<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1623785481019535&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

Connected Lighting Systems For A Brighter Future

Explore Our Solutions For Connected Lighting

An incandescent LED lighting system converts around 90% of the energy we supply it with into heat, so government agencies and organizations worldwide are phasing them out for more energy-efficient incandescent light bulbs like LEDs. By integrating LED light systems into larger building frameworks, facilities managers reduce energy utilization and overall operating costs significantly. These systems come with unique challenges that often require custom solutions.
lighting

What is a Connected Lighting System (CLS)?

A connected lighting system is a network of sensors, occupancy detection, and liminaires embedded with controls that allow for integrated management of a building’s environment and energy utilization based on real-time data.

Benefits

Benefits

Energy efficiency

Connected lighting uses LED bulbs and software for light control within an app, smart home assistant, or other smart accessories. Manufacturers of connected lighting systems report they can deliver energy savings of up to 80%.
Benefits

Improved performance

LEDs give off more light with less heat and last longer than a CFL or incandescent bulb. In facilities management, that means less cost and less maintenance.

Benefits

Instant feedback and reporting

Sensing and data collection are at the heart of connected lighting systems. From light beam calculations to general lighting reference information, a CLS helps optimize usage based on real-time data, allowing for strategic management decisions, longer equipment lifespan, better space utilization, and more.
Benefits

Asset tracking

Connected lighting systems provide a landscape of monitoring points that can help management track assets across an entire buiding or multiple locations.

Challenges With Connected Lighting Systems

Those investing in a CLS want digital solutions that offer data-driven insights and greater customization and control over utilization to improve energy efficiency and the overarching occupant experience. However, CLSs are still in their infancy, which presents several potential roadblocks to widespread adoption

Interoperability

Interoperability is the ability of computer systems and software to exchange and use data. Without it, what’s the point of investing in a digitized solution? In commercial applications, interoperability relates to how a connected lighting system works, not just by itself but also in tandem with other building systems, typically through application programming interfaces (APIs). Unfortunately, integrating legacy building systems with newer, more advanced lighting systems can be time-consuming and laden with technical issues. 

Cost

Connected lighting systems also have a higher upfront cost. It’s also important to consider the cost of programming and onboarding staff to manage and maintain connected lighting systems adequately. That said, some sources report payback of the original investment in as little as 18 months.

Cybersecurity

System technicians have seen instances where hackers have used smart bulbs to access home or office networks. System reliability can also be unpredictable due to high traffic, poor signal, or outdated firmware.

Environmental Factors

The environment also plays a role in the lifespan and dependability of connected lighting systems. Outdoor systems require specialized connectors and cables that can withstand the elements. Likewise, industrial systems must be impervious to dust, chemical exposure, high temperatures, and other factors specific to a factory or manufacturing environment. 

This is where a higher upfront cost pays off. Rather than piece together off-the-shelf solutions, working with a reputable cable and connector manufacturer allows technicians to design connected lighting solutions that are specific to an application and its environment. 

Electromagnetic interference (EMI)

Electromagnetic interference from radio signals and other sources can cause electronic equipment to malfunction. Using shielded cable and custom cable assemblies can minimize the effects of EMI. 

Applications That Use Connected Lighting Systems

One of the most effective ways to mitigate risks involved in such a large investment is to work with a reputable provider of custom connector solutions for lighting systems. Our electrical assemblies are used in some of the most innovative applications, from commercial lighting systems and cabinet lighting to LED concert lighting.

Our engineers support the pioneers driving advancements in energy efficiency and industry digitization. We proudly work shoulder-to-shoulder with system design teams to assemble powerful and intelligent lighting solutions that address some of the greatest challenges in electrical design. Here are a few examples of our custom solutions for connected lighting systems.

Human-Centric Lighting & Employee Wellness

Human-centric lighting systems work in conjunction with sensor technology and timers to control lighting in a way that mimics natural daylight. These systems contain tunable white luminaires and advanced management systems that adjust the color spectrum, intensity, and timing of light. The theory behind this type of lighting is that natural daylight drives our biological functions, including emotional health and well-being. Work environments that use human-centric lighting can improve the health and happiness of employees and occupants. 

Heat Maps & Space Optimization

Thanks to real-time data sharing, connected lighting systems can produce heat maps that illustrate the occupancy and volume of people in commercial properties. With a birdseye view over traffic trends and patterns, building managers can easily identify spaces that are under or over-utilized, reallocate resources or reroute traffic, and optimize space utilization, including limiting how unused space consumes unnecessary energy.

Workflow in Hospitality

In hospitality, a hotel connected lighting system can indicate to staff when guests have checked out or left their rooms. With this information, staff can proactively manage cleaning services and streamline and improve the efficiency of room turnover. 

Controlled Environment Agriculture

Global food demand is expected to increase by nearly 70% by 2050 – giving rise (out of sheer necessity) to a new era of agriculture. Insufficient land, droughts, and climate change continuously threaten food production. LED connected lighting systems are playing an integral role in the development of new farming practices that no longer rely on mother nature for crop output. These systems use photo-synthetically active radiation (characterized as a wavelength useful for horticulture) to increase the output of controlled environment farming. While researchers admit that indoor farming will never fully outpace traditional farming, it does add another layer of production impervious to current industry challenges.

For agriculture technology, check out iCONN’s i12 plastic connector series. The i12 series offers superior ingress protection from moisture and dust and larger wire gauges or bundles while keeping costs low and assemblies lightweight.

LED Concert Lighting

When you’ve booked a multi-million dollar performer, you can’t afford interference with audio or video signals. iCONN has worked closely with engineers who provide concert lighting and video solutions to avoid electromagnetic interference. 

Looking for a bright idea to illuminate your next project?

Use our configuration tool, where you can design connector solutions to meet your needs and download a CAD document, or contact us today for a custom solution.