The Evolving Landscape of Residential Intelligent Lighting Controls

Ease of use - for both the installer and the client - has always been a hallmark trait of well-designed lighting control systems. Today's intelligent lighting controls offer more flexibility and functionality than ever, benefiting both integrators and homeowners.

With innovations in the intelligent lighting controls and fixtures market ramping up, it's crucial for integrators to stay informed of the latest residential lighting trends. Here's a look into various control platforms, communications protocols, smart house lighting integrations, third-party device support, and other considerations to be weighed when designing a residential lighting control system.

The dominance of Z-Wave technology

Z-Wave continues to be the most dominant wireless technology in residential lighting controls. Brian Creech, a systems designer at ADI, explains, “Probably the number one technology is Z-Wave, which is a wireless technology. I will always compare it to Android. You have different manufacturers that make the switches and the dimmers, but Z-Wave is the operating system, so it's the dominant [protocol] right now.” In contrast, other companies have products such as dimmers and switches that are specific to their own lighting control systems. However, Z-Wave's cross-compatibility makes it a favored choice for many integrators, offering a wider range of device options and smoother installations in automated lighting projects.

Designing effective residential lighting control systems

This can greatly expand the scope of a project where perhaps lighting controls were only specified for certain rooms.

“Put dimmers on outdoor lighting. Put dimmers everywhere,” he suggests. “You can always use it like a switch, but you can never make a switch a dimmer unless you swap it out.” For that, integrators will have to weigh having an in-house electrician or contracting with one (which can also lead to more business).

Integrators can also deploy more dimmers and switches to strengthen a lighting control system's reliability by acting as wireless repeater devices. Creech says ADI dealers' number one choice to boost a Z-Wave signal is via a plug-in lamp module.

“I'll promote that product to be used beyond if there's a lamp in the hallway, plug it in and let the customer know they can control it. Or maybe you'd be better served to put in switches or dimmers as repeaters,” he explains. “Now they're going to get the control, it's a two-for-one. You put in a plug-in device, and it invariably could get unplugged by the homeowner. Or, you know, at Christmas time they put in lights or whatever. Sell the sizzle.”

Alternative wireless lighting control protocols: Wi-Fi and Zigbee

While Z-Wave dominates the market, other wireless lighting control protocols also play a role in residential lighting controls and smart lighting control systems. Zigbee, for example, has a smaller market share but is still used in some systems. As Creech notes, the Zigbee wireless protocol doesn't have nearly the traction of Z-Wave. On the other hand, built-in Wi-Fi has been the wireless signal of choice for some smart home manufacturers - especially with the rise of Wi-Fi-enabled smart lights that integrate seamlessly with home lighting automation and voice control platforms.

The rise of Wi-Fi-enabled devices has facilitated the integration of voice control as a lighting trend. “You can also trigger a scene through what I refer to as the verbal remote controls, if you will,” A.J. Shaw, technical sales support supervisor at ADI, notes of the growing demand for hands-free voice commands. “You also have alarm installers - they like to have everything tied into the alarm system because that marries the customer to them.”

App control and security integration: Enhancing UX in residential lighting

Interoperability with multiple third-party control platforms is a key feature of today's smart lighting systems and controls. Homeowners now expect residential lighting controls to integrate with apps that offer robust customization.

Interoperability with multiple third-party control platforms is a key feature of today's smart lighting systems and controls. Homeowners now expect residential lighting controls to integrate with apps that offer robust customization.

When it comes to security, Creech adds that many Z-Wave touch panels and other interfaces are tied into intrusion systems. “If somebody breaks into the home, they can trigger lights to go off outside or turn on inside to illuminate the area. And that's really the dominant thing,” he says of programming scenes that marry lighting control to security systems, apps and control devices.

“Homeowners want to be able to set a scene, so when they go to bed or they leave, they can enact that scene with one button, and it will set the lighting, of course, thermostat, and if it's a vacation home, maybe water shut off if they're leaving for the week or the season.”

Creech notes that sometimes an alarm system can't provide support to a Wi-Fi type of device, including connecting to a cloud platform. “For an alarm installer, they like to have it all under one roof, if you will, where the controlling side of it is they speak Z-Wave or whatever,” he adds, pointing to residential lighting control for fixtures that tie everything back to the alarm panel.

“If they want to add something, it's not as easy for the homeowner to go to Home Depot or Lowe's to buy something and then tie it into the same app. In most cases, they have to call the alarm installer.” This must all be vertically integrated, according to Creech. When security integrators are installing a Resideo touch panel, for instance, if they enlist other smart home and lighting controls' Z-Wave devices, those will then enroll directly into the panel, he says.

Design considerations and wellness features

In addition to the latest functionalities, today's home lighting control systems are also designed with aesthetics in mind. Some companies offer flush-mount solutions and construction materials compatibilities, while others bring a European-inspired, ultra-modern elegance to keypads. Some new switches and dimmers allow customers to match their style, with color change kits available in various hues.

Moreover, the industry is increasingly focusing on the impact of smart lights on human well-being. An increasingly important control function is to program and command human-centric lighting scenes that adjust to align with your customers' natural circadian rhythms. Many lighting providers are developing programs to facilitate this human-centric lighting capability in their lighting control systems.

Conclusion: Adapting to the future of intelligent lighting

The residential intelligent lighting controls market is rapidly evolving, with several key trends shaping its future. From the dominance of Z-Wave to the integration of voice control and mobile apps, these advancements are changing how homeowners interact with their living spaces. The integration of residential lighting with security systems and the focus on human-centric lighting reflect a growing demand for smarter, more comprehensive home solutions.

For integrators, success in this dynamic field hinges on staying informed about these lighting trends and effectively communicating their benefits to clients. As Brian Creech noted, it's about "selling the sizzle" - offering solutions that not only function well, but also enhance the overall living experience. As technology continues to advance and intelligent lighting controls continue to develop, those who can adapt and innovate will be best positioned to thrive.