COMMERCIAL LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEMS

A commercial lighting system consists of two basic components; Lighting fixtures and lighting controls. Historically, the emphasis on both components has been meeting just the lighting requirements. Those requirements typically include:

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• Basic lighting brightness

• Color Temperature of the light

• Providing a comfortable environment for occupants

• Meeting federal, state, and local energy codes

• Providing emergency egress lighting

• Ability to control lighting via manual or automatic lighting controls 

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Lighting controls can be part of the solution for energy savings, and to meet energy code and other federal and local requirements. 

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However, recently, due to multiple factors, many facility owners and managers are looking to do more than just save money on energy and meet basic control requirements. Depending on the cost of the electricity in a market, it can be difficult to justify the Return on Investment against the cost of a lighting control system. 

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At RCS, we emphasize the functionality of the lighting control system; What can we do with the lighting controls to make the facility more functional, easier to monitor and maintain energy usage and monitor equipment, provide maximum flexibility to provide maximum comfort and control for the occupants without creating distracting or obtrusive lighting changes. 

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At RCS we specialize in navigating the tightropes of livability vs mandated energy codes. We work with the owner, facility manager, and design team to establish a set of priorities, and translate that into the design documents. This ensures the project will be bid, installed, and programmed to the functionality while providing best results for lighting, comfort, and energy savings. Our goal is to provide maximum use and livability of your control while maximizing your investment for your commercial project. 

THEATRICAL LIGHTING INSTALLATIONS

Theatrical lighting systems are a living thing. Each one is different, designed for the individual space, based on the anticipated needs of the owner and users. Budget must be accommodated, as well as short and long term anticipated uses. A theatrical space (whether true theater, event space, house of worship, museum, multi-purpose room, or Architainment facility) includes many components, and multiple technologies that must be considered during the planning and construction phases. Ease of use, the technical expertise of the owners and operators, the types of events and shows, must all be taken into account.

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Theatrical lighting in a space can be static, set with very little change over the life of the system, or can be fluid, changed daily from show to show and user to user. The beauty of this is that the system can grow and change as needed. Which brings us to Infrastructure. 

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Infrastructure is key, since theatrical fixtures can be changed and moved as needed for each event. As new technology in fixtures and controllers develops, the infrastructure of each venue must be designed to allow for current standards, as well as for future changes in technology. 

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Other factors must be accommodated for, in relation to theatrical lighting:

• Location of HVAC ducts and fire sprinkler pipes which share space in the ceiling

• Location of speakers, projectors, and projection screens

• Site lines of audience

• Location of drapes, rigging, and stage machinery

• Location of house lights

• Integration of theatrical lighting with house lighting, and (potentially) Audio and Video systems

• Electrical and rigging requirements for future upgrades, touring shows, and potential use by alternative tenants.

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With over 30 years designing and installing theatrical lighting systems, we can make sure to tick all the boxes for your venue.