My thoughts

With LED strip lights being more popular, there are different ways to control them, and there may be better ways for you to control them.

LED strip lights are one of many different types of lights that are specified and installed into a home. Most lighting control systems will be a hybrid solution, needing to control different types of loads using multiple control methods.

In this edition of ‘Getting to know’ we explore the popular methods of control LED strip lights:

• Relay switching
• 1-10V 
• DALI Broadcast 
• DALI Address 

Relay Switching

For specifications that may require on/off switched lights, each locally installed LED driver is home-run to the distribution board and typically controlled by a relay controller such as the Philips Dynalite DDRC1220 feed through relay controller.

For residential projects, all LED lights should be controlled to their optimal potential – including LED strip lights. With many LED strip lights now being 24V powered, they are often too bright at 100% lumen output, particularly at night especially where intelligent evening and night presets should be implemented.

I recommend better control methods for controlling LED strip lights that will provide greater usability and the best comfort levels for home owners and residents.

1-10V

For analogue or 1-10V lighting control systems, the load controller transmits a low voltage signal: 1V equates to 0 per cent of lighting output; 10V equates to 100 per cent output. All fittings within a single channel (lighting group) will respond to this dimming instruction at the same time. 

For 1-10V systems, the electrician is to home-run wire  a separate 2-core 240V rated double insulated cable (1.5mm twin active or similar) for the control signal of each lighting channel. Power to the light is supplied directly from a relay controller (not the Philips Dynalite signal controller), to ensure lights can be switched off.

1-10V lights can be controlled by a Philips Dynalite DDBC1200 signal controller or DDMC802 multipurpose modular controller configured with DGBM200 ballast modules. A relay controller (such as a DDRC1220) should be provided to ensure that lights are switched off. 

With higher powered LED strip lights now most common, providing much brighter output, 1-10V may not provide the most comfortable outcome. Many 1-10V lighting control applications can be specified with DALI control for better performance and flexibility.

DALI Broadcast

For many integrators, a DALI Broadcast system may be their first DALI experience, as a progression from relay and 1-10V lighting control of LED strip lights.

With DALI Broadcast systems, all lights within a single channel (lighting group) will respond at the same time. 

Similar 1-10V systems, for DALI Broadcast systems the electrician needs to home-run a separate 2-core 240V rated double insulated cable (1.5mm twin active or similar) to the distribution board for the control signal of each lighting channel. Luminaire power is supplied directly from the circuit breaker (not the Philips Dynalite signal controller).

DALI Broadcast controlled lights can be controlled by a Philips Dynalite DDBC1200 signal controller or DDMC802 multipurpose modular controller configured with DGBM200 ballast modules. The DALI Broadcast control protocol is determined within the Dynalite commissioning and programming software. 

DALI Address

The choice to move towards a full DALI address system can be complex and will need involvement with the lighting design and specification to ensure compatible light fittings and drivers. Further documentation and education may need to be provided to the electrician and builder to ensure the right cabling methodology is implemented.

The DDBC120-DALI is my signal controller of choice for full DALI residential projects because of it’s features and flexibility. Being DALI-2 certified, the DDBC120-DALI can control DALI 209 type light fittings for tunable white lighting control (human centric lighting), and has a self-healing feature that will automatically re-address a replacement fitting if one fails.

For DALI Address systems, the electrician will need to run a separate 2-core 240V rated double insulated cable (1.5mm twin active or similar) for the control signal, with a maximum of 64 points per DALI universe. Luminaire power is supplied directly from the circuit breaker (not the Philips Dynalite signal controller).

More options

In addition to the popular control methods mentioned above (relay switching, 1-10V, DALI Broadcast, and DALI Address), there are other ways to control LED strip lights including PWM and DMX control, for special applications. 

There are also different Dynalite products that control the various control protocols, depending on the application and installation requirements.

I would love to know your thoughts about controlling LED strip lights and DALI control for residential projects. We foresee more residential projects implementing more DALI, particularly as the new DALI-2 standard becomes more known.

Articles from my Dynalite page focuses on the Philips Dynalite networked lighting control system. Many industry professionals regard Philips Dynalite as being the world’s best lighting control system, that I have represented with Lightmoves for many years. SimonLakey

Those who know me well or have seen my presentations, know that I’m very big on sensors, particularly for residential projects… I love them.

Lighting control sensors are a key product for making homes smart and more intelligent, and are often misunderstood, not appreciated, and subsequently under specified.

The Big Sensor Misconception

It seems as though many home owners, designers, and specifiers don’t really understand what lighting control sensors are, how they work, and the benefits they can provide.

Many people hark back to the concept of the traditional PAR38 sensor flood light of the the last century that are installed on thousands of home garages and porches around Australia, and see these locations as being the only location for modern day lighting control sensors, if at all.

Whilst these areas are indeed prime locations for sensors to control outdoor lights, modern sensors are much more flexible, discreet, and have extraordinary functionality; particularly Philips Dynalite multifunction sensors.

I see many projects from specifiers that greatly under-utilise lighting control sensors, and often don’t even specify them at all.

The omission of lighting control sensors can be a missed opportunity to provide a fantastic user experience that is one of the most appreciated features of a smart home.

Making Magic Happen

In a modern home, much of the intelligence can be fully automated, particularly routines that are regular and predictable.

In areas where we need light as we move between or into spaces, sensors provide a fantastic experience; allowing lights to turn on and off when we need it.

For many applications, lighting control system sensors can be the first device that home owners and residents unknowingly interact with, rather than a ‘light switch’ or manual user interface.

Together with an ethernet gateway (PDEG), this product combination can provide high-levels of home automation to effectively control power and lighting – making real magic happen.

In addition to the more known ‘presence detection’ mode, Philips Dynalite sensors can operate in ‘vacancy detection’ mode to turn off lights when no motion is detected. This feature and the powerful programming behind it provides great flexibility and assists with energy management to ensure lights are turned off when not required.

With Philips Dynalite sensors being multifunctional, the in-built light level sensor can be programmed to have lights only turn on when the level of natural light falls below a specific threshold.

Sensors are a feature of the greater Philips Dynalite lighting control system that can provide many benefits that cannot be appreciated and valued if they haven’t been considered and provided.

The functionality and flexibility of Philips Dynalite sensors and the greater Dynalite lighting control system may also provide a point of separation from other lighting control systems.

Sensor Positioning

When we understand how multifunction sensors work, we know that positioning and location is very important.

By knowing the different detection pattern of each sensor, and the intended application, we can strategically position sensors in rooms and spaces to provide the best user experience.

For enclosed rooms such as bathrooms, powder rooms, laundry, garage, pantry, and storerooms, sensors should be positioned to detect intentional motion into the space, avoiding detection of unnecessary motion from adjoining areas.

For transitional connecting spaces such as hallways and passages, sensors should be positioned at entry points to detect motion to have lights turn on immediately when entering the area.

I specify sensors in most rooms and areas, often utilising more sensors than manual user interfaces – because they help make the magic happen.

Dynalite Products

The Philips Dynalite sensor range is quite extensive, but there are specific sensors that are more popular for residential projects. These sensors are all multifunction sensors that detect motion and light level.

The popular DUS360CR is a ceiling-recessed sensor that has a 360 degree detection pattern. When installed in a typical 2.4 metre high ceiling it provides a maximum 7m x 5.5m detection pattern.

The DUS360CS is a ceiling-surface-mount sensor that has the same specification as the DUS360CR with a maximum 7m x 5.5m detection pattern from a 2.4 metre high ceiling.

For typical residential projects, the DUS360CS is installed in locations that do not have a recessed ceiling, such as on concrete ceilings in garages or storage areas.

The DUS90CS can be surface-mounted on a ceiling or wall, depending on the required application. When installed with the supplied base, the DUS90CS has an IP54 rating, allowing it to be installed in weather-protected outdoor locations.

For a typical residential projects, where the DUS90CS is wall-mounted, it has a 90 degree detection pattern that can cover up to twenty metres.

Philips Dynalite have a similar model (DUS30CS) that provides a 30 degree detection pattern that extends for a 28 metre range. This sensor is good for long, narrow applications such as hallways and corridors.

Resources

The Networked Sensors brochure is a fantastic resource that describes the features and benefits of Philips Dynalite sensors.

The Sensor Positioning Application Guide is another resource that describes the intricacies of optimising the positioning of sensors.

I would love to know your thoughts about lighting control sensors, the functionality that you currently provide, and the functionality you might provide for future projects.

This series of articles from my Dynalite page focuses on products from the Philips Dynalite networked lighting control portfolio. Many industry professionals regard Philips Dynalite as being the world’s best lighting control system, that I have represented with Lightmoves for many years. SimonLakey

With the new DALI-2 standard to become more known throughout 2021 and beyond, the ability to control tunable-white lights has never been easier or more intelligent, particularly with a Philips Dynalite lighting control system.

Tunable-white lighting control adjusts the colour temperature of white light to mimic natural light, with shades ranging from the golden glow of the morning sun or evening sunset, to the blueish hues of midday sunlight.

An objective of tunable-white lighting control is to make light feel more natural, aligning natural light with the circadian rhythm of the human body. Tunable-white control can be used to create atmosphere, promote wellbeing and improve comfort.

With tunable-white functionality being incorporated into the DALI-2 certification program, lighting and lighting control manufacturers can have their tunable-white functionality certified for compatibility with the DALI-2 control protocol.

Controlling tunable light with Dynalite

With a move towards more controllable luminaires, and tunable-white light  (sometimes referred to as human centric lighting), Philips Dynalite has a range of products for a complete lighting control solution. As a leading lighting control manufacturer, Philips Dynalite is focused on providing the best DALI controllers.

The current range of signal controllers features the DDBC120-DALI controller being DALI-2 certified, and will be followed by the new DDBC320-DALI when it is released later this year.

In addition to Philips Dynalite’s dedicated DALI controllers, tunable-white control can now be provided with the DDMC802 multipurpose controller installed with DGBM200 ballast modules.

When combined with a PDEG ethernet gateway, tunable-white presets and schedules can seamlessly transition or automatically change throughout day and night.

DDBC120-DALI

The DDMC120-DALI is the product to be used to control an enumerated (fully addressed) DALI for most residential applications. It provides cost-effective control of a single universe of 64 DALI drivers, and communicates seamlessly with Philips Dynalite sensors and user interfaces.

The updated DDBC120-DALI controller now supports tunable white light (or human centric lighting) for DALI 209 compliant colour control luminaires, and is compatible with DALI 209 drivers. This provides a single Warm White, Cool-White (WWCW) channel for tuning the colour temperature and adjusting the light intensity.

Previously, DALI luminaires required two channels that controlled a Warm White driver and a Cool-White driver, to achieve the same effect. Both the old and new channel types are supported by the DDBC120-DALI.

The DDBC120 DALI has an auto-enumeration feature, that provides automatic enumeration of DALI ballasts, and enables self-repair of the network system if a DALI driver fails, rather than requiring a certified technician being on-site to manually enumerate the system.

More information
Specification sheet
Installation manual

DDMC802 + DGBM200

Philips Dynalite recently announced the DDMC802 multipurpose modular controller with the DGBM200 signal dimming module now supporting tunable-white control over multiple broadcast channels, without the need for complex DALI addressing.

More information
Specification sheet
Installation manual

This series of articles from my Dynalite page focuses on products from the Philips Dynalite networked lighting control portfolio. Many industry professionals regard Philips Dynalite as being the world’s best lighting control system, that I have represented with Lightmoves for many years. SimonLakey

Did you know there’s a method behind Dynalite product codes?

Well, there is indeed a method that makes Dynalite product codes and model numbers easy to identify and specify?

A typical Dynalite product code consists of three or four parts:

1. Form factor
2. Product type
3. Specification
4. Option or finish

1. Form factor: Wall-mount vs DIN-mount

It’s really easy to distinguish Dynalite wall-mount products and DIN-rail mount products.

With the examples of Dynalite multipurpose controllers, a D prefix (of the DMC810GL) stands for Dynalite Multipurpose Controller, whereas a DD prefix (of the DDMC802) stands for Dynalite DIN-mount Multipurpose Controller.

D__ = Dynalite wall-mount
DD__ = Dynalite DIN-mount

With most residential projects almost exclusively using DIN-mount load controllers, the DD product code prefix will identify the right product.

2. Product type

After identifying the product form factor (Wall-mount vs DIN-mount), the next part of the product code identifies the product type: e.g. Relay Controller (RC), Multipurpose Controller (MC), Ballast Controller (BC), etc.

Continuing with the previous multipurpose controller example, DDMC stands for Dynalite DIN-mount Multipurpose Controller.

Similar codes are:

DDRC: Dynalite DIN-mount Relay Controller (e.g. DDRC1220, DDRC810DT)
DDMC: Dynalite DIN-mount Multipurpose Controller (e.g. DDMC802)
DDBC: Dynalite DIN-mount Ballast Controller (e.g. DDBC1200, DDBC120-DALI)
Other Dynalite products can be similarly identified by the product code:

DDNG: Dynalite DIN-mount Network Gateway
DUS: Dynalite Universal Sensor
PDEG: Philips Dynalite Ethernet Gateway
PDEB: Philips Dynalite Ethernet Bridge
DLLI: Dynalite Low Level Interface
DACM: Dynalite Antumbra Communications Module
PADPA: Phillips Antumbra Display Panel American/Australian

3. Product specification

Following the product type, the product code identifies the specification.

In the case of the DDMC802 multipurpose controller, the 802 part of the product code references the number of channels and load capacity of the load controller: 8 channels, 2A per channel maximum.

Similar rationale of the product codes provides the specification of other products:

DDRC1220 = Dynalite DIN-mount Relay Controller, 12 channels/20A per channel
DDRC810DT = Dynalite DIN-mount Relay Controller, 8 channels/10A per channel, Double throw
DDMC802 = Dynalite DIN-mount Multipurpose Controller, 8 channels/2A per channel
DDBC1200 = Dynalite DIN-mount Ballast Controller, 12 channels
DDBC120-DALI = Dynalite DIN-mount Ballast Controller, 1 Universe, 20A relay, DALI-2
?DDNG485 = Dynalite DIN-mount Network Gateway, RS485
DLLI8I8O = Dynalite Low Level Interface, 8 inputs, 8 outputs
DUS360CR = Dynalite Universal Sensor, 360° (Detection pattern), ceiling-recessedDUS90CS =Dynalite Universal Sensor, 90° (Detection pattern), ceiling-surface mount

4. Options & finishes

Products such as the Antumbra series of user interfaces have a suffix that provides option or finish information:

PA6BPA-WW-L: Philips Antumbra, 6 button panel, American (Australian) shape, white button/white rim, labelled
PADPA-WW: Philips Antumbra, Display panel, American (Australian) shape, white button/white rim

This series of articles from my Dynalite page focuses on products from the Philips Dynalite networked lighting control portfolio. Many industry professionals regard Philips Dynalite as being the world’s best lighting control system, that I have represented with Lightmoves for many years. SimonLakey