Lighting in Design Q1 2023

www.crown.co.za Q1 - 2023

Shining light on a growing sport

A guide to office lighting best practices

LED lighting solution for university auditorium

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Ed Space

I n a recent column for our sister publication, Sparks Electrical News , Philip Hammond from the BHA School of Lighting noted that he is deep ly conscious of the impact of over-illumination in indoor applications and even more aware of the dramatic effect of excessive outdoor lighting. “Lighting that is too bright is damaging to the en vironment in general, but particularly to the fauna and flora. My research into the adverse effects of most outdoor lighting continues. I hope to com plete it early in 2023 and write a research paper on my findings. Much has been done in the UK, Europe and the USA. In fact, I have participated in some of the research and experimental work that has been done and continues in Denmark.” I read recently that a team of researchers fromSweden and the USA is pushing to establish a common methodology for how to define light pollution and measure its astronomical, ecolog ical, and human consequences. Many studies have claimed ill effects of light at night (LAN) on stargazing, on flora and fauna, and on people’s health, but the lack of a uniform approach can make it difficult to reach universal conclusions and is hindering efforts to tackle the problems on a broad scale, note the authors of a paper published at last year’s Lux Europa 2022 conference in Prague. In all three fields (astronomical, ecological and human), a plethora of methods is used for measuring the dependent and independent var iables. The authors, led by Annika K. Jägerbrand of Halmstad University in Halmstad, Sweden, say there is a compelling need to resolve the inconsistencies, because a multitude of studies do indeed, in their own manner, illustrate the damaging effects of light at night across all three areas. For example, they point to the lose-lose proposition that light at night can sometimes make some species more vulnerable to pred ators who normally only work by day, while in other instances it can shrink feeding grounds by undermining natural habitats, as pointed out in different studies. But the methods applied in light pollution studies vary widely, thus meaningful

and actionable data is not easily attained. In another recent study, a German research group has attempted to quantify the extent to which artificial lighting has caused stars to van ish from human view. In suggesting an alarming 60% decline over 18 years, the team implicates LEDs in more ways than one. The researchers from the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam correlated star visibility with changes in sky brightness as measured by 51 351 individuals who used a template provided by Tucson, Arizona’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory, which is part of the U.S. government’s National Science Foundation. The measurements took place between January 2011 and August 2022 and revealed an annual increase of 9.6% in sky brightness. “For an 18-year period (such as the duration of a human childhood), this rate of change would increase sky brightness by more than a factor of 4,” the team states in the paper lead by Chris topher C.M. Kyba. “A location with 250 visible stars would see that number reduce to 100 visible stars over the same period.” Doing the math, that means that 60% of stars are fading from view every 18 years. The researchers note that earlier measure ments of sky brightness taken from satellites have failed to capture blue spectra that can veer skywards from LED lighting. And, they note, blue light energy is particularly guilty of washing out the view of stars. The report does not mention the increase in blue spectra detected in another recent study of similar years in Europe by Brit ain’s University of Exeter, but the two studies corroborate that blue wavelengths are night sky culprits. Even properly pointed streetlights can be culpable night-sky villains in the general sense that the energy efficiency of LEDs has encouraged their adoption, making artificial lighting more widespread than in pre-LED days. As you can see, there are a number of con cerns; however, more research is needed – and will be conducted – over the coming years. Watch this space.

Editor: Gregg Cocking (lighting@crown.co.za) Advertising manager: Carin Hannay (carinh@crown.co.za) Layout: Katlego Montsho • Circulation: Karen Smith Cover: Ga-Rankuwa Campus of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Published by Crown Publications (Pty) Ltd PO Box 140, Bedfordview, 2008 - Tel: +27 (0)11 622 4770 Fax: +27 (0)11 615 6108 - Website: www.crown.co.za ABC 2022 Q4: 7 167 • Printed by: Tandym Print All issues of Lighting in Design can be viewed on our website. Visit www.lightingindesignmagazine.co.za

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EDspace Editor’s comment. LED lighting solution for university auditorium

The Ga-Rankuwa Campus of theTshwane University ofTechnology (TUT), Gauteng Province, was recently fitted with a LED lighting solution for its new auditorium.

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Shining light on a growing sport When eight courts for a new sporting craze were required to be illuminated at the historicWanderers Club, a solution that limited lighting pollution was needed.

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A winter experience like no other The Montréal en Lumière festival opened a 300 m long aerial skating trail with an ambience of immersive sound and light.

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Transform thoughtful design visions with façade lighting Architectural lighting infuses lighting into a coordinated system to achieve an inte grated and unified visual, functional and architectural purpose that is characteristic of the architecture’s personality. A guide to office lighting best practices Office lighting is one of the many determinants to an employee’s perception about the workplace and can enhance employee performance as well as increase the aesthetic appeal of the office.

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News Introducing the new Matter standard for smart homes, March presentation by IESSA, and the benefits of day/night bulbs and day/night sensors.

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News LED lighting solution for Metical Square by BEKA Schréder; Signify’s new A-class LED tube: an innovative solution for rising energy prices;Tridonic extends range of dimmable linear industry drivers; Radiant answers solar lighting FAQs; and Altron Arrow, an end-to-end solutions provider.

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LED lighting solution for university auditorium

The Ga-Rankuwa Campus of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Gauteng Province, was recently fitted with a LED lighting solution for its new auditorium. T UT is the largest contact University in South Africa, providing quality education to more than 60 000 students every year. The Uni rience during all functions held at the auditorium, such as award ceremonies, teaching and learning, conferences, celebrations or examinations. BEKA Schréder has supplied the majority of the LED lighting solution for the interior and the exterior of the building. versity has seven faculties and nine campuses. A new auditorium was built and completed in 2022. The electrical design included the installation of a state-of-the-art lighting and audio-visual system, which is designed to enhance participants’ expe BEKA Schréder’s LED luminaires were the solution of choice since they offered the most

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suited luminaires to bring the application to life.”

energy-efficient lighting solution. Furthermore, due to their reliable per formance, low dust accumulation and no need for relamping, these luminaires also minimise maintenance costs. “We were approached by Emzansi Consulting to assist with the design,” explains Benita Delport, BEKA Schréder Senior Technical Sales Representative (Northern Branch). “Emzansi Consulting gave us guidelines on what they needed, the end result to be achieved and what kind of luminaires they were looking at using. We then had to do the design according to the SANS Standards for the lux levels and propose the best

Building interior Owing to the auditorium’s multi-purpose function, the luminaires have the functionality to be dimmed to the required l ighting level. The LEDBAY lowbay and highbay luminaires, BEKARONDO circular aluminium reflector LED downlights, and the LED PANEL provide the main lighting in the auditorium. The LEDDUO decorative wall mounted up- /downlighters illuminate the pillars. Decorative suspended LED downlight luminaires, the LEDDISK, provides general area lighting for the

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staircases. “In the interiors, the lighting solution had to be functional in order to provide high light levels for students to write exams. Other luminaires were then used to create more of an atmosphere for a variety of functions, such as stage performance events,” says Delport. Emphasis was placed on locally manufactured luminaires. “The luminaires were chosen to create ambiance and to make the auditorium aesthetically pleasing for students,” explains Delport. “Different luminaires were chosen for different applications – dimmable options for visual comfort for specific uses of the auditorium. Here too, LED luminaires were chosen for their long lifetime and low maintenance, but also for their dimming system and energy saving solution.” Building exterior The modern architecture of the new building is

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the benefit of using LED lighting products which are designed, developed and manufactured in South Africa to be suitable for local conditions. In conclusion, Delport notes that, “The lighting specified adds to the overall aesthetic, appeal and functionality of the auditorium, making this an essential part of the project.”.

enhanced by illuminating the façade with the LEDSTREAM high-performing versatile LED floodlight, and the LEDDUO decorative wall - mounted up- /downlighter. The main entrance to the building is lit up with decorative SERIES 30 LED bulkheads, while the high-performing LEDFLOOD floodl ights i l luminate the side entrances. ZELA LED post top luminaires, installed on glass-fibre reinforced polyester poles, have been installed around the outside of the building to provide general area lighting. Here the luminaires had to be decorative to enhance the architectural look of the new building, as well as IP rated to withstand rain and other elements such as dust. Again, LED luminaires were chosen for their long lifetime and low maintenance. The lighting solution for the new auditorium at the Ga-Rankuwa Campus of the Tshwane University of Technology, is another example of

www.beka-schreder.co.za

PROJECTTEAM Principal agents and architects: GPS Architects Electrical engineers: Emzansi Consulting Engineers Main contractors: Buzaphi Construction

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Shining light on a growing sport When eight courts for a new sporting craze were required to be illuminated at the historic Wanderers Club, a solution which limited lighting pollution was needed. P adel tennis is the fastest-growing sport in the world and is taking South Africa by storm. Regent Lighting Solutions (RLS) recently ers Club, with the lighting for its new Padel Court Centre. Padel is a racket sport typically played in dou bles on an enclosed court slightly smaller than a doubles tennis court. Scoring is the same as normal supplied one of South Africa’s most historic and iconic sports and recreation venues, The Wander

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tennis, and the balls used are similar but with a little less pressure. The main differences are that the court has walls, and the balls can be played off them in a similar way as in the game of squash. Furthermore, solid, stringless bats are used. “We were approached by The Padel Company (part of Barrow Construction) to assist with the illumination of the courts and common areas,” says Bradley Wittstock from RLS. The brief from the

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client was to illuminate the courts and surrounding common areas without creating too much light pollution. “Before the project was a go, we had to simulate our proposed lighting solution,” explains Wittstock. “There was initial concern that the court lighting would create too much glare, affecting the adjacent Protea Hotel and club house, and for this reason we used our RLS 034 LENS on the 168 W Tauris fittings which enabled us to create exceptional uniformity with a rake of only 5 degrees.” These lenses were mounted at 6 m and the combination allowed RLS to provide effective lighting with high lux levels and an even light distribution over the playing areas. The Malta Post Top, which

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lights the staircases, was also designed to create downward illumination, pushing the light out with lenses for an even wash of light. For the walkways in-between the courts, the Elko Bollard, which also provides downwards illumination, was chosen as the solution. All in all, the following numbers of fittings were installed: 32 x Tauris Pros, two Malta post tops for the stairways, and 16 x Elko Bollards between the courts. “Looking back at this unique project, we were able to meet the client’s expectations by illuminating the areas without affecting the surroundings,” concludes Wittstock.

www.regentlight.co.za

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PROJECTTEAM Concept: Jacques Primeau, General Manager, Montréal en Lumière Design: Mélanie Tessier, Director, Experience Design, Montréal en Lumière Lighting design: Bruno Rafie, Lighting Consultant, Montréal en Lumière

A winter experience like no other The Montréal en Lumière festival opened a 300 m long aerial skating trail with an ambience of immersive sound and light. R olled out for the first time in 2022, and back from February 16 to March 5 this year, the Skating Loop, a unique multimedia experi comfort, and an optimal skating experience in an urban environment.

All the senses are engaged during the Skating Loop experience. From the elevated structure, rising 2.5 m above the ground, skaters are treated to a breath-taking view of the urban panorama, enhanced by large-scale video projections on the facades of surrounding structures, including the Wilder Building and the UQAM President Kennedy Pavilion. Hundreds of LED tube lights add enchantment to the icy course, while a state-of-the-art sound system disseminates a playlist compiled just for the event. Brilliantly met technical challenges Bringing a project as elaborate and audacious as

ence produced with major support from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) and Tourisme Montréal , attracted nearly 25 000Montreal skaters last year. It quickly became a must-experience at the Montréal en Lumière festival, presented by Loto-Québec in collaboration with Scotiabank. Creating a ‘first ever’ An original and innovative concept, designed with Montreal’s winter-loving spirit in mind, the Skating Loop inspires citizens to return to downtown Montreal and reclaim space vacated after the pandemic: a play of illuminated installations, exciting musical atmospheres, constantly heated

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welcoming as it is magical. The creative thinking, incessant calculations, and great ingenuity of the teams involved made this aerial structure with an immersive visual and sound experience possible. With this project, the experience of the traditional skate trail has literally been taken to the next level. Completely reimagined and exhilarating, this multimedia installation illuminates the city centre in the middle of winter, enabling citizens to reclaim public space. It also forms part of the social mission of Montréal en Lumière , which endeavours to ensure that the site is accessible to as many people as possible through hundreds of free activities, including skate rentals offered on site.

the Skating Loop to life, including 265 LED tube lights, presented its share of challenges. The team wanted the installation, which would occupy the entire Place des Festivals , to have a positive visual impact, not only for skaters on the ice, but also for people admiring it from outside the rink. The design of this impressive aerial structure also had to support the weight of bystanders, as well as 10 cm of ice. Additionally, the ice would require frequent resurfacing, given that the Skating Loop attracted an impressive number of skaters in 2022: between 250 and 300 people per hour took advantage of this unique winter experience. But the technical challenges were met by the Montréal en Lumière team and its supplier, Échafauds Plus, all in the name of making Place des Festivals a winter gathering place that would be as

www.montrealenlumiere.com

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A guide to office lighting best practices

Office lighting is one of the many determinants to an employee’s perception about the workplace and can enhance employee performance and increase the aesthetic appeal of the office. O ffice lighting is important for the health and well-being, as well as performance productivity, of the employees. It has been the office layout and plan carefully. Otherwise, it could lead to haphazard placement of lights which would then cause more disruption in office activities – poor positioning of lighting sources is as bad as poor lighting itself.

scientifically proven that the kind of lighting used in workplaces does indeed influence employees’ work, mood and overall health over time.There are many points to keep in mind if you are in charge of choosing and getting office lighting fixed. While the chosen lighting should not be too dull or dim, it should not be harsh in brightness either – a har mony has to be found and maintained. It is often recommended that the lighting indoors in the office should be as synchronised as possible with the light outside. Further, depending on the layout of the office space, different types of lights may be needed, such as overhead lights, floor lamps, etc. Although the factors determining what constitutes best lighting practices differ from office to office, here are some best practices: 1: Before picking lighting sources and finalising on them, it is necessary for those in charge to study

2: Ceiling lighting is one of the first concerns when it comes to choosing office lights, as these will be fixed in maximum quantity all over the office space. It is important to ensure that the overhead lights don’t have glare to them, that is, they are not overly bright. Furthermore, the positioning of the ceiling light should not be directly over the employee’s desk – that can only be feasible if the lights are smaller. 3: Add corrective lighting as a complement so that the balance between light and shadow is maintained. Corrective lighting acts as a mediator between the different kinds of lighting and colour temperature in the office – the natural light outside, the main lighting source used at the workplace and computer/mobile screens being used there. Such

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recommended choice. Fluorescent lighting might be a cheaper option for offices looking to cut costs, but using such lighting can come at a cost to employees’ health and well-being. Fluorescent lights are very bright and can seem rather harsh to employees with sensitive eyes and/or migraine tendencies. As such lighting hurts eyes when one is exposed to them for too long, it causes disturbance in sleep patterns and causes tiredness. Thus, such lights should be avoided. 7: If the office has a separate sitting area where guests are welcomed, it would be more aesthetically pleasing if the lighting in there were not too bright. Here, dimmer, more yellow-white toned lights (around 2700 K) can be used to provide a calmer, more relaxed look and pleasant environment. Moreover, one can be creative with the lighting structure in such areas, including any lounges in the entire office, the cafeteria, recreation room, etc. 8: Consider using task lights. In some cases, overhead lighting may not be the best option, but task lighting can salvage the situation. Task lights are small in size and the advantage is that these can be easily plugged into outlets convenient to employees and their needs. Thus, these can provide concentrated light just where the employees need some, and using such lights will also allow the employees control over where and how they would prefer lighting for their work. 9: Remember that some types of lights heat up and cause overheating and stuffiness in the office space. This is true for smaller offices and for low quality lighting. Such lighting will probably not have a long life and may also come with other repercussions because of the poor quality. It is advisable not to use such lighting and instead, pay a little more for better quality and longer, more sustainable use, as employees will spend many hours every week in the office and should

lighting makes adjustments so that the employees don’t have to strain their vision and can work in better conditions. 4: It is widely agreed that natural daylight is the best lighting one can use for the most productive work environment. However, these days it is increasingly difficult for companies to find office spaces that are exposed to considerable daylight, so it follows that daylight-like lighting must be mimicked by closest available artificial lighting. Thus, the colour temperature of the lighting used in such offices, especially bigger and wider office spaces, should be between 5000K and 7000K, according to lighting experts. 5: It has been observed that brighter and warm, but white-based lighting correlates to energy and wakefulness for employees, boosting performance and productivity, while dim lights make one drowsy and lethargic at times. The idea is to find a right balance between yellow and white lights and use lighting that falls somewhere in the middle. Dimmer lighting can always be used in recreational areas to create a more relaxed atmosphere. 6: Even today, many offices use fluorescent lights overhead to save costs, but that is not a

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lighting may be used alongside. 14: Consider choosing lighting that can be lowered or increased in intensity as the need arises. As evening sets in and employees prepare to wind up their day, the lights can be lowered in intensity and set to a warmer tone to calm and relax the mind. For employees working at night, ensure that the lighting remains warm, since the computer screen already has a lot of blue light, which can disrupt the employees’ sleep schedule. 15: It will happen at some point that some of the lights will need to undergo repair. Those lights might either go out suddenly or start flickering symptomatically. But the company must ensure that these lights are repaired as soon as possible, particularly if they are placed over workstations or other places where tasks are performed regularly. 16: Office lighting is not just limited to overhead or desk lighting. Lighting is also used for visual appeal, particularly in corporate offices where companies would like people who visit to get a good first impression, much of which can be achieved by good lighting. Nowadays good quality LED lights are available in various shapes and forms. These can be used in visitor’s lounges and over display cases to provide stylish and beautiful lighting. 17: For senior employees who have their own offices, customisable lighting could be an option so that they can decrease the brightness or increase it as and when they need, depending on the task they are busy with. Further, perhaps the department in charge of choosing and installing the lighting could provide a briefing to these employees whenever new types of lights are fixed and perform new functions. This will ensure that the employees understand how to use the lights and that they are used optimally. 18: Another important component of lighting in any public place is safety and exit signage. An office is no different, since so many people go in and out all day long. These signs are important in case a perilous situation befalls the office, so the company must ensure that exit and emergency exit signs are always lit up and are repaired immediately in the event they break down. LED signs are available in the markets now that one can easily use for this purpose – signs using these kinds of lights can last up to 20-25 years. 19: It is necessary to remember that lighting should also correspond to the kind of task it is required for. If paperwork is to be done, or reading,

be comfortable. 10: In case a combination of natural and artificial lighting is being used in the office, it is important to make sure that the sunlight from outside does not create direct glare. If any of the desk spaces or seating areas are placed in direct sunlight, the glare will distract and hurt the employees’ eyes and if it is in close quarters, it can make them feel uncomfortably warm as well. The workstations in such a case should be placed facing the general direction of natural light, but not directly. 11: Different areas of the office need separate kinds of lighting. Areas such as discussion and conference rooms can use ambient lighting, not dim, but less bright than workstation lighting, as the tasks here are not likely to involve much desk work. However, such areas are important zones of the office, where meetings and important conversations may be held. Lighting does need to be paid attention to, but perhaps these zones would do with only a few lights in the form of lamps or standing lamp lights rather than traditional overheads. 12: Consider keeping table lamps as an option for those employees who would like more light just on their desks. Many employees may be working late into the night and, in that case, most of the overhead lights can be dimmed or switched off, keeping only task lights and the desk lamp on for the working members. This will also save electricity and will give employees more options to choose what kind of light they want to work in. 13: Always be cognitive of the fact that where there is light, there will be some amount of shadow. It is important to consider where the shadows will fall and accordingly place light fixtures above or close to workstations. This is particularly true for task lights, which are smaller and angled particularly to cast light over certain points and may hence create unwanted shadows. Positioning in this case is of maximum importance and corrective

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The higher the Colour Rendering Index of a lighting source, the better it is able to render colours of objects as realistically as they would look in natural light. Good colour rendering will also be soothing and easy on the employees’ eyes and will display colours correctly on nearby screens as well. Preferably, lights with CRI of 85-90 should be used to keep the indoors environment looking as natural as possible. 25: One final thing to remember is that your office lighting, its forms and colours and the way it is all placed, should, like all other décor and components of your office space, represent the company’s brand and image as far as possible. Every company has a theme and based on that, it can have furniture, décor and lighting as well. You can experiment with simple lighting from table lamps to overheads, and with more sophisticated sources as well, such as spotlights and chandelier for the reception area. Lighting is not just about requirement; it is also about aesthetics and pleasing visuals.

for example, direct and bright light will be required. In dimmer lighting, the employees will have trouble seeing and will require additional sources of light. In case the employee is working on a computer system, the lighting can be ambient because the screen will already cast a lot of light and using brighter light sources will hurt the employee’s eyes as well as cause strain. 20: Consider having a lighting control system installed for your office. This will help in utilising lighting sources more optimally, saving power and thus saving money. Further, with a lighting control system in place, all the lights fixed in your office will be included in that one system and will make the entire process of monitoring and using the lighting, much simpler. The system will also be able to provide comprehensive information and reports on which lighting sources are consuming more electricity, which ones are used most often and so on. Ensure that the control system is also cognizant of current or preferably potential damages to lighting sources, such as blown fuses, etc, so that the safety of the office and employees is better guaranteed. 21: Look for the lux value of the lights when you are selecting them for the office. Simply understand, lux value is the amount of intensity with which a light hits a certain surface, varying with distance. Experts say that the more light and brightness a task requires, the higher the lux value of the lights should be. For offices, it is recommended that light sources have at least 500 lux value for the necessary brightness. 22: If the office space is vast and spread out, including several pathways and corridors, the company can make use of strip lighting on the floor or along the walls to serve as a guide for people passing through the office. Creative lighting forms can be used here, such as lit arrows, string lights and so on. Such lighting also adds a signature style, grace and a certain class to the office space. 23: While every employee may have different lighting requirements for work, companies should consider taking care of such needs for particular employees. Not just employees with sensitive eyes or migraine tendencies, those who are senior in age may also need different kind of lighting to work well. This also makes the need for customisable lighting even more prominent and useful in the long run. 24: When fixing lighting, specifically lighting systems, remember to check colour rendering.

www.opensourcedworkplace.com

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Transform thoughtful design visions into a cohesive panorama Architectural lighting transforms thoughtful design visions into a cohesive panorama which attracts attention, sparkles imaginations, creates symbolism, provides intimacy, and defines focal points. It infuses lighting into a coordinated system to achieve an integrated and unified visual, functional and architectural purpose that is characteristic of the architecture’s personality.

A n integral architectural lighting concept includes façade lighting. Adding a splash of high drama to sweeping, monotonous façades with lighting is just as important as structure, hardscape and softscape lighting. En gaging illumination of building façades can convey emotionality, echo a theme, add dimensionality to a building, and heighten the visual impact of architecture. Wall washing Façade lighting is typically done in one of two ways: wall washing and wall grazing. Wall washing is a technique which is used to create a fully saturated wash effect on vertical surfaces like walls or façades. Uniform illumination across the vertical surface completely eliminates shadows from the surface texture and produces a flattening effect. In wall washing applications, the wall itself is the focus of the lighting and uniform illumination creates a visually smooth, flat surface. This technique is intended to reduce the visibility of the visually uncomfortable textures of the materials used in the construction of the wall or façade.

Wall grazing The abi l i t y of wal l washing to f lat ten the visual appearance is advantageous for hiding imperfections in a vertical surface. On the other side, wall grazing is a technique used to emphasise or enhance a textured surface or architectural element. The textured beauty of brick, stone, stucco walls, interesting masonry or architectural details becomes a striking feature when grazed with steeply angled light. Wall grazing lighting enhances the visibility of the surface texture and accentuates details through high-contrast shadows. Wall grazing lights are mounted very close to the surface to be illuminated, whereas wall washing lighting requires an adequate setback distance to eliminate shadows and flatten textures. Linear lighting systems A linear LED wall washer or grazer typically has an extruded aluminium construction. The anodized aluminium channel, clear tempered glass lens, die cast aluminium end caps, one-piece silicone rubber gasket, and pressure equalising air vents form a water-tight, dust proof enclosure with a

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LED technology Linear architectural LED light fixtures come in a diversified range of output colour options, including solid white, solid colour, intelligent white, and colour-changing light. LEDs are p-n junction devices fabricated from indium gallium nitride ( InGaN) or aluminium indium gallium phosphide (AlInGaP) material systems. The InGaN and AlInGaP semiconductor dies emit in narrow spectral bands. The optical radiation is perceived by the eye as coloured monochromatic light such as red, green, or blue. Whi te l ight can be created by ut i l ising a semiconductor emitter to pump a phosphor down converter within the device package or through additive colour synthesis using a minimum of three primary colours. Phosphor converted LEDs are the dominantly used white light emitters. They are available in a whole spectrum of colour temperatures, which offers the freedom in selecting the most appropriate light colour for a particular application. Tunable white systems use white light LEDs of varying colour temperatures to modulate the colour temperature of white light in a continuously adjustable range. The use of RGB LED systems enab les implementation of dynamic lighting solutions that can produce white light and colours of various hues and saturation levels. Channels of amber or white LEDs seamlessly blend with channels of red, green, and blue LEDs to create RGBW, RGBA and RGBWA LED systems which come with a significantly expanded colour-mixing gamut. Dimming control Linear LED wall washers or grazers can be controlled via an analogue interface (i.e., 0-10 V dc) or a digital interface such as DMX or Ethernet. The interface allows the dimming circuits that adjust the light output of an individual, group, or entire array of LEDs to be operated by a light controller. The LEDs incorporated in these fixtures can be dimmed through pulse-width modulation (PWM) and constant current reduction (CCR). Analog dimming (CCR) may be inappropriate for applications that require a full dimming range and a constant colour temperature. To produce predictable colours from an RGB, RGBW, RGBA or RGBWA LED, each of its component LEDs requires individual, accurate PWM digital dimming control. These component LEDs are addressed individually to identify the specific DMX or Ethernet control signals. Uniquely addressing and controlling each lighting node – a multi-colour LED array – allow individual lighting fixtures within the installation to act in unison and enable an infinite variety and combination of dynamic effects.

typical IP66 ingress protection rating. The LEDs can also be protected from water, dust and other atmospheric influences with silicone-potting. The aluminium housing provides structural strength as well as conductive and convective thermal transfer for the LED module. The LED module consists of a linear array of LEDs assembled on a metal-core printed circuit board (MCPCB). The light distribution of the LEDs is individually controlled by secondary optics which can be reflectors, TIR lenses or freeform lenses. These optics typically produce asymmetric beam patterns with horizontal and vertical beam angle options ranging from narrow to wide. The LEDs operate on dc power which is regulated by an LED driver running directly from a commercial alternating current (ac) power source or a low voltage dc power supply. The ac-dc LED driver must transform the ac power into an appropriate direct current, while protecting the LEDs from power surges as well as overcurrent, short-circuit, overvoltage and over-temperature conditions. Multiple fixtures can be wired in series or in parallel, and installed in an end-to-end configuration or using jumper cables to add space between fixtures in a series. The maximum number of fixtures each circuit can support is determined by specific configuration details which include fixture power rating, fixture length, fixture spacing, circuit size, supply voltage, and leader cable length.

www.shine.lighting

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Introducing the new Matter standard for smart homes

absence of a universal standard were enough to keep the average homeowner from investing in a smart home at all. Towards the end of 2019 Amazon, Apple, Goog le and the Zigbee Alliance started project CHIP (‘Connected Home over IP’) with the goal to cre ate a standard for communication between smart home devices allowing a simpler development of those devices by making sure that products con forming to the new standard will work with leading ecosystems like Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri and Google’s Assistant. CHIP is based on the well-es tablished IPv6 protocol allowing it to be used on existing IP-carrying networks without the need for specific hubs or protocol translation gateways. Project CHIP resulted in a new smart home standard called ‘Matter’ maintained and launched by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), which was formerly known as the Zigbee Alliance. The Matter protocol was officially launched by CSA early November 2022 at a launch event in Amsterdam. The CSAmembers showcased a wide array of products like motion blinds, occupancy sensors, weather devices, smart plugs, door locks, lighting, gateways and Matter-based software ap plications. In his keynote speech, CSA president and CEO Tobin Richardson mentioned the tre mendous efforts put into developing the standard including hundreds of thousands of engineering hours and the numerous meetings between all involved companies to discuss and agree on the various elements of the protocol. Lighting is well represented amongst the CSA members; Signify is certifying all its WiZ products

A smart home is a setup where appliances and devices are interconnected and controllable re motely via the internet, allowing the user to control functions like security, temperature, lighting and entertainment. The smart home concept has ex isted for many years; however, its uptake is slower than originally forecast, both globally and in South Africa. Local roadblocks include internet connec tivity and affordability, while a major roadblock across all countries is the lack of standardization. Connecting devices frommultiple suppliers can be challenging to say the least, and this is the main reason most smart homes are based on a platform or ecosystem from a single supplier limiting the choice which devices to use. The future for smart homes is about to look brighter, however. Covid-19 lockdowns made people realize and appreciate how important a home environment is, while younger home buyers growing up in the smart phone era are entering the market. An additional and very important reason behind the bright future of smart homes is an indus try-wide initiative to solve the standardization issue. A single universal standard allowing smart home devices to seamlessly operate together never existed. Between Zigbee, Z-Wave, Blue tooth and WiFi, the wireless connectivity space for smart home devices got a bit too crowded for its own good. Some smart home products have proprietary apps for setup, which not always work as they should. That basically meant one had to juggle numerous apps to manage your smart home devices, adding even more stress and annoyance to the user. All these challenges caused by the

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make their products fit for the Matter standard. The first set covers the basic functions of networked lighting control: An LED driver dims and switches LED strips supplied with 24 V constant voltage. It is available in three power levels: 35, 60, 100 and 150 W. The manufacturer’s matching light strip – called Flextape – is suitable for indoor and outdoor use (IP 67) and rated to have a life expectancy of up to 72 000 hours. A push button coupler converts existing pushbuttons intoMatter-capable light switches and is installed directly in a flush-mounted box. The second product family from Tridonic is designed to control new or existing luminaires that use the digital DALI standard. Offices, meeting rooms and even hotel rooms, for example, can be made Matter-enabled – including voice control with Alexa, Siri or another assistant. Depending on the application, there is a choice of an active Mat ter-to-DALI module with its own power supply, a passive version for connection to an external power supply, and a group controller that can manage up to 25 DALI luminaires.

Matter-compatible. WiZ Connected is an Internet of Things software solution provider focused on delivering easy-to-use, Wi-Fi-based smart lighting. Owned by Signify, serves both consumer and professional lighting. WiZ will be among the first loT brands to support the Matter standard and will make its full portfolio compatible, including lights and smart plugs. Tridonic announces several innovations Tridonic, one of the leading technology suppliers to the professional lighting market is an early adopter of Matter and will launch Matter based compo nents early 2023 (see inset). The company feels the Matter standard will not limit itself to smart homes but will move into professional applications as well. With many hotels positioning themselves as ‘home away from home’ the hospitality sector might also adopt Matter. Other possible profes sional applications where Matter can play a role are smaller offices, shared offices, high end retail outlets and lounges. Tridonic’s innovations are aimed at both elec tricians and luminaire manufacturers who want to March presentation by IESSA IESSA, the Illumination Engineering Society of South Africa, has the pleasure of inviting you to an online presentation by Greg Olivier, Project Engi neer at GT Developments, with the title: ‘Bluetooth Mesh Lighting Networks as an loT backbone’

www.signify.com/www.tridonic.com

The presentation will take place on Wednesday March 29 th at 3pm. As this is an online session, all IESSA members are invited to join.

www.iessa.org.za

The benefits of day/night bulbs and day/night sensors The rising cost of electricity has South Africans looking for savvy solutions to save money when illuminating their homes. Day/night light bulbs and day/night sensors are proving to be one of the leading ways of keeping costs down, but saving on electricity is just one of the many benefits they offer.

turns on. But this doesn’t mean you should be concerned about clouds, car lights, and lighting, which can all cause brief changes in lighting levels. The sensor is programmed to check for false light levels and will not be activated by them. Keep in mind that while a day/night bulb can simply be installed like a normal light bulb, day/ night sensors will require wiring.

The functionality of day/night sensitivity: • Makes arriving home late at night safer. • Gives the impression that your house is oc cupied when it’s not (especially handy during the holiday season). • Eliminates the risk of forgetting to switch off lights in the morning before you leave home for work. • Gives you one less thing to think about in the evenings. Day/night bulbs and sensors contain an integrated photocell that registers the brightness of daylight and activates when the level of light reaches the preset level. When darkness falls, an electrical current begins to flow, and the light automatically

www.eurolux.co.za

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Towns in France let the citizens control the streetlights Turn on the streetlights in one click: around ten French towns have already been seduced by the J’ignite ma rue application.

sumption by turning off the light for six hours a night. The bill has only dropped by 25%. “Like everyone else, we are facing the rise in the price of electricity,” comments the mayor who intends to generalize the system throughout his city. “It took longer than expected because not all of our streetlights are equipped with LED bulbs. For those, it’s fast, they light up as quickly as they go out, but we also have sodium lamps, which need a longer heating and cooling time.” The municipality plans to eventually change them.

In Île-de-France, Longpont-sur-Orge (Essonne) was the first to take the plunge. Since the end of 2021, the inhabitants of this municipality of 6 300 inhabitants have been able, on demand, to control the lights in the city centre using their smartphone, which are off from 11 pm to 5 am. The principle is very simple: once connected, the user is automatically geolocated. All they have to do is press the digital bulb which sends information to the nearby electrical cabinet, which controls the streetlights in the area. Energy consumption halved “On average, we record two to three uses per night, indicates Alain Lamour, the mayor (DVG). “We wanted to turn off the city lights to save money but also to reduce our carbon footprint and allow nocturnal species like bats to find a more natural space. This on-demand ignition system solves the problem of insecurity that some people may feel when they find themselves outside in the dark.” And it works. In one year, the town has halved its energy con The Designers Lighting Forum of New York is ready to launch the 2023 edition of the LEDucation Trade Show and Conference on March 7–8, at the New York Hilton Midtown. Thousands of lighting professionals are pre paring for two days of vital networking, education, and discovering new opportunities and products. “We’re counting down the days until LEDucation returns to its full pre-pandemic glory. Our goal is to bring inspiration, education, and excitement to the l ighting community,” LEDucation Commit tee Co - Chairs Burt Grant, Metro Areas Sales, and Caroline Rinker, O’Blaney Rinker Associates, stated. “All signs indicate that the industry is just as excited as we are. We’re seeing a strong influx of prominent lighting designers and architects who will be in attendance, as well as distributors, engineers, interior designers, specifiers, energy consultants, and students from the US, Canada, and Europe.” Over 380 exhibitors will be showcasing their latest innovations in smaller, intimate creative spaces on two floors of the NY Hilton Midtown event space. The booth layouts allow for a more personal approach for relationship building and have always proved to be a highly productive experience for exhibitors and attendees in past shows. A networking event in the Trianon Ballroom (3rd floor) will take place Tuesday night at 6:00pm for all to unwind from the day with refreshments with colleagues, new and old. Thirty-six educational sessions, including virtual sessions on Monday, March 6th, appear to be attract ing lighting professionals experiencing rapid change Final countdown to LEDucation 2023

www.lightnowblog.com

in the marketplace and in business operations. This exchange of ideas and aspirations will foster exist ing relationships and form new oppor tunities and networks. LEDucation falls on International Women’s Day Wednesday, March 8 th , and Women in Lighting Design (WILD) is partnering with LEDucation to call attention to this important day. We ask attendees to help by donning their best pink attire and turn color-changing lights pink. The WILD table, across from registration, will offer a wearable token to those who want to shine a light on discrimination and gender parity. The 24 th IESNYC Student Lighting Competition, presented by the Illuminating Engineering Society New York City Section will be held at LEDucation on Tuesday, March 7 th in Americas Hall 2. More than 100 students from New York City schools will be display ing their creative lighting projects based on the theme “Circle of Light.” This theme challenges students to construct a three-dimensional study, exploring how light plays a role in the cyclical nature of life. Lighting pros and young people will network and enjoy re freshments while viewing the exhibition, and $9000 in cash prizes wi l l be awarded. The Competition showcases both MFA students and undergraduates from diverse educational tracks. Join in virtually to the LEDucation 2023 Confer ence on ‘Virtual Monday’, March 6 th 3 pm-1:30 am South African time.

leducation.org/registration

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ENGAGE INDUSTRY ACROSS AFRICA

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