MD Electrical Integration provides control wiring in Atlanta. Control wire connects control devices in a lighting and control system, providing a conduit for command and status communication as well as power to the devices in many circumstances.
According to Thomas Hinds, Product Manager-Fluorescent Dimming Ballasts at Lutron Electronics Co., Inc., “control wire is the means via which a user transmits a desired level to the lighting device.” “It’s critical to choose the right control wiring to assure signal quality, reduce noise and interference, and comply with electrical rules.”
Wiring is linked to overall lighting control system factors, such as control system and component selection, layout, and installation methods, and is thus an essential factor to consider when selecting a lighting control solution.
Control Wiring in Atlanta - Line voltage wiring
Power (120-277VAC) and load connectivity for lighting equipment, as well as ground, neutral, and travelers for multiway applications, are all provided via line-voltage (Class 1) wiring. Line-voltage wiring has traditionally been used to establish control zones by grouping light fixtures by circuit/switch-leg. A controller closes or opens the circuit to deliver or withhold electric power, which turns the lights on and off. The wiring can be utilized to communicate raise/lower (dimming) and switching signals via a powerline carrier.
Pros: Line-voltage wiring is extremely known to electrical professionals, making installation less likely. It can provide both power and communication, can be put in the same conduit as other line-voltage cable, and can be placed in lengthy lengths.
Control Wiring in Atlanta - Low voltage wiring
Low-voltage (Class 2) cabling connects low-voltage control devices to supply power (10-24VDC) and communication/feedback.
Pros: Most codes allow low-voltage wiring to be run without conduit and junction boxes, allowing it to be installed separately from power wiring (e.g., on top of suspended ceiling tiles using plenum-rated conductors), allowing for sophisticated control systems involving layered lighting control as granular as individual light fixtures. It is easier to install and, in certain situations, does not need the use of an electrician. It’s also quite simple to modify in the event of future adjustments.
Cons: Electrical pollution from the environment (e.g., arc welding equipment) or nearby power wires can be picked up by unshielded low-voltage lines, especially over longer lengths.
Low voltage control wiring: analog versus digital
In today’s lighting control systems, dedicated low-voltage control wire allows for greater flexibility and usefulness. Analog 0-10VDC and digital are the most prevalent forms.
Analog 0-10VDC: 0-10VDC wiring consists of two wires connected by a 1-10V potential.
According to Ronald Bryce, National Sales Manager for PLC-Multipoint, Inc., “Analog delivers high signal resolution, allowing for closer identification of real situations.” “Take, for example, a photosensor. When a conventional 0-10VDC photosensor is scaled to represent 0-250 footcandles (fc), each volt of the sensor’s signal, known as the return signal, is equal to 25 fc. The control system in a retail center generally turns the lights out at 7 fc to disable them. In this example, the return signal would be 0.28VDC.”
However, transferability of the signal is an issue with analog, according to Bryce.
Low voltage control wiring: Prefabricated option
Structured wiring, which uses factory-tested and certified cable assemblies, has developed as a premium option that offers a substantial alternative to the old method of using bulk wire to make point-to-point connections. Preterminated connectors such as RJ45 (computer), RJ11 (telephone), or any unique form of connector may be offered for low-voltage analog and digital cabling. These systems are frequently equipped with plug-and-play controllers that automatically configure themselves after installation, allowing for rapid use.
This method has the advantage of simplifying installation and reducing problems caused by improper terminations. Wire lengths, on the other hand, must be defined, and while installation work may be saved, material costs are often greater.
Control Wiring in Atlanta - General principles
The architecture of some systems necessitates the separation of input and output networks. Light fixtures, for example, might be grouped to respond to system orders from a separate network of input devices, such as occupancy and photosensors, manual controls, and so on.
Wiring class: Line-voltage and low-voltage wiring systems have differing field requirements. Most codes allow Class 2 wire to be put outside of conduit, whereas Class 1 wiring can be installed in the same conduit. To avoid electrical interference with the analog signal voltage, the manufacturer is likely to suggest that Class 2 wire not be placed with Class 1 wiring in Class 1 conduit for analog systems.