Lighting Controls
ECS has specified, supplied, and installed lighting controls for hundreds of projects ranging from simple automatic wall switch applications to complex building energy management systems since 1995.

Our experience in the proper application of lighting controls is one of our greatest assets.  As a distributor of all of the products we supply our prices allow our clients to take advantage of years of expertise at competitive prices. 

Projects ECS has completed include retail facilities, warehouses, commercial offices, schools, hospitals, garages and fitness centers.  Our diverse understanding of lighting controls is unbeatable in the industry.

Energy savings from our lighting control projects generate Annual Returns on Investment ranging from 40 to 70% depending on the application.

 

 For a list of sample projects click here

 

If you would like a little background in our lighting control theory read on.

 

Theory

Lighting controls are fundamentally basic as lights are either ON or OFF.  Further, when they are not needed they should be OFF.  This very simple concept however, has plagued building managers, ruined budgets and ended marriages. 

Over the years people have devised dozens of ways to get the lights out. Stickers, pleading, threats and simple timers have all been tried and all have failed. We are either too busy, lazy or forgetful to turn the lights out when we leave the room.

If we are paying the electric bill we may remember to turn off the lights but how do we get everyone else to turn them off?

The only way to effectively control lighting is through automatic controls.

 
So how do we design and install a system that will take care of this essentially simple task of turning the lights off in such a way that will not disturb our day-to-day operation?  That is where ECS comes in.  Since 1995 ECS has been supplying and installing occupancy sensors, centralized control systems and energy management systems.

Concerns regarding lighting controls originate from improper specification and application.  A quality lighting control project begins with proper specification and design.  Accurate installation and testing completes the process.  Once installed, a lighting control system should operate virtually maintenance-free for ten to fifteen years. 

Two general concepts for lighting controls can be applied in any given facility. 

 
Centralized Control Systems utilize panel-oriented controls located in electric closets and electrical risers.  The control may be a programmable circuit, multiple pole contactor, or individual relay.  These components are either scheduled using a control signal from an energy management system or switch accessible to security or janitorial staff.  The centralized systems are good for facilities with consistent scheduling and operations. 


Localized Control Systems utilize distributed automatic switching, normally in the form of programmable switches, timers and occupancy sensors.   Local controls normally operate individual rooms such as offices, or stockrooms.


Combined Systems utilize both local and central controls.  In this complete system the local controls interface with the central system.  Large office areas and warehouse spaces can take advantage of this type of system. 

 

Process

The ECS process is without comparison.  We audit every facilty and each room within each facility carefully to determine the proper application of automatic lighting controls.

The detail of the audit is needed in order to insure headache free operation. 

ECS provides comprehensive project management to insure that each control is properly installed and tested to meet our standards.

When we have left a facility you can rest assured that every light that can be controlled is under control and saving you on your energy bills.