Electricians take control of office lighting

An easy to install lighting control system from Signify creates new business opportunities for electricians and unlocks great features for clients.

By Gordon Routledge
Wednesday 7th August 2019

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Lighting control in offices, classrooms and reception areas usually require more cables, expensive boxes of electronics and a costly visit from someone to get it all working. As a result, lighting controls often struggle to justify the additional investment and hassle, compared to the quick payback of an LED upgrade, especially on smaller projects.

If you clear the financial hurdles on the initial electrical installation, what about the future? New tenants take over, room functions change, and desks move. The control system which worked on day one suddenly does not match the client's use of the space. So the installation needs reprogramming, or poor Dave in accounts has to flap his arms like a drowning man to get the lights to switch on. It is no wonder that most electricians stay clear of lighting control and leave it to specialists.

A recently launched system from Signify (the company formerly known as Philips lighting) promises to change this and opens up new opportunities for electrical contractors.

Video: Gary Barnett gives an overview of the Interact Pro system during CEFLive 2019

Introducing Interact Pro

Interact Pro is a wireless lighting control system, which is straightforward to install in five simple steps.

Install and connect compatible lighting fixtures as you would in standard uncontrolled lighting installations.

Position wireless sensors and switches in required locations

Connect an Interact Pro gateway to the internet

Download the Interact Pro installer app for smartphones

Use the app and smartphone to pair lights with sensors and create switching groups.

Easy installation with powerful features

Installation is simple, but the system packs some powerful features. Clients can control the system with a personal app allowing users to control lights within their work area or set up a meeting room for a presentation.

A web-based dashboard allows the installer and the client to monitor system performance, track energy consumption and receive alerts of any faults.

How many light points can be connected to a hub?

Each hub supports up to 200 light points.

What wireless protocol does Interact Pro use?

Interact Pro uses a Zigbee wireless mesh network.

Can Interact Pro monitor and test emergency lighting?

At this stage Interact Pro doesn't support emergency lighting testing.

Does Interact Pro need a permanent internet connection to work?

The system needs an internet connection for initial configuration, energy reporting and remote diagnostics, however, it will function as a regular lighting control system without an internet connection.

Does Interact pro support light fittings made by other manufacturers?

Only Interact Pro light compatible fittings from Signify can be used on the system.

Where can I go to get training?

Interact pro installer training is available via selected electrical wholesale partners.

https://www.interact-lighting.com/en-gb/what-is-possible/interact-pro