4 Myths About Connected Lighting, Debunked

Mar 8, 2020

From rising construction costs to the shrinking labor force, electrical contractors’ jobs aren’t getting any easier. When you’re already juggling many challenges, keeping up with evolving technologies can feel daunting. Perhaps that’s why many contractors choose to stick with the products they’ve used forever: why reinvent the wheel, and risk introducing complexity to your projects?

But that thinking is outdated, especially when it comes to connected lighting. If your customers aren’t asking for it already, they soon will be. Tech trend analysts have forecasted that smart electrical grids and smart buildings are two of the most likely use cases for the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Connected lighting’s benefits are very real, and we’re still only scratching the surface.

Uber-connected and extremely energy-efficient “smart cities” are on the horizon; Toronto, Ontario, and Greenville, SC are currently deep into the planning phases, with more cities set to follow suit in the coming years. IoT is integral to the infrastructure of the future, with incredible possibilities for businesses and buildings everywhere.

If your impression is that connected lighting is too impractical or complex, it’s time to take another look at the solutions available today, which can help solve contractors’ most common pain points.

Let’s dive into the facts about connected lighting.

Misconception #1: Connected lighting is a fad

Does it seem like there’s a “smart” version of everything nowadays? Smart cars. Smart vacuums. Smart doorbells. It’s enough to make one wonder whether the whole “smart things” phenomenon will stick around.

While the smart fridge may or may not end up going the way of the dinosaur, smarter, connected lighting is an entirely different story. As energy codes grow more stringent and energy incentives more attractive, the demand for connected lighting will only increase. Many architects and designers also advocate for connected lighting because of its tangible effects on wellness, productivity, and overall ambience.

And it’s not just about lighting anymore. Businesses are increasingly considering lighting systems the backbone for even smarter solutions, from sensors that collect building data to systems that can track people and equipment.

Connected lighting isn’t going anywhere.

Misconception #2: Connected lighting is cost-prohibitive

When customers balk at connected lighting’s initial price tag, it’s likely because they don’t have all the facts. The fact is, the ROI is far greater than the initial investment. Because of sophisticated sensors and controls, connected lighting systems can save customers up to 70% in energy costs. Customers will reap the benefits of drastic energy savings for many years.

Connected systems like WaveLinx can help your bottom line, too. For example: you can eliminate up to 60% of your wire runs, saving up to 45 minutes per control zone, so you’ll get more done with fewer people. Many states provide rebate incentives for LED fixtures with integrated sensors, to the tune of $75 per fixture. 

Misconception #3: Commissioning is complicated

We get it: you went into electrical contracting, not IT. The convergence of lighting and wireless technology can be intimidating, especially with how fast both seem to evolve. In the past, connected lighting commissioning has also presented challenges for contractors.

But today’s connected lighting systems haven’t just gotten smarter from a feature perspective; the best ones are designed to be more intuitive for every user, including contractors working on the install. The WaveLinx system is basically plug & play, with automatic commissioning and code compliance (no matter the location of your project). You can wrap up your jobs up to 40% faster and move on to the next opportunity.

Misconception #4: There’s a steep learning curve

Eighty percent of electrical contracting firms currently report having difficulty filling hourly craft worker positions. If you’re one of them, you may be hesitant to rock the boat by introducing new technology or products. But you’d be missing out on a big opportunity to diversify your portfolio and skillset, with minimal training.

WaveLinx provides free training videos, perfect for on-site tutorials, as well as local and classroom certification programs where you can learn how the system works in as little as two hours. It’s a lot easier than you think to get up to speed, and the pay-off in future project fees will more than make it worth your while.

In a nutshell: connected lighting systems help you reduce costs and complete projects faster with fewer call-backs. WaveLinx’ all-in-one system, which features the most expansive selection of lighting fixtures and controls on the market, ensures that everything works together smoothly. That means no hiccups and no kinks, just a nice, easy process from the installation on through commissioning. 

This article was first published online by Eaton.