Advanced lighting control systems (ALCS) utilize electronic circuits with a programmable logic controller to automatically adjust lighting levels.  Program a number of variables and light requirements to get the lighting just perfect. This helps in providing the right amount of light where and when it is needed, hence improving energy efficiency and savings.

Advanced lighting control systems provide benefits like automatic scheduling and dimming. Turn lights off based on room occupancy and level of daylight. In so doing, the ALCS adjusts the light levels to match the requirements at any particular time. For example, when a room is empty, lights dim or go off completely. This saves on utility costs.

The sensors communicate with the lighting control system through wired or wireless connections. In some applications, sensors are integrated into the lighting control. While the wired network requires hand wiring of all the devices, the wireless communications use radio frequencies. Therefore several benefits exist over the wired network.

Wireless technology eliminates the need for wiring and is, therefore, cheaper, easy to implement and modify. It provides more flexibility while reducing the planning time for the electrical system. Wireless lighting controls are ideal for hard-to-reach lights. These include places where there are non-accessible or hard ceilings, basements, and other expensive or hard-to-wire areas.

The controller automatically adjusts the level of illumination based on one or a combination of the following variables.

The controls utilize room occupancy or proximity sensors to check for activity in the room or target area. If there is no activity, the controls automatically switch off or dim the lights. The system will then turn the lights to full brightness when room occupancy sensors detect someone within a defined space.

Different lighting levels are required based on the activity. In some applications such as warehouses, there is no need to keep all the lights on when areas are not in use. The lighting control systems will either turn off or dim most of the lights. Some advanced systems provide just enough light in the open spaces. Yet, more light becomes available near shelves where a worker might be picking up or replacing items.

Additional light is required during office hours when people are working. However, this isn’t necessary during the lunch break, or when offices are being cleaned. A combination of controls may be used here. Take advantage of daylight, dim or completely turning off the lights when more natural light filters into the room.

The programmable controls can be used to switch individual or groups of lights depending on time of day. These programs run 7 days a week. Consequently, there’s a separate schedule for weekdays, weekends, and holidays. In an office setup, a timer ensures that all lights, apart from security lights, are turned off at night, during the weekends and on holidays.

Instead of using the lamp at its maximum rating when new, the controls dim the light in certain cases. This reduces the normal wear and tear. As the lamp ages, its level of illumination will decrease. However, instead of the light level going down, the control will decrease the dimming level and maintain the required level of light.

So instead of powering the light at 100% and wasting energy with excess light that is not required, the controller ensures light is powered at a lower percentage. This ensures that required light is provided, but at a lower power consumption.

Factors considered when implementing a lighting system include the need for flexibility, facility size, floor plans, facility use, daylight hours, and building codes. Other considerations include the cost-effectiveness of the system, the ease of use, visual performance and comfort.

In addition to controlling the lights, the advanced lighting control systems help in determining the occupancy patterns. Moreover, the operating status of part or whole sections and the entire system’s performance is monitored. This provides business owners with an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of the installation and make adjustments.

Snap! Crackle! Pop! These are great sounds if you’re crunching cereal or curling up in front of a roaring fireplace on a cool winter evening. However, they are definitely unwelcome if you have just flipped on an electric light switch in your Los Angeles home. While most people can do simple home repairs, electrical problems are much more difficult — and potentially dangerous. At times like this, you’ll need to call on a Los Angeles electrician.

Since 1979 the Electric Connection has been providing electrical service and electrical repairs locally as an electrician in Los Angeles and the surrounding communities. But they offer an additional, very unique electrical service; they are willing to answer your electrical questions and give free electrical advice to homeowners who have questions about their home lighting, electrical rewiring, electrical safety assessments, electrical upgrades, or any other electrical concern. In a way it’s like having your own personal electrician in Los Angeles who will share bits of wisdom and electrical trade advice without charging for an unnecessary electrical service call.

Here’s an example of the kind of electrical help that’s available on The Electric Connection’s website. Suppose a short circuit causes your circuit breaker to flip off. Do you have an electrical wiring issue? Is the circuit breaker overloaded? Is the breaker broken? This Los Angeles electrician’s site walks you through some steps you can take to isolate the problem at no fee. They suggest you think back to what happened immediately before the electrical power went out. For example, if you just plugged in an iron or other appliance immediately prior to the circuit breaker jumping off, unplug the appliance and reset the circuit breaker. If it stays on without any additional electrical power interruptions, the problem is most likely a faulty appliance and not an electrical issue at all.

On the other hand, if the circuit breaker does not work normally, or if you can’t find any specific cause for the break in your electrical power, then it may be time to call a licensed electrician in Los Angeles CA. Everything wears out over time, even circuit breakers, and you may simply need to have yours replaced. Another possibility is that the electrical wiring in your house is not sufficient for the amount of electrical appliances you now have. This situation frequently occurs in older homes which were built before the age of multiple televisions, home computers, entertainment centers, trash compactors and more. In this situation a Los Angeles electrician can add additional electrical wiring to your home or upgrade your electrical panel, bringing it up to speed with today’s highly powered lifestyle.

The Electric Connection’s website is full of other little hints that can help the do-it-yourself homeowner. For example, do you want to change out that old dining room light fixture with a more romantic chandelier that is hooked up to a nice dimmer switch? If so, read the advice on the Electric Connection site to make certain you purchase the correct electrical switch. Do you have flickering lights or electrical outlets that fail to work? The Electric Connection, your Los Angeles electrician, will tell you all of the possible reasons for your problem.

They are also willing to explain things such as the recent electrical upgrades to the National Electric Code that requires special outlets called ground fault circuit interrupters (GFIs) to be installed in electrical outlets which are near water sources, like the bath, kitchen, garage, pool or hot tub. These inexpensive electrical upgrades can be a lifesaver – literally!

Things wear out, including electrical wiring, and codes continually change as improved materials and safety features become available. Do you know the state of our home’s electrical health? If not, you may want to contact a licensed electrician in Los Angeles CA to conduct a free, no-obligation safety check. Your home is not only one of your largest financial investments, but it’s the place of safety you provide your family. Take a little time to give your home a checkup.

When you’re looking on line for electrician Los Angeles, you’ll you can always call The Electric Connection to discuss your electrical projects, to ask any electrical related questions, or to inquire about an electrical estimate.