Get comfortable with smart lighting

Understanding new technology options for modern landscape lighting control systems.

The control of landscape lighting has changed drastically over the last 10 years. Products with higher technology options are now available for use on residential homes and commercial projects. In this article we will look at several distinctive styles of smart technology that are in the marketplace today.

Bluetooth Technology

Bluetooth technology has been used for years for many different electronic applications. Most of us are familiar through speakers and earphones. As technology has improved, the range and capability of Bluetooth systems have increased through the addition of repeaters that can be used in the landscape to bounce the signal to different devices.

Recently, Bluetooth mesh has been introduced, allowing the devices to talk to each other and pick up a stronger signal. Some systems also have a bridge that allows you to connect to Wi-Fi and then control the lights from anywhere in the world.


If you are not used to using these Wi-Fi and Bluetooth products, it is important to familiarize yourself with them.


Wi-Fi Technology

There are two types of Wi-Fi technology currently used in the landscape lighting world. One is a system controlled through the transformer going out to integrated lighting fixtures. These transformers will connect to the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi on a customer’s home or business. Once it is connected, the transformer will send signals out to the different fixtures to allow them to change colors or kelvin temperatures. This can also allow them to dim and be set for certain times to create fabulous effects.

Another option is onboard Wi-Fi technology, which is when the fixture itself has its own IP address and can be connected to the customer’s router via the 2.4 GHz network. When setting these items up, you will need to use the device’s native app. Be sure you are on the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi to connect the device. Just as a side note: most smart products will still need a 2.4 GHz network. The reason for this is that 2.4 GHz is much stronger and will go further distances than 5 GHz; however, 5 GHz will allow greater speeds for downloading and watching movies, etc.

Smart Controllers

Some manufacturers are now making transformers with different zone capabilities. This would allow you to take a 300-watt transformer and divide it up into three separate zones so you can control different areas of the property. There are also standalone units that can go on existing transformers. Some units will be a single station, and others can go up to four stations. Usually with both styles of controllers you can run more than 100 watts in a single zone.

These devices will allow you to control the zones individually with different timing requirements in all zones. If you had a customer that you wanted to do the front yard and the backyard, but they wanted them to come on at the same time but go off at separate times, one of these devices might be suitable for the job.

Choosing the Right Customer

As we have spoken before about smart products, it is important to evaluate your customers’ level of technology.

If you’re working with a client that is still using a flip phone, chances are they are not going to be willing to work with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth smart products. It is never a worthwhile idea to force this on a customer because they may not be willing to go through the learning curve to work with these products. Many customers that greet you with their cell phone in hand will most likely welcome the idea.

If you are not used to using these Wi-Fi and Bluetooth products, it is important to familiarize yourself with them. Your local distributor or manufacturer’s representative may be able to assist you in your first job. People sometimes can be afraid to ask for assistance. But it will make you look better overall if you do. You may also consider working with a Wi-Fi professional.

I encourage you all to give these products a try in the appropriate job. Work with your resources to fully understand how and when these products are appropriate to be used.

Kevin Smith is the national technical support and trainer at Brilliance LED, Carefree, Arizona, and can be reached via email.

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