questions
to ask. This special report offers an introduction to automatic
lighting control.
LCA
Application Guide
Lighting Controls Association
Handy reference guide: See a list of common application types and
appropriate lighting controls solutions.
Introduction
to Lighting Automation for the Home
Lighting Controls Association
"Automated lighting control—programmable dimming and
on-off control—can transform a home as well as the homeowner's
lifestyle. With declining costs and complexity, these systems are
no longer exclusively the province of luxury homes ..."
Commercial Lease Properties: Finding the Benefit of Energy-Efficient Lighting Upgrades
Lighting Controls Association
"With an average building age of 30.5 years and average annual energy cost of about $16.4 billion or 1.06/sq.ft., non-owner-occupied buildings are a prime opportunity for upgrade to energy-efficient building technologies -- although traditionally, in general, they have been slow to embrace energy efficiency. In this white paper, we will explore the barriers to adoption of energy-efficient lighting and how to overcome them ..."
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CONSTRUCTION FORECAST
EDUCATION EXPRESS
Lighting Controls Association
The Lighting Controls Association has created a comprehensive online education program consisting of several courses, including Introduction to Lighting Controls, Switching Controls & Systems, Fluorescent Dimming, Daylight Harvesting, Lighting & LEED-NC and Lighting & Commercial Energy Codes. Other courses are being added. These distance education courses are currently registered/accredited by NCQLP for its LC certification program, NALMCO for its CLMC certification, and AEE for its CLEP certification.
2008 Economic and Construction Forecast: Slower Growth, No Recession
Lighting Controls Association, January 2007
Although cooling rapidly at the end of 2007 and in a precarious position at the start of 2008, the U.S. economy is not technically in a recession and odds are a national recession will not occur this year unless the unemployment rate increases significantly. The economic slowdown is expected to reduce growth rates in nonresidential building construction markets starting in the second half of 2008 through 2009, although growth will remain impressive in 2008. The residential building construction market’s fall is expected to come in for a landing in the second half of 2008 and show robust growth in 2009. The result is total construction spending is expected to grow in 2008 after a modest decline in 2007.
2007 Construction Forecast: Nonresidential Market to Continue Growth, Residential Downturn to Stabilize
Lighting Controls Association
All forecasts point to a robust nonresidential construction market in 2007, while the housing market is predicted to make a soft landing.
2006 Construction Forecast: "Best Year for Nonresidential Construction Since 1998"
Lighting Controls Association
In 2006, construction industry analysts are again forecasting that the residential construction market will cool, with losses that should be offset by an increase in nonresidential construction. In addition, research suggests that the construction industry—from general contractors and equipment distributors to electrical and lighting manufacturers—is generally optimistic about 2006.
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CODES
EDUCATION EXPRESS
Lighting Controls Association
The Lighting Controls Association has created a comprehensive online education program consisting of several courses, including Introduction to Lighting Controls, Switching Controls & Systems, Fluorescent Dimming, Daylight Harvesting, Lighting & LEED-NC and Lighting & Commercial Energy Codes. Other courses are being added. These distance education courses are currently registered/accredited by NCQLP for its LC certification program, NALMCO for its CLMC certification, and AEE for its CLEP certification.
What's New for Lighting in ASHRAE 90.1-2007?
Lighting Controls Association, March 2008
Ready for adoption by states verbatim or amended, ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007's lighting section clarifies the Standard’s intent and enacts several significant refinements ...
Lighting Controls for Code Compliance in Interior Spaces
Lighting Controls Association, November 2007
With varying exceptions and requirements, IECC 2003 and 2006 and ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999, -2001 and -2004 all require interior automatic lighting shutoff controls as well as manual or automatic controls in interior enclosed spaces. This whitepaper provides a code comparison and guide to compliant controls options for the following interior controls provisions: 1) interior automatic lighting shutoff (IECC, 90.1), 2) interior space controls (IECC, 90.1), 3) interior light level reduction control (IECC) and 4) display/accent lighting control (90.1). You will learn the major controls provisions in IECC 2003/2006 and Standard 90.1-1999/2001/2004 and what control strategies can be use d to comply with these code requirements.
Energy Code Survey Suggests 80% Compliance
Lighting Controls Association
Energy codes are a fact of life in many states, but how often are they actually complied with? How are codes enforced and who enforces them? Who on the design team carries the most responsibility and decision-making authority related to compliance? What are the most significant barriers to compliance? A recent study conducted by ZING Communications, Inc., sponsored by Architectural Products Magazine and the Lighting Controls Association, attempted to answer these questions.
California's Title 24-2005 Energy Code: Lighting Review & Commentary
Lighting Controls Association
"California has what many consider the strictest energy code in the country—The Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings, Title 24, Part 6, of the California Code of Regulations. Below are highlights of key lighting changes in the 2005 Title 24 (effective in October) ... "
2005 NEC Code Changes Impact Lighting Control Panels, Metal Halide Lighting
Lighting Controls Association
"The NFPA recently published the 2005 version of the NEC, which is enforceable in all states and municipalities that adopt it. Several provisions in the new Code affect lighting, including lighting control panels, metal halide fixtures, and disconnecting fluorescent fixtures prior to servicing ..."
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LEGISLATION
EDUCATION EXPRESS
Lighting Controls Association
The Lighting Controls Association has created a comprehensive online education program consisting of several courses, including Introduction to Lighting Controls, Switching Controls & Systems, Fluorescent Dimming, Daylight Harvesting, Lighting & LEED-NC and Lighting & Commercial Energy Codes. Other courses are being added. These distance education courses are currently registered/accredited by NCQLP for its LC certification program, NALMCO for its CLMC certification, and AEE for its CLEP certification.
New Energy Law to Phase Out Today's Common Incandescent Lamps, Probe-Start Metal Halide Ballasts in New Fixtures
Lighting Controls Association, January 2007
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (HR6) does not include many provisions directly related to lighting. Two of its provisions, however, are nonetheless highly significant. One virtually eliminates the manufacture of today’s probe-start magnetic metal halide ballasts starting in 2009. Another virtually eliminates the manufacture of most common general-service incandescent lamps, putting billions of sockets up for grabs.
Energy Policy Act of 2005 Sets New Ballast Efficiency Standards
Lighting Controls Association
While new fluorescent ballast efficiency rules went into effect earlier this year, another batch of rules have just been passed that will affect lighting systems starting in 2009. This time, the efficacy standards have been set high enough that the vast majority of magnetic ballasts—including ballasts operating energy-saving T12 lamps—will no longer comply.
Energy Policy Act of 2005 Encourages Energy-Efficient Lighting with Tax Deduction
Lighting Controls Association
"In this special report, we will examine a significant provision of EPAct 2005 that includes a tax deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot for building owners to encourage investment in energy-efficient building systems. According to NEMA, this provision is anticipated to generate about $500 million in additional sales of lighting systems and products alone."
EPAct 2005 Update
Lighting Controls Association
Three stories about the Commercial Buildings Deduction: 1) To claim the Commercial Buildings Deduction, mandatory lighting controls are not required for all retrofits, according to NEMA interpretation; 2) NEMA recognizes a definition of bi-level switching; and 3) Congress is considering several bills that would extend the effective window of the Deduction through 2010 or 2014, some also seeking to extend the amount of the Deduction that can be claimed.
IRS Issues Guidance for Implementing the Commercial Buildings Deduction
Lighting Controls Association
The IRS recently issued guidance for implementing the Commercial Buildings Deduction. Owners now have three paths to achieving a tax deduction covering the entire cost of energy-efficient lighting, capped at $0.30-$0.60/sq.ft. (lighting only) or $1.80/sq.ft. (lighting + HVAC/hot water + building envelope). This whitepaper explains the IRS guidance with graphics that illustrate the process of qualification.
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RESEARCH
EDUCATION EXPRESS
Lighting Controls Association
The Lighting Controls Association has created a comprehensive online education program consisting of several courses, including Introduction to Lighting Controls, Switching Controls & Systems, Fluorescent Dimming, Daylight Harvesting, Lighting & LEED-NC and Lighting & Commercial Energy Codes. Other courses are being added. These distance education courses are currently registered/accredited by NCQLP for its LC certification program, NALMCO for its CLMC certification, and AEE for its CLEP certification.
Research Demonstrates Controls Can Help Reduce School Average Power Density to About Half of ASHRAE 2004/2007
Lighting Controls Association, April 2008
NYSERDA sponsored a demonstration project featuring a new Integrated Classroom Lighting System (ICLS), installed as a retrofit into 28 existing classrooms at seven schools and universities. The Lighting Research Center (LRC) assessed teacher and student satisfaction. The result is a design template demonstrated to satisfy audio-visual needs and improve teacher and student satisfaction while reducing lighting power density to an average 0.73W/sq.ft., nearly 50% less than ASHRAE 90.1-2004/2007.
Study: Controls Combine to Deliver Large, Persistent Energy Savings and Improved Occupant Satisfaction in Open Office
Lighting Controls Association, December 2007
Involving about 90 workers, this landmark one-year study determined that occupancy sensing, daylight harvesting and individual occupant dimming control worked together in a real-world open-office building to produce average energy savings of 47% while correlating with higher occupant environmental and job satisfaction.
New Study Finds Adoption of Dimming Systems to be Increasing
Lighting Controls Association
"... The research suggests that the use of dimming systems is steadily increasing, largely due to lighting industry participants specifying and recommending dimming systems to their clients primarily to provide the benefits of flexibility and energy savings in their projects. The research further suggests that dimming is being used in a broader range of spaces and applications, such as personal control and global control that includes integration with other building systems ... "
Bi-Level Switching Study Demonstrates Energy Savings
Lighting Controls Association
"While automatic shutoff of general lighting, required by prevailing energy codes, has received a significant amount of attention by the lighting specification community, bi-level switching is another frequent code requirement that can play an important role in energy conservation ..."
Dirt Study Reveals New Energy-Saving Opportunities in Lighting
Lighting Controls Association
"The interNational Association of Lighting Management Companies (NALMCO) recently completed a three-year, EPA-funded study of luminaire (lighting fixture) dirt depreciation that may significantly impact lighting design and energy-saving upgrades ... "
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SUSTAINABILITY
EDUCATION EXPRESS
Lighting Controls Association
The Lighting Controls Association has created a comprehensive online education program consisting of several courses, including Introduction to Lighting Controls, Switching Controls & Systems, Fluorescent Dimming, Daylight Harvesting, Lighting & LEED-NC and Lighting & Commercial Energy Codes. Other courses are being added. These distance education courses are currently registered/accredited by NCQLP for its LC certification program, NALMCO for its CLMC certification, and AEE for its CLEP certification.
NEMA Premium Ballast Brand Now Includes High-Efficiency T8 Electronic Ballasts
Lighting Controls Association, May 2008
NEMA launched the Premium Ballast program to identify the industry’s most efficient fluorescent fixed-output and dimmable electronic T8 ballasts, thereby providing a mechanism for market recognition and specification of these products. Ballasts qualifying as NEMA Premium Ballasts are recognizable via a special mark on the label distinguishing these products as the most efficient T8 ballasts on the market.
LEED-EB Extends Green Rating System to Existing Buildings
Lighting Controls Association
In terms of lighting, the LEED rating system for existing buildings addresses 1) light pollution reduction, 2) energy efficiency, 3) performance-related issues such as commissioning and sub-metering, 4) mercury content in lamps, and 5) controllability of lighting systems.
Green Design
Lighting Controls Association
"Energy and environmental concerns have refocused U.S. corporations and the design communities on sustainability issues in construction, renovation and existing buildings. A program, backed by more than 1,400 organizations, has formed to provide a standard for adoption of green design practices, rewarding participating corporations with financial and marketing benefits. Lighting professionals should be aware of this program and its energy requirements so as to participate in projects whose goal is to earn program certification, and to gain the benefits of becoming a green lighting designer ..."
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EMERGING
TECHNOLOGIES
EDUCATION
EXPRESS
Lighting Controls Association
The Lighting Controls Association has created a comprehensive online
education program consisting of several courses, including Introduction
to Lighting Controls, Switching Controls & Systems, Fluorescent Dimming, Daylight Harvesting, Lighting & LEED-NC and Lighting & Commercial Energy Codes. Other courses are being added. These distance education courses are currently registered/accredited by NCQLP for its LC certification program, NALMCO for its CLMC certification, and AEE for its CLEP certification.
NEMA Premium Ballast Brand Now Includes High-Efficiency T8 Electronic Ballasts
Lighting Controls Association, May 2008
NEMA launched the Premium Ballast program to identify the industry’s most efficient fluorescent fixed-output and dimmable electronic T8 ballasts, thereby providing a mechanism for market recognition and specification of these products. Ballasts qualifying as NEMA Premium Ballasts are recognizable via a special mark on the label distinguishing these products as the most efficient T8 ballasts on the market.
Distributed Control Promises Greater Value
Lighting Controls Association
"Distributed control is a lighting control panel strategy that enables flexible scheduling of multiple control zones while potentially reducing the system’s installed cost. Distributed intelligence is an option in distributed control that can increase reliability and flexibility in design of control systems. In this special report from the Lighting Controls Association, we will present distributed control and distributed intelligence as options for scheduling/lighting control panel-based control systems ..."
DALI and the Promise of Digital Dimming
Lighting Controls Association
Digital dimming can be used almost anywhere that analog dimming can be used, for the same purposes: visual needs, personal control, daylight harvesting, scheduling and other control strategies. If fluorescent dimming is desirable for a given application, digital dimming can offer distinct advantages related to intelligence, flexibility and two-way communication.
New
Technologies Set the Stage for Dramatic Expansion of Wireless Control
Lighting Controls Association
"Wireless control is one of the most exciting frontiers in
lighting control and energy management, offering significant potential
benefits for residential and nonresidential lighting systems ...
In this special report from the Lighting Controls Association, we
will discuss how RF wireless control works, how to evaluate available
technologies, and emerging technologies that may revolutionize wireless
control in both residential and commercial applications."
DALI
by Design
DALIbyDesign
"A collaborative non-commercial site for practitioners in the
illuminating engineering community, where you will find information
about the Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) from component
providers, specifiers and system commissioners ..."
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OCCUPANCY
SENSORS
EDUCATION
EXPRESS
Lighting Controls Association
The Lighting Controls Association has created a comprehensive online
education program consisting of several courses, including Introduction
to Lighting Controls, Switching Controls & Systems, Fluorescent Dimming, Daylight Harvesting, Lighting & LEED-NC and Lighting & Commercial Energy Codes. Other courses are being added. These distance education courses are currently registered/accredited by NCQLP for its LC certification program, NALMCO for its CLMC certification, and AEE for its CLEP certification.
Occupancy Sensors A-Z
Lighting Controls Association
Due to their relative simplicity and high energy savings, coupled with the requirement in prevailing energy codes for automatic lighting shut-off, occupancy sensors are rapidly becoming a standard feature in new buildings and retrofits. This article describes the seven steps for the effective application of occupancy sensors.
Study Finds Occupancy Sensors Routinely Commissioned by Satisfied Contractors, but Suffer Higher Callback Rate
Lighting Controls Association
A new study conducted by ZING Communications, Inc., co-sponsored by the Lighting Controls Association and Watt Stopper/Legrand, suggests that electrical contractors  routinely calibrate motion sensitivity and time delay settings in occupancy sensor installations; recommend occupancy sensors in a majority of lighting retrofit projects; select time delay settings that on average support optimal energy savings and lamp life; and are satisfied with occupancy sensor performance, ease of installation and commissioning, and customer/occupant acceptance. However, the survey results also suggest that contractors nonetheless report a high rate of callbacks compared to previous research concerning other lighting technologies.
Dispelling Myths About Ultrasonic Occupancy Sensors
Lighting Controls Association
Ultrasonic sensor technology has been used for more than 25 years in commercial lighting and security devices, and has proven to be the most effective method for detecting small body movements. This special report addresses certain marketing and sales claims made in the industry about ultrasonic sensors by at least one manufacturer that are false.
Occupancy
Sensor Design and Application Guide (PDF)
Watt Stopper/Legrand
This design and application guide aids the lighting professional
in selecting, laying out, specifying, installing and commissioning
an occupancy-based lighting control system.
An
Analysis of the Energy and Cost Savings Potential of
Occupancy Sensors for Commercial Lighting Systems (PDF)
Lighting Research Center
"The primary objective of the present study was to investigate
lighting operation and workspace occupancy patterns across numerous
commercial buildings to better quantify the performance estimates
of occupancy sensors across typical space types …"
The
Effects of Changing Occupancy Sensor Timeout Settings on Energy
Savings, Lamp Cycling and Maintenance Costs (PDF)
Lighting Research Center
"A fairly large body of literature exists that reports
on the potential savings for using occupancy sensors …"
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FLUORESCENT
DIMMING
EDUCATION
EXPRESS
Lighting Controls Association
The Lighting Controls Association has created a comprehensive online
education program consisting of several courses, including Introduction
to Lighting Controls, Switching Controls & Systems, Fluorescent Dimming, Daylight Harvesting, Lighting & LEED-NC and Lighting & Commercial Energy Codes. Other courses are being added. These distance education courses are currently registered/accredited by NCQLP for its LC certification program, NALMCO for its CLMC certification, and AEE for its CLEP certification.
Personal
Control: Boosting Productivity, Energy Savings
Lighting Controls Association
"A number of studies demonstrate that personal dimming can
result in higher productivity—specifically in the metrics
of vigilance, motivation and satisfaction—and also in energy
savings. These advantages are resulting in a significant new trend
towards adoption of personal dimming solutions among designers and
building owners ... "
Dimming
Ballasts: Technology, Methods, Protocols
Lighting Controls Association
"Dimmable fluorescent systems combine the long life and energy
efficiency of fluorescent  lamps with the controllability and full-range
dimming capabilities of incandescent systems. In this article, we'll
discuss how linear fluorescent lamps are dimmed, then compare popular
methods for dimming with pros/ cons of each ..."
Study
Demonstrates Worker Performance Impact of Personal Lighting Control
Lighting Controls Association
"New landmark research study conducted by the Light Right Consortium
indicates that personal control of lighting not only saves energy,
but can result in a significant improvement in employee satisfaction
and motivation. Confirming previous studies indicating a causal
link between personal control and performance, the study is an important
step in validating the impact that quality lighting -- in particular
personal control -- can have on how people perform in the workplace
... "
Dimming
T8 Fluorescent System Problems
Lighting Research Center
“A major retail chain encountered problems, including early
lamp failure, with some of its dimming fluorescent lighting systems.
This issue of Lighting Diagnostics summarizes the problems encountered
and the evaluation and findings of the NLPIP Lighting Diagnostics
team sent to investigate. The investigators determined several problems
relating to the lamps, ballasts, luminaires, lamp-holders, and the
installations themselves …”
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DAYLIGHT
HARVESTING
EDUCATION
EXPRESS
Lighting Controls Association
The Lighting Controls Association has created a comprehensive online
education program consisting of several courses, including Introduction
to Lighting Controls, Switching Controls & Systems, Fluorescent Dimming, Daylight Harvesting, Lighting & LEED-NC and Lighting & Commercial Energy Codes. Other courses are being added. These distance education courses are currently registered/accredited by NCQLP for its LC certification program, NALMCO for its CLMC certification, and AEE for its CLEP certification.
Good
Controls Design Key to Saving Energy with Daylighting
Lighting Controls Association
"Daylighting has become a more important feature of mainstream construction
due to the  sustainable design movement. Daylighting is the use of
daylight as a primary source of illumination in a space ... For
a daylighting strategy to be successful, the designer must effectively
design the electric lighting system and specifically, an effective
controls strategy ... "
Daylighting
Control and Application Guide (PDF)
Watt Stopper/Legrand
“Daylighting controls transform a day lit area into an energy-saving
opportunity. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates
that potential energy savings can exceed 40%. Furthermore, since
peak electrical load patterns tend to parallel periods of the most
plentiful daylight, daylighting control is a natural choice for
load reduction …”
Sidelighting Photocontrols Field Study: Lessons Learned
Lighting Controls Association
The Sidelighting Photocontrols Field Study, conducted by Heschong Mahone Group and funded by Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric and the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, examined photocontrol system performance in 123 sidelit spaces in west coast buildings. Read this paper to see what's working and not working with installed photocontrol systems in sidelighting applications.
Why Do Daylight Harvesting Projects Succeed or Fail?
Lighting Controls Association
The Weidt Group conducted a study of daylight harvesting projects to find out if daylight harvesting projects are living up to their expectations. The team—consisting of David Eijadi, Prasad Vaidya, Tom McDougall, Jason Steinbock and Jim Douglas—reviewed dozens of completed projects, most of which were sidelit using windows, and separated the success stories—some of them operating for 25 years -- from projects they considered to be failures.
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HID
CONTROL
EDUCATION
EXPRESS
Lighting Controls Association
The Lighting Controls Association has created a comprehensive online
education program consisting of several courses, including Introduction
to Lighting Controls, Switching Controls & Systems, Fluorescent Dimming, Daylight Harvesting, Lighting & LEED-NC and Lighting & Commercial Energy Codes. Other courses are being added. These distance  education courses are currently registered/accredited by NCQLP for its LC certification program, NALMCO for its CLMC certification, and AEE for its CLEP certification.
HID
Lamp Dimming
Lighting Controls Association
"HID lamp dimming has grown in popularity in recent years.
Dimming HID lamps can result in energy savings, peak demand reduction
and greater flexibility in multi-use spaces. Dimming reduces energy
costs by reducing the input power to the lighting system. It can
be used to reduce peak demand and therefore reduce costly utility
demand charges that can be a significant component of the total
utility cost. And it offers greater flexibility to adapt spaces
to different uses ... "
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DESIGN,
INTEGRATION, COMMISSIONING
EDUCATION
EXPRESS
Lighting Controls Association
The Lighting Controls Association has created a comprehensive online
education program consisting of several courses, including Introduction
to Lighting Controls, Switching Controls & Systems, Fluorescent Dimming, Daylight Harvesting, Lighting & LEED-NC and Lighting & Commercial Energy Codes. Other courses are being added. These distance education courses are currently registered/accredited by NCQLP for its LC certification program, NALMCO for its CLMC certification, and AEE for its CLEP certification.
High/Low-Bay Applications: Fluorescent or Metal Halide?
Lighting Controls Association
"Indoor spaces with high ceilings, such as factories, warehouses, big box retail stores, gymnasiums and all-purpose rooms are most often lighted by high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting systems. Recently, manufacturers have begun offering specialized T8 and T5HO fluorescent fixtures as an alternative for high-ceiling applications. These fixtures provide distinct advantages versus HID fixtures. Traditionally, fluorescent lighting has dominated the <15 ft. ceiling height niche, but new technology has enabled it to be competitive with HID in higher ceiling heights, even over 25 ft...."
Why Commission Lighting Control Projects?
Lighting Controls Association
Commissioning the lighting control system is often a critical component of the design and installation process, and can distinguish whether a project will succeed or fail. Commissioning can help ensure proper equipment operation, user acceptance and intended energy savings in both new construction and renovation projects.
Free
Download: 2003 Advanced Lighting Guidelines
New Buildings Institute
"The goal of the Guidelines is to provide a comprehensive, regularly
updated document that will remain useful to lighting decision-makers
and that will encourage appropriate practice for lighting design
in building." PDF version available as free download.
Designing
a Lighting Control System (PDF)
Watt Stopper/Legrand
“Lighting design and engineering professionals are increasingly
turning to lighting controls in their work and with good reason.
Mandatory energy codes are requiring lighting control in new construction
…”
Lighting
Commissioning (PDF)
Lighting Design Lab
“Commissioning has been well defined by Florida Power and
Light as ‘a systematic process of ensuring that all building
systems perform interactively according to documented design intent
and the owner’s operational needs …’”
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TROUBLESHOOTING
EDUCATION EXPRESS
Lighting Controls Association
The Lighting Controls Association has created a comprehensive online education program consisting of several courses, including Introduction to Lighting Controls, Switching Controls & Systems, Fluorescent Dimming, Daylight Harvesting, Lighting & LEED-NC and Lighting & Commercial Energy Codes. Other courses are being added. These distance education courses are currently registered/accredited by NCQLP for its LC certification program, NALMCO for its CLMC certification, and AEE for its CLEP certification.
Troubleshooting
Fluorescent Dimming Installations
Lighting Controls Association
This guide describes common fluorescent dimming problems and provides
possible causes and corrective action.
Troubleshooting
Nuisance Switching in Occupancy Sensor Installations
Lighting Controls Association
This guide describes common nuisance switching modes in occupancy
sensor installations and provides possible causes and corrective
action.
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ARCHIVES
The below whitepapers are obsolete and are posted here for general research purposes.
Is it Time to Ban the Bulb?
Lighting Controls Association/TED Magazine
As of mid March 2007, three states in the U.S. were considering banning most general service incandescent lamps outright, while a bill had been introduced in Congress that seeks significantly higher performance standards for all lamps sold in the country. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Energy has begun the process of regulating general service incandescent lamps.
Energy Code Update
Lighting Controls Association
"... When DOE made a positive determination for the ASHRAE/IES 90.1-1999 Standard, it triggered a two-year window that required all 50 states to certify by July 15, 2004 that they had commercial energy codes in place that are at least as stringent as Standard 90.1-1999. Standard 90.1-1999 is also referenced in the 2001 version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The deadline has come and gone, but the question remains, are we there yet ...?"
Automated Lighting Controls Becoming Standard in New Construction
Lighting Controls Association
"Lighting automation is now becoming the rule rather than the exception, according to a new market research study funded by The Watt Stopper and conducted by Ducker Research. The study found that lighting automation is being used in a majority of new construction and renovation projects in the office and school markets. Approximately 65% of these projects feature lighting automation. The study also found that specifiers and users are very interested in the advantages of controls -- primarily energy savings and energy code compliance -- but seek simple, low-cost solutions … "
The Next Generation of Electronic Lighting Systems: Smaller, Smarter and Greater Energy Savings
Lighting Controls Association
"Already a new generation of electronic ballasts is emerging, introduced over the past few years, taking the evolution of this technology to the next level. Ballasts are steadily becoming smaller, smarter and more flexible. New creations include digital ballasts that can be networked to computers for computer controlled dimming and switching; 'adaptable' ballasts, which can operate different types and quantities of lamps on various voltages; and high-efficiency electronic ballasts which, when combined with the new 'super T8' lamp, can result in 15-20 percent energy savings versus conventional T8 lamps and electronic ballasts …"
Controlling L.E.D. Lighting Systems
Lighting Controls Association
"LEDs currently dominate the exit sign market, are making inroads into the traffic signal market (with current penetration estimated at 15-20%), show significant promise for automobile lighting, and are being sold in a variety of consumer products such as flashlights and light wands. In commercial applications, colored LEDs, which can be combined in custom arrays, can also be controlled to produce dynamic color-changing effects for contour lighting, wall washing, accent lighting, signage, advertising, display, public space and 'architainment' applications ..."
BACnet: The Building Automation Standard Protocol Explained
Lighting Controls Association
"While the Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) protocol has generated a lot of buzz in the lighting industry in recent years for its extraordinary benefits, a standard protocol introduced by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) in 1996 continues to have similar strong implications for lighting. It’s called BACnet, a data communication protocol for building automation and control networks ..."
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