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Industry opinion: Opportunities and Threats for the Residential Lighting Control Market (1/2/2007)

By Yasmin Hashmi, HiddenWires

There are many reasons why the lighting control market is likely to grow. Among them are the demand for energy efficiency, growing awareness that good lighting is as important as good décor, and recognition that control technology can provide not only convenience and comfort, but a sense of security too. No one however, is expecting a smooth ride. Compliance with Part L of the building regulations, accommodation of a diverse range of technologies, and dealing with retrofits are just some of the challenges facing manufacturers, designers and installers.

To gain a sense of what the industry can expect over the next year, HiddenWires asked a number of leading lights the question "What will have the most impact over the next twelve months on the residential custom-installed lighting market, and what are the main obstacles?" Here are their answers:

James King, Sales Director, Mode Lighting

"I would have to say that compliance to the Part L regulations and the use of energy-efficient lighting in a new build, extension or major refurbishment. This must take the form of dedicated energy-efficient light fittings rather than conventional tungsten or low-voltage fittings. This will have a dramatic effect on lighting design and therefore lighting controls. The main obstacle for the developer or self-builder is how to control these different loads without running away with equipment and installation costs. Larger residences with whole-house lighting control systems should generally be able to handle multiple load types with ease, but on smaller projects where a structured wired system or the installation of remote modules is not practical, controlling the various load types, either switching or dimming, from a single unit, becomes more difficult. Especially when you consider that in the UK the wiring of lighting switchboxes varies - some have neutrals, some don't. As a manufacturer, we must design products to suit industry demand and with the ability to control energy-efficient lighting while dimming more conventional lighting, whether as part of a whole-home system or as standalone controls.

Dimming is a very good way to reduce one's impact on the environment, but it still does not fall within the boundaries of the Part L regulations. This shouldn't mean that dimming or more efficient tungsten sources should not be used in an effort to reduce energy usage. Dimming will reduce the energy consumption as well as improve lamp life, resulting in increased cost savings. Low-voltage lamps are also available that consume less power but provide the same light output as less efficient types, that is, a 35W high-efficiency low-voltage lamp will provide the same light output as a standard 50W lamp.

The key to all of this is to be aware of the regulations during the design phase. Fittings and lighting types can then be designed in to compliment the regulations and also to suit the design aspects of the build."

Ashley Goddard, Director, Rako Controls

"Without doubt it's the public's awareness of lighting control that is influencing the market. Previously, with only expensive and complex solutions available, only the very rich could consider whole-house lighting control solutions. Recently, new products have come onto the market, and with the general trend towards home-automation and the ability, and willingness of the public to browse the Internet for solution products, a whole new band of buying public is demanding lighting control.

The desire for lighting control still doesn't overcome the fact that its installation usually doesn't sit well with traditional house wiring. If the install is limited to a new home cinema room, then the chances are that the room is being re-wired. But if the customer wants the lighting control extended to the whole house, or indeed feels that this may be a possibility later, then finding a control system that will allow this is a must."

Bill Noble, Lighting Design Consultant, WOW Lighting

"Over the next twelve months I expect to see some exciting announcements from lighting control manufacturers making available IP-addressable control equipment for the first time. IP addressing is sure to be the killer technology that will start a big growth in the use of lighting control and building management systems for mid- to high-end applications. It has the potential to be a significant revenue earner for lighting control professionals.

With respect to light fittings, the next 12 months will probably see the emergence of LEDs as an appropriate light source for general lighting applications. They are already being used extensively for decorative and architectural highlighting, and it is only cost that now restricts their wider use. The lumen efficiency is already there, as they now compete favourably with fluorescent lamps. Their low energy and low maintenance features make them particularly attractive as light sources, but they are currently only within the reach of the richest of clients. I expect the cost to come down significantly over the next year, putting them in the financial reach of many more people."

Stephen Calder, Director, USD Limited

"Escalating energy prices, fear of global warming, and rising house prices will all have a positive impact on the residential custom install industry. Consumers want to be 'green', and our products, relative to property values, are becoming a smaller percentage of the overall cost. Comfort and security will also play a major part, including control of one's home remotely, especially considering that over 600,000 Britons own a second home.

The main obstacles as I see it, are climbing interest rates which may slow down spending in the domestic custom install industry, and technophobia. The much talked about 'grey pound', whilst substantial, belongs to a generation that pre-dates the techno age and which may preclude spending in this area."

Simon Hill, Managing Director, Leax

"In 2007 we would expect the residential market for controls to continue the fast growth we have seen over the last year. More design intent is being credited to 'control' in the home, with the result that larger budgets are being allocated. Obviously, the more money being spent, the more companies such as Leax can offer. Those with larger houses now want all areas controlled with various master on and offs. They want the lights to come on automatically in their absence to simulate usage as if the house were occupied. They want touchscreens and interaction with music, access and temperature control. Those that felt a few rotary knobs were sufficient, now want proper scene setting.

One of the main obstacles for all of us is Part L and the requirement to use low-energy lamps. Careful design is required to ensure the correct placing and type of dimmable fluorescent fittings and ballasts. Without, it is extremely hard to gain the full aesthetic benefit from using a control system."

Gary Brown, Head of UK Sales, Helvar

"One of the key factors inhibiting the growth of residential lighting control in the UK is the available product. Until recently, manufacturers have been reluctant to develop products that are designed specifically with the UK residential market in mind. Ironically, this lack of suitable product has coincided with a real growing awareness of the benefits of lighting control. From architects and interior designers through to end-users, all are now aware that by clever use of lighting, the appearance of a room can be changed to suit different needs. For example, an open-plan kitchen/breakfast room can be brightly lit for food preparation or easily be dimmed to a subdued level for that intimate dinner.

In the fast-growing custom installation market, virtually all residential installations will need to contain some form of lighting control. It's a smart-home 'must have' and comes right at the top of the list, along with multiroom audio etc. To take advantage of this growing opportunity, it is important that in the next twelve months UK-specific residential solutions continue to be specified and developed."

John Niebel, Director of Residential Development, Lutron EA Ltd

"The next twelve months will see a continuing to transition to 'light' controls, that is, a growing connection between controlling artificial lighting and natural lighting control, between dimming and switching and blinds and curtains.

Blinds and curtains in the past have been an area most custom installers chose to avoid. But in actual fact this is a great potential source of additional revenue, an untapped area for growth and a great means to differentiate themselves from their competitors. We are helping installers learn about a new industry and providing ground-breaking new technology to open up a market which has been seen as a 'black art' by many, and too difficult to get involved with by most, just as lighting controls were ten years ago when we started exhibiting at CEDIA. Virtually silent motors which are controllable in a way never available before, will change the way custom installers approach this part of their business. In a year or two it will seem as natural to supply blinds and curtains as it does to provide lighting controls now."

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