Take control of your lights with all-digital intelligent lighting control systems

(22/12/2008)

Already well established in the US as a standard convenience, intelligent dimming for homes is increasingly popular in the UK as comfort and convenience become lifestyle priorities. And with energy costs rising inexorably, many states in the USA are set to follow California’s legislation mandating installation of energy-saving lighting dimmers for new construction. Similar initiatives are in the pipeline on this side of the pond as well.

No longer just an expensive feature in custom-built home theatres or millionaire mansions, intelligent lighting controls are now regularly specified by housing developers, new home builders, home refurbishers – as well as early-adopter home theater aficionados and AV system installers.

These days, anyone with more than a handful of lights in their flat or home is a potential customer for Futronix. With a range encompassing the smallest all-digital replacement dimmer up to the largest architectural lighting control system ever installed, there is a Futronix dimmer available for any application.

Futronix manufactures a comprehensive range of all-digital dimmers – smaller, more accurate and offering more features than older analog dimmers – and demand is increasing exponentially. Their two major ranges include the P100, P400 and P800 residential dimmers, and the Hx, Enviroscene and PFX commercial light controller systems.

Residential systems are selected according to the number and loads of lighting circuits you need to control, and features required. For example, if you want Futronix light controls for your kitchen and you have two wall lights, a main light and under-cupboard lighting totaling 1200W, then the 4 channel 1.2 Kw P400 would be the ideal solution. Simply replace your old fashioned switches with the stylish new P400 and enjoy full control of your kitchen’s efficiency and mood. Simple, but remarkably effective!

Perhaps you’d like pre-programmed ‘scene’ lighting in several rooms, with a master control located by the main entrance? With up to 40 lamps with a total load of 2.0Kw, then the compact P800 is the perfect choice. It controls 8 circuits of lighting in 4 rooms independently, with 20 programmable scenes per area. Exit delay, sleep timer and 24/7 event timer are in-built, as well as an LED information display and infra-red receiver for signal input from the supplied remote handset. The feature-packed P800 also comes with its own pre-wired wall box for electrician-friendly installation, and permanent memory, so that in the event of a power blackout you don't have the bother of losing pre-set scenes or re-programming your dimmer.

For larger luxury residences, the wireless Hx remotely-mounted dimmer – as well as the Enviroscene and PFX systems – are more usually specified, as they can be linked and configured to operate as whole-house systems with a central control point.

At the other end of the spectrum, if you’d like your bedroom lighting to be controlled by a 24/7 timer, then the price for a Futronix P100 is under £190, an absolute bargain. Complete with remote control, two channels of dimmable lighting and 20 programmable scenes (moods), the P100 features an in-built timer, and a sleep function that fades up lights gently in the morning – a much friendlier wake-up than a jangling or buzzing alarm.

With stylishly contemporary switchplates available in finishes of white metal, brass, and brushed or polished stainless, Futronix dimmers blend with any interior décor scheme, from traditional to modern minimalist. And as all Futronix dimmers come with a supplied remote handset, homeowners can operate all lighting features from the comfort of an easy chair.

Related categories:  Lighting control system   Residential