The PORT Perspective

PORT: A Guide to Lighting Control Systems (Design and Installation)

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Gain insight into the art of designing, installing, and integrating control systems from the experienced team at PORT.

January 2024 -

What Goes Into Lighting Control Systems Design, Installation, And Integration?

Lighting control design, installation, and integration refer to the process of incorporating various lighting control systems into a building’s overall lighting design to enhance energy efficiency, aesthetics, and functionality.

These systems can regulate the intensity, color temperature, schedules, and usage of lighting fixtures within a space. Integration involves ensuring that the control systems work seamlessly with other building systems to meet the specific needs and goals of a project.

A lighting control team’s responsibilities can include the design, installation, integration, and maintenance of lighting control systems in various settings including theatrical, sports/concert venues, hotels, and interior/exterior architectural spaces.

Elements included in the process are:

  •  Design of System *
  • Installation of System
  • Integration of System *
  • Programing of System
  • System Commissioning
  • Ongoing Support/Cloud Services

Your lighting controls team must know all elements and account for all of them throughout the process.

The Process of Lighting Control Systems Design, Installation, and Integration

The process begins with defining the project goals and requirements as well as determining if a new system needs to be built from scratch.

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The need to adjust the functionality of the current lighting control system will also need to be determined. Once objectives are defined, an assessment is conducted to gather information about the existing architectural features, lighting infrastructure, network, and electrical systems.

During this site assessment, it is important to evaluate the availability of natural light sources and potential daylight harvesting opportunities. The next step is to design a system that is suitable to the project as well as begin the design, installation, and integration process. The team will choose the best type of control devices that are suitable for the project and begin the integration process. An important part of this process is to ensure that the system seamlessly integrates with other building systems.

Once the system has been integrated, a team will program custom scenes and sequences that will provide the desired performance of lighting and related building systems. A user interface will be designed to allow building occupants to easily adjust lighting levels and design settings.

A team will also oversee the commissioning of the system to ensure all components work together as intended and align with project objectives. Once the system is implemented, training is typically provided to end-users, facility managers, and maintenance staff to ensure everyone involved can operate the system effectively. The lighting team typically will offer ongoing support and troubleshooting assistance if and when issues arise.

Why PORT?

When using PORT for your lighting control systems design, installation, and integration, you can expect support and expertise through every step of the process. Our team has the unique capabilities to design and build your lighting control system from the ground up.

We are authorized dealers for many of the top lighting equipment manufacturers and we work with them to always be familiar with their current product selections. All the work we do is conducted by our experienced and knowledgeable full-time staff. At PORT we are happy to build you a new system from scratch or upgrade, enhance, and maintain your existing system(s).

What To Expect When Using PORT For Your Lighting Control Systems Needs 

Step 1: Establishing Your Needs

The design and installation process starts with an initial call where we will discuss your needs and wants for the desired goals of your lighting control system.

Some questions we may ask can include:

  •   Is this a new or existing system?
  • Are you in need of an upgrade, enhancement, or
    maintenance?
  • What are your goals/requirements for the project?
  • Do you have any existing drawings or photos of the site?
  • Are you going to be looking for remote access/services via the
    cloud?

Step 2: Site Visit From PORT

Our team will schedule a site visit to gather an understanding of your requirements. This site visit is important because it allows our team to meet you, review all important requirements, discuss options, as well as make recommendations for your control system.

During this site visit, our team will walk through your site taking into account any of the existing lighting fixtures, controls, networks, and electrical systems.

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Step 3: Proposal

Once the site visit has been conducted, our team will create a proposal that will include the cost of system design, equipment, installation, integration, programming, and commissioning of the lighting control system.

Step 4: Installation, Integration, and Commissioning

The installation process can include the wiring of networking equipment, control panels, sensors, dimmers, touch panels, wall stations, and other control devices in the appropriate locations.

Once the installation is complete, the system will be programmed and configured to operate according to project requirements. This can include setting up user interfaces and integration with other building systems. After programming, the system is commissioned to ensure optimal performance.

Step 5: Training and Ongoing Support

In the final step of the process, we will provide training. These trainings are meant for any end-users including but not limited to building owners and facility managers and will include instructions on how to operate the entire system.

When using PORT for your lighting control system needs, our team will be available for ongoing support as long as you need us to include maintenance, repairs, and replacements. We offer cloud services that allow you to remotely control your system and us to remotely service your system. This service can improve response times, reduce system downtime, and
reduce on-site costs.

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