Control systems

1–10 V control

  • This is a commonplace analogue control system for fluorescent lamps
  • The lighting system must be equipped with an electronic ballast suitable for controlling
  • Control units are produced by several manufacturers
  • Not all analogue 0–10 V control systems are suitable for controlling EN-60929-compliant 1–10 V dimmable electronic ballasts (the ballast feeds power to the control circuit)
  • Differences in the luminaires’ control conductor length may result in differences in their illuminance
  • A group may only have one controller (control point)


Direct switch control

  • There are no separate controllers or control systems
  • Simple spring switches or pull switches are used in the control system
  • The control circuit has only one or two wires
  • Several manufacturers produce these solutions. Some of the electronic control gears are controlled via the L line, some via the N line, and some via both
  • The control switch must not be equipped with a signal light
  • The number of electronic ballasts varies between manufacturers (in the same group)


DSI

  • Because of digital control commands, all the luminaires are controlled uniformly
  • The length of the control circuit does not affect the control outcome
  • The polarity-free control conductor makes installation easier
  • Control can be performed via a computer
  • A single system may include more than 64 ballasts or controllers
  • Some of these are not addressable
  • In a multi-channel system, each channel requires its own control circuit between the controller and the luminaire
  • The system does not require programming
  • The system is not governed by standards


DALI

  • A single control system may have up to 64 addressable units
  • The system may be expanded with a router. One router has two DALI cables
  • Components from different manufacturers may be included in the same system
  • The system is easy to adjust and has a polarity-free control conductor, which makes it flexible
  • The system has only one control conductor, which results in lower installation costs
  • The system can be connected to a BMS system (there are LonWorks and EIB approaches) via a gateway
  • Programming must be done before commissioning, and different manufacturers handle the programming differently


DMX

  • There are 512 eight-bit channels
  • The appliance being controlled uses one or more DMX channels
  • A three-pin XLR connector is used
  • These systems are commonly used in theatre lighting
  • There are several possible control methods, including lighting consoles and programs
  • This option is well suited to RGB control of LEDs