Improving Lighting Controls Can Save Money

Lighting controls are simply devices for turning lights on and off or for dimming them. The various types include a standard snap switch, photocells, timers, occupancy sensors, and dimmers.

  Photocells respond to natural light levels. For example, photocells switch outdoor lights on at dusk and off at dawn. Some advanced designs gradually raise and lower fluorescent light levels with changing daylight levels.
  Mechanical or electronic timers automatically turn on and off indoor or outdoor lights.
  Occupancy sensors activate lights when a person is in the area and then turn off the lights after the person has left.
  Dimmers reduce the wattage and output of incandescent and fluorescent lamps but will save energy only when used consistently.
  For outdoor lighting, photocells respond to daylight levels and activate the light operation when dark. Photocells with an infrared or ultra-sonic detector activate the lighting circuit for nighttime operation, and the sensor turns on the light, responding to the presence of people.