Different Types of Lighting Automation

What are Automated Lights?

Automated lights are a crucial element of intelligent homes that enable users to manage their entire homes from anywhere worldwide. These programmable smart lights can be operated remotely and offer both high levels of convenience and a remarkable aesthetic appeal to any setting.

How does Automated Lighting System Work?

Automated lights are easy to use. You see when you exit your house, you can use your phone to help your lights switch on/off. Similarly, in your home, you can command your home lights using your voice. This is a great convenience that comes with having an automated lighting system for your home.

There are various categories of automatic lights, but they all operate using essentially three components.

Automatic lights can be activated using three different methods:

1. Through Voice Assistants 
2. Motion Detection 
3. Conditions are Set Up through the IFTTT Platform

The automated lighting system comprises the following components:

• The automated lighting system consists of an LED module.
• A microprocessor.
• A constant-current (CC) LED driver. 
• One or more transceiver ICs (such as ZigBee, WiFi, Z-Wave, or Bluetooth radios) and sensing devices. These components can either be integrated into the lamp or luminaire or located externally.

How to Automate Lights? 

Smart lights are not a challenging project to set up. There are three primary elements involved in automated lighting:

1. Switches
2. Smart Outlets
3. Lights

If you wish to transform your traditional lights into smart lights, you can employ smart switches or smart outlets (explained below).

Alternatively, you can just remove the traditional light bulbs from the socket and substitute them with smart bulbs. That’s all there is to it.

We suggest seeking professional assistance if you’re not adept at electrical work. Spending a little money will save you a lot of effort and inexperienced installation.

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What are the Benefits of Smart Lighting?

The following are the benefits of smart lighting:

• Switch the Lights on or off Ever: Smart lights provide you with the flexibility to remotely control your lighting. This relieves you from the need to manually turn lights on and off and promotes a more hassle-free lifestyle.

• Scheduling: You have the option to program your lights to turn on or off at specific times of the day. For instance, you can set them to automatically turn on at 8:00 am and turn off at a different time.

• Motion Detectors: The lights come with an outstanding motion-sensing capability. They activate when they detect your presence in the room and switch off when you leave.

• Lights as a Notification: If any lights are accidentally left on, you receive a notification on your mobile device. Additionally, you can use your mobile device to remotely turn off the lights that were left on.

• Energy Savings: Scheduling your lights to turn on at specific times helps conserve energy.

• Ambiance: The use of automated smart lights can create a highly inviting and atmospheric ambiance in your home.

Different Types of Lighting Automation

Here are the common types of lighting automation:

i) Ambient Light Automation

Ambient lights create an impressive atmosphere. They are ideal for hotels, restaurants, lounges, and event venues. The remarkable characteristic of ambient lighting is its ability to display a variety of colors.

ii) Mood Atmosphere

Intelligent lighting systems are an excellent way to influence your emotions. Studies have shown that lighting can have a significant impact on your surroundings. This is why you may have found restaurants with dim lighting to be warm and soothing.

iii) Work Light Automation

Task lights are excellent for improving focus. They allow you to adjust the color temperature to enhance concentration without causing strain on your eyes.

What are the Different Types of Smart Lighting?

i) Smart Bulbs

Smart bulbs could be the ideal option for those who are new to smart home technologies. These light bulbs can be screwed in just like regular bulbs but come equipped with integrated WiFi or Bluetooth capabilities, enabling users to manage their lighting using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

ii) Smart Switches

Upgrade outdated sockets with smart switches instead of replacing bulbs. Connects to home WiFi, and manages bulbs with a smartphone. Compatible with incompatible bulb models.

iii) Smart Outlets

Another alternative for an automated lighting system is the intelligent power outlet.

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Smart Home Lighting Design Options

Smart home lighting design options include;

• Voice Control
• Scheduling
• Color-Changing Bulbs
• Motion Detection

Smart lighting systems can be integrated with other smart devices and controlled through mobile apps or smart speakers.

Essential Devices Needed for Home Lighting Automation

Consider essential items like smart speakers, smart thermostats, smart lighting, and smart plugs for your home automation setup.

• Central Hub: A smart home central hub serves as the brain of your automated home system, coordinating and controlling connected devices. It can take various forms, including smartphones, Amazon Alexa, or dedicated smart hubs, as long as they are compatible with your chosen smart devices.
• Sensors: Automated home devices rely on sensors to collect data and interact with the central hub. Additional sensors can enhance functionality and provide accurate information for a smarter home system.
• Smart Switch: Enhance home lighting automation with smart switches and bulbs, creating a versatile lighting system. Smart switches use mesh networks like ZigBee or Z-Wave, always ready to receive lighting commands. Consider EVVR Home Kit no neutral smart relay switch or EVVR In-Wall Relay Smart Switch (ZigBee/Z-Wave) for easy wireless integration without neutral wire and load requirements. Start your smart home setup today.

Easy 5 Ways to Get Started with Smart Lighting

If you can’t afford a whole-house automation overhaul, try experimenting with smart-home technologies in small ways, like using an automated light or lighting control system for convenience and technological advancements. Steps to install them.

i) Choose an Assistant

Smart devices should simplify our lives. The easiest way to do this is by using a digital assistant like Amazon Echo or Google Home to control smart lighting. These voice-activated devices can dim, brighten, turn on, and turn off automated lights.

ii) Install Smart Bulbs

An alternative method to begin with smart lighting control systems is by switching out your current light bulbs with smart bulbs. These bulbs work with a smartphone to manage your automated lights through either a voice assistant or a smart home hub.

iii) Replace Conventional Plugs with Smart Plugs

To automate your home’s lighting, you can pair smart plugs with existing lamps or fixtures. Smart plugs can add smart features to non-smart devices by connecting them to the internet. Use a smartphone app, voice control, or a smart home hub to turn devices on or off, or schedule them.

iv) Smart Switches

If you feel at ease with electrical tasks, you could set up intelligent switches to manage your current lighting. These switches replace conventional light switches and offer the ability to operate your automated home lighting system through your smartphone, voice-controlled assistant, or a smart home hub.

v) Smart Lighting Kits

Smart lighting kits provide all necessary components, including bulbs or switches, a hub, and an app, making it easy to establish a smart lighting system for your home. Ensure compatibility with your existing smart home system to enjoy the convenience of automated lighting.

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List the Best Smart Lights for 2023

Top smart lights: 

• Philips Hue for overall quality.
• Cree Connected for the budget.
• Lifx Mini for WiFi.
• Sylvania for color. 

Frequently Asked Questions