Lighting Controls: Wired, Wireless, or Hybrid

When it comes to lighting control systems, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Over the past few years, wireless lighting controls have become more popular, especially as a way to reduce installation…
Lighting Controls
LOYTEC wireless multi sensors follow the Bluetooth SIG mesh standard

When it comes to lighting control systems, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Over the past few years, wireless lighting controls have become more popular, especially as a way to reduce installation costs, particularly in retrofit projects. With a variety of wireless protocols available (like Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Bluetooth Low Energy), it’s worth exploring the pros and cons of going wireless compared to traditional wired systems. In this post, we’ll focus on “fully addressable systems,” which allow for individual control (switching or dimming) of each light and provide two-way communication for monitoring lamp and sensor status.

What’s So Great About Wireless?

The biggest advantage of a wireless system is the simplicity of installation. Unlike wired systems that need each light fixture to be connected to a data cable, a wireless setup only requires each fixture to have a small wireless transceiver. Since the light itself still needs a power cable (usually 230V AC mains), there’s no need to worry about powering the wireless electronics with a battery. However, things like light switches, dimmers, and sensors do typically need batteries (unless you’re using switches based on EnOcean technology, which are battery-free).

This wireless flexibility can lead to lower initial costs. There’s no need for expensive network cabling for lights, or extra wiring for sensors and switches, which can be a big saving upfront. That said, it’s worth noting that wireless devices – especially switches and sensors – can be more expensive than their wired counterparts, and their batteries need to be replaced every couple of years, which can lead to some ongoing maintenance.

Wired Systems: Tried and Tested

When it comes to wired lighting controls, DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) is the most widely used standard across Europe. It’s a great choice because it ensures compatibility between different brands of luminaires – so you’re not locked into one manufacturer. With DALI, you have more flexibility when choosing devices, and there’s a larger pool of companies who can install and maintain the system.

On the downside, most wireless systems are proprietary. This means you need to buy all the components from the same vendor, even if the protocol (like Zigbee) is considered a standard. Some providers such as Loytec adhere to open standards such as Bluetooth SIG mesh, but most do not.  This can limit your options for replacement parts or support down the road. If the vendor goes out of business, you might run into issues with future upgrades or replacements. With DALI, on the other hand, you have a lot more options when it comes to choosing devices and installation companies.

Another point to consider is the software. Even though DALI systems use standard protocols, the supervisory software (which helps you manage the system) is often proprietary and tied to the manufacturer. So, whether you go wired or wireless, you’ll want to choose a vendor that offers flexible options for product procurement and future support.

Setting Up the System: Wireless vs. Wired

Wireless systems are often marketed as being easier to commission, mainly because you can use a handheld device to wirelessly register each light, sensor, or switch. This is a great feature for smaller projects, but for larger ones, the process can get more complicated. For example, with a big building and many lights, you may need multiple wireless gateways to ensure all the devices stay connected. And since radio signals can be affected by walls, furniture, and other building materials, maintaining a reliable connection can sometimes be tricky, especially as the radio frequencies used get “crowded” with so many devices and start to reach their limit.

In contrast, DALI systems have no such limitations. Each DALI channel can handle up to 64 lights and 64 switches / sensors, and you can combine multiple channels into a single network for larger projects without worrying about any scalability issues.   

In the past, DALI commissioning was often thought of as being quite complex and time-consuming, but the latest systems such as Calon SmartBridge offer a much faster approach to DALI set-up. DALI configuration can also be done off-site, which in many situations can save time and offers a simpler workflow on site.

Reliability: Wired Wins, But Wireless Has Its Place

Wired systems are often more reliable because once they’re connected, they stay connected, unless the wiring is physically damaged. On the other hand, wireless systems can face connectivity issues, especially if changes are made to the building (like adding new partition walls or furniture). Radio signals can be absorbed by materials, leading to occasional loss of connection, so troubleshooting can sometimes be a bit of a hassle.

That said, wireless systems shine in situations where running cables is difficult or impossible – like in retrofit projects or older buildings where cutting into walls isn’t an option. In these cases, wireless can be a real lifesaver.

Hybrid Systems: The Best of Both Worlds

Given the pros and cons of both wired and wireless options, many projects benefit from a hybrid approach. For instance, if you need a fully addressable system, it’s worth getting a quote for a wired DALI system (which has a proven track record) and then supplementing with wireless components where it makes sense – such as areas where running wires would be too disruptive or costly.

Some manufacturers, like Casambi, have developed devices that integrate with DALI, offering the flexibility of wireless with the reliability of a wired system.  Calon SmartBridge integrates Casambi wireless devices into a DALI system in a seamless way, making it a great option for projects where you need the best of both worlds.

Final Thoughts

When choosing a lighting control system, it’s important to keep an open mind. For new-build projects, a fully wired DALI solution might be the best fit, especially one which offers rapid setup and commissioning such as SmartBridge.

For retrofit or refurb projects, a hybrid or wireless system could save time, money, and headaches. The key is to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs and the characteristics of the space you’re working with. In many cases, a hybrid combination of wired and wireless can offer the most cost-effective and flexible result.

Calon SmartBridge makes it easy to deliver hybrid wired / wireless solutions.