Given recent research proving that a comfortable classroom is instrumental to student performance, many companies are striving to keep up with demand for the latest in technology to improve the learning environment. Two such innovators are CREE, Inc. and Lutron Electronics, developers of automated LED technology for classroom lighting solutions. Recognizing that proper lighting has been tied to increased student performance, higher standardized test scores, and reduced fatigue levels, these companies have partnered to design one the most ground-breaking illumination systems in the world. Each brings their own expertise to the table, combining state of the art LED lighting and “smart” technology that sensors room activity and light levels.

• CREE LED Technology

A description of how CREE LED lighting works is central to understanding its advantages in educational institutions. The technology works by forcing electrical current through special energy conducting material. On the other end are light emitting diodes that become illuminated as part of the process. CREE excels at this innovative illumination solution, incorporating high efficiency lighting that’s eco-friendly and mercury free. LED technology comes with a low maintenance cost and, as such, is quickly replacing the wasteful incandescent bulbs and fluorescent bulbs of the past. 

• Lutron Solutions for System Control

With an appreciation of how CREE LED lighting works to lower energy consumption and costs, you can see the benefits of programming its operations. Lutron has developed technology that enables users to gain control over their lighting, automating certain aspects of the solution while allowing for manual functions as necessary. The system incorporates sensors that measure occupancy in a classroom or read the illumination levels of natural light filtering in through the windows. These modules communicate with a ceiling mounted control box that dims or turns off the LED lighting in a room, thereby prolonging the life of the LED devices. Additional control boxes can be implemented that give users manual control to override the automatic operations.

• Partners in Luminary Innovation

CREE and Lutron recently partnered to coordinate efforts to introduce proper lighting in schools, resulting in improved student performance, teacher job satisfaction, and reduced energy costs. Lutron’s innovative “smart” technology is embedded into CREE’s pioneering LEDs to create the most advanced lighting solution available. Students and staff are exposed to higher quality illumination, decreased eye strain, headaches and fatigue. Studies have also shown how CREE LED lighting works to increase productivity and elevate alertness levels, especially in mid-morning and mid-afternoon when the human body's circadian rhythms cause grogginess. 

At the same time, the product of the CREE - Lutron partnership has resulted in lowered energy costs for educational institutions where the technology has been implemented. Not only are electric bills lower, but the cost of broken bulbs and other maintenance expenses are reduced.

By combining the CREE's energy efficiency and high quality illumination LEDs with the innovative automation technology developed by Lutron, the companies have come together to create a superbly advanced lighting system. The benefits of installing these solutions in the classroom are an improved educational experience that's conducive to learning.

With recent studies proving the advantages of high efficiency lighting in classrooms, school administrators can benefit from a thorough description of the various components of these systems. Proper lighting is tied to student performance by various studies that measure standardized test scores both before and after LED installation. Here are some Lutron products that are helping schools by increasing student productivity, making teachers’ jobs easier, and decreasing energy costs.

1. PowPak Dimming Module with EcoSystem

This device, mounted in classroom ceilings, automates the dimming controls of an LED lighting system. It reads the information communicated by various wireless sensors and responds by lowering the illumination at certain times of the day. Factors that cause it to take action are based upon room occupation, or other designated factors. The module can be integrated with your HVAC system to provide seamless environmental controls and a reduction in energy costs. 

2. Pico Wireless Controls

There are Lutron products that are helping schools automate their lighting systems, but manual operation may be necessary at times. Pico wireless controls can be conveniently located on the desks of teachers or administrators, or they can be mounted to the wall nearby. They're easy to use and modular, so they can be an add-on component as school administrators deem necessary. These devices give staff the freedom to adjust lighting levels based on classroom activity or other factors.

3. EcoSystem H-Series Digital Ballast

These strips are the focal point of Lutron lighting solutions, providing superior dimming capabilities to fine tune illumination in the classroom. They’re easy to install and maintain, resulting in lower costs for broken bulbs and replacement costs. The ceiling mounted EcoSystem H-Series apparatus is compact and light, so it’s non-intrusive in the classroom. It also enables schools to decrease energy costs by up to 60%.

4. Radio Powr Savr Daylight and Vacancy Sensors

The Daylight Sensor reads light levels in a space based upon the natural rays entering through windows and doors. It communicates with the PowPak Dimming Module to increase or decrease light in the classroom automatically when it's needed. Similarly, the Vacancy Sensor reports to the Dimming Module as it reads occupancy in the area. Both sensors lower costs by reducing or turning off lights when they're not necessary in the room. The sensors can be overridden if users prefer the manual Pico Wireless Controls.

5. PowPak Contact Closure Output Module

While there are Lutron products that are helping schools lower costs by controlling light levels, they can also benefit from automating their HVAC systems. The PowPak Contact Closure Output Module integrates with your heating and air conditioning components to regulate temperature at optimal levels. Third party systems can be adjusted to respond to the wireless commands as directed by the Lutron modules, thereby automating HVAC functions.

All the components work together to streamline lighting, heating and air conditioning in classrooms. By combining manual and automatic operation, this Lutron system is a cost effective way to regulate the teaching environment and reduce energy costs.

You could be a Winner!

Western Energy Control's Sweepstakes

Last week to enter for this Quarter's Prize!

This is your last chance this quarter to enter the Western Energy Control Solutions Product Knowledge Sweepstakes ! There is nothing to buy and the sweepstakes is open to all clients and prospects in the Southern California region. All you need to do is enter on our website, answer a few easy questions on a Lutron Product and you will qualify for our quarterly prize.

Remember--->This quarter Enter to Win Triathlon Roller Shades worth $2500! Bonus Entry! Get two entries to win by "Liking" our Facebook Page! Click Here to see our Facebook Page

Pictured Above - Our Los Angeles sales representative Kristian St. Martin with Sweepstakes Winner Zack Bagdas of Fox Wholesale Electric

Pictured at Left - Our Orange County sales representative Chris Medina with Survey Winner Doug Luden of Trim Wholesale.  

Pictured Above - Western Energy Control Solutions San Diego sales representative Mike Balay was on hand to award the $6000+ prize package to Carlos Melendez of Melendez Electric Inc. 

When Western Energy Control Solutions took the opportunity to represent two of the top manufacturers in the lighting industry in southern California, we knew we were doing something a little different.

Offering Cree™ and Lutron™ product lines gives our clients the best possible opportunity to achieve aggressive goals for energy efficiency while using the top of the line products in terms of innovation and performance. That made sense to us. Instead of trying to be everything to everybody, our philosophy is to carry the top lines in selected product categories. Our business model seeks to create a family of products that don’t complete with each other but complement each other. We choose the top lines, become experts on our chosen brands and in doing so, we are better able to serve our customers in a way that achieved maximum growth and success.

How is that different? Most lighting companies represent hundreds of different lighting lines (and often there’s a lot of overlap in what those lines offer). Frankly, it’s impossible to be an expert on that many different lines of solutions and advise clients about which solution is best for them. At best, a company that offers hundreds of lines may know a little bit about a lot of things.

We thought a different approach was better. That’s one reason our plan is to never carry more than 10 product lines. Not only do we end up offering better quality products this way, but also by focusing on fewer (and better) products, we know this stuff inside out. That means when you come to us for advice about lighting or energy solutions, we know what will work for your specific situation. And if there’s ever a problem, we know how to take care of it. And we also know that the lines we choose are going to be around for years to come.

Is different really better? Our clients seem to think so. We’ve experienced tremendous growth. Even in a tough economy our focus on offering the best products and the most knowledgeable, expert services has enabled us to grow more than 30 percent in most of our markets. But what’s most important is that it enables our clients to know that they can count on getting the very best solutions for their business.  

We think different is better when that difference is focused on quality products and outstanding expert advice and service. If that’s a difference you’d like to see in the lighting and energy solutions you choose for your business, shoot me a note. I’d love to help you come up with a solution that will meet your needs—and exceed your expectations!

If you’re involved in creating light and energy solutions for a commercial client, you know how hard it is to get all the different parts to “talk” to each other. Integration is essential if you want everything to work right. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy—until now.

You may already know that Lutron has a lighting control solution for every need, whether it’s a single dimmer or a whole building system. But they also have integration options for practically every application. Whether it’s a touch screen and A/V equipment in a conference room, patient controls in a hospital, or even building management systems, Lutron provides reliable options for many integration needs.

And what makes it really great is that Lutron works with many 3rd party manufacturers to ensure that their systems integrate reliably with other products. Lutron provides documentation, product, and technical support to many manufacturers to ensure that our systems work with a wide variety of 3rd party systems.

That’s a huge benefit! If you’ve worked on significant commercial projects before, you know that the people who design them don’t always think about how all the different components will work together. Lutron makes it much easier to have all the parts “play nicely” with one another.

If you’d like more information about how Lutron makes integration easier, shoot us a note. Matt Sedlock (matt@westernecs.com) or Jen Moore (jen@westernecs.com) will be happy to help you out!

The following guest blog was written by a Western Energy Control Solution Partner Josh Christian of DSI Entertainment in Southern California after installing the RadioRA2 system into his own home.

This is Part 2 of an article highlighting why I love my new Lutron RadioRA 2 system. If you haven't read the first article, click on the following link to learn it's Ease of Installation, the added Convenience, and it's Aesthetic Benefits: Why I Love My Lutron RadioRA 2 System. This post will highlight two other benefits, the Safety and Energy Savings the RadioRA 2 system is providing.

The motion sensors I mentioned in Part 1 automatically turn on our 'Pathway' lighting scene at night, and another motion sensor turns on one of the Master Bathroom lights On to only 7% brightness, just perfect for middle of the night "pit stops". After 5 minutes of inactivity, the motion sensor turn off the lights automatically. No bumping into things in the middle of the night.

An 'Away' button makes our house look occupied while we are out of town. For the 'Away' scene, I selected several lighting circuits throughout the home and have them turn On and Off within certain timeframes; and the trick to make the house really look occupied is that the RadioRA 2 system randomizes the On/Off times by up to 30 minutes. This is MUCH more effective than using basic wall timers that we used before.

If we hear a strange sound at night, one of the keypad buttons in our bedroom turns our exterior lights On, and turns Off any interior lights. If there is anyone outside, we can see the perp, but not vice-versa.

Next, I'm going to integrate it with our security system. When we do so, when the alarm is triggered, we can have certain lights turn on automatically, and even flash all of the exterior lights On and Off repeatedly to call attention to the house.

The RadioRA system is built around dimmers, and by default I have most of my lights turn On to 90% brightness instead of 100%. The difference in brightness is hardly noticeable, but my light bulbs will last nearly twice as long and I'm saving energy at the same time. Most of my lighting 'scenes' have lights come On to even dimmer lighting levels, some at only 50% brightness, which not only adds to the mood ambiance, but saves energy.

The wireless thermostat offers all of the energy-savings of any modern digital thermostat (separate temp set points for Morning, Day, Evening, Night), plus the 'Away' button I use for when we're on vacation sets the HVAC system in standby mode...only coming on to heat or cool in extreme temperatures (Woodland Hills, California can get HOT!). Since the system is connected to our phones with the iOS and Android apps, we can turn on the HVAC before we get home from vacation.

The last post mentioned I installed motorized shades in the bedrooms. They have a rated 'R Value' for their insulation properties. The sheer shade has an R value of .7, the but the room-darkening 'blackout' shade has an R value of 4.3. This helps keep the bedrooms from getting overly warm when we're not using them. Every little bit of energy savings helps, and HVAC energy costs are amongst the highest in the typical home.

Can you tell I like the RadioRA system yet?? I love it! It has made our home more convenient, safer, energy-efficient, and elegant at the same time. It is easy to retrofit in any existing home. If you live in Southern California and would like to have a RadioRA system designed for you, give us a call at 866-692-8489. We have offices in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Newport Beach.

For new construction and larger homes, you'll be better served by Lutron's HomeWorks system. View our upcoming training classes on Lutron products to help you better understand the ins and outs of each system. Our classes are 100% FREE, register today!

The following guest blog was written by a Western Energy Control Solution Partner Josh Christian of DSI Entertainment in Southern California after installing the RadioRA2 system into his own home.

A few months ago I installed Lutron's RadioRA 2 wireless lighting system in my own home, along with their wireless thermostat and Sivoia QS Wireless shades. This was a retrofit installation, and I'm happy to report that installation was easy and the end result is fantastic. If you experience the convenience, aesthetic, and safety benefits for yourself, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

In this blog post, I’ll explain how the RadioRA 2 system is Easy, Convenient, and added a new Aesthetic I wasn’t expecting. Part 2 of this post will highlight the Safety and Energy Savings benefits.

If you are contemplating a lighting control system, I hope these posts help you with my real-world experience. And, my home is very modest in size; you don’t need a 5,000 square foot home or larger to experience the benefits. My home is under 2K sf, and this is what I experienced:

Easy -  The justifiably famous RadioRA 2 lighting system was easy to retrofit. For the most part, you simply replace existing switches and dimmers with RadioRA 2 pieces. They make a few different models, including ones that can dim the ever more popular LED light bulbs.

Using Lutron's "hybrid keypad", which is a combination dimmer AND keypad, I have all of the convenience of a keypad WITHOUT having to cut open the walls. The RadioRA 2 system is wireless, so your walls don't need to be cut open to run wires between all of the various keypads, dimmers, switches, appliance modules, thermostats, and motorized shades. 

Lutron's Sivoia QS Wireless battery-powered shades and wireless thermostat were big announcements in 2011. These shades offer the same quiet motors as Lutron's hard-wired shades, and there is a large selection of standard and luxury shading fabrics to choose from. Notably, they are easy to install...again, no cutting walls open. For the Master Bedroom, I installed a sheer fabric shade for soft-filtered light during the day. Behind the sheer shades are motorized blackout shades. With operation twice a day, the D-Cell batteries can last up to 3 years.  When the Batteries do wear-out, They can be changed in no more than 15 seconds, without taking the shade down from the window.  The shade headrail simply pops forward, and you drop in the new D-Cell Batteries 

Convenience - My keypads have a mixture of both 'scene' and individual zone programming, depending on the location. For example, the 'Pathway' scene lights a table lamp, a track light, and my stairwell chandelier to 30% brightness to give a safe pathway between downstairs and upstairs.

Using Lutron's battery-powered motion sensors and the astronomic time clock built into the RadioRA 2's brain, I have the pathway scene triggered ‘on’ automatically after 9:30 PM if you enter the sensor's path, and it turns off at sunrise. The Lutron sensor meets California's strict Title 24 Energy Code.

Having 'Downstairs Off' and 'All Off' lighting scenes is convenient...one button can shut all of the lights off.

Every keypad has an up/down dimmer button, so as long as you're not using standard fluorescent lights, you can dim or brighten each scene or lighting load easily.

You'll notice a 'Tea Kettle' button on the wireless keypad picture...my wife is an avid tea drinker (she's English afterall), and now she can turn the tea kettle on from the bedroom thanks to the RadioRA 'appliance module' (which is basically a remote-controlled AC outlet). By the time she makes it downstairs, the water has boiled. Definitely convenient!

Another convenience feature of the RadioRA 2 system is the ability to use wireless keypads (see picture). These give you a lot of control in a small and portable form factor, and are convenient to have at your night stand and on coffee tables.

A huge convenience is the Lutron Home Control+ app, available for iOS and Android devices. With it, I can control my home from my iPad, iPod Touch, and Android phone both inside and outside the home (remote control from anywhere with a data connection).  From this App you can control the lights, shades, and temperature.  You can also make your level edits and save the changes from this App.

Aesthetic Benefit - Preprogrammed lighting scenes, such as 'Relax', light the downstairs in a very moody ambiance that makes our Living Room have a whole different “feel”.

The thermostat model I chose allowed me to eliminate the previous thermostat from the wall entirely. The wired HVAC controller resides with my HVAC equipment, and the flush-mount seeTemp Wall Control fits inside a standard single gang electrical box. The seeTemp control matches the Decora-style dimmers, switches, and keypads of the rest of the RadioRA 2 pieces.

Safety - The aforementioned motion sensors automatically turn on our 'Pathway' scene at night, and another motion sensor turns on one of the Master Bathroom lights ‘on’ to only 7% brightness, just perfect for middle of the night "pit stops". After 5 minutes of inactivity, the motion sensors turn off the lights automatically. No bumping into things in the middle of the night.

An 'Away' button makes our house look occupied while we are away. For the ‘Away’ scene, I chose several lighting circuits throughout the home and have them turn on and off within certain timeframes, and the trick to make the house really look occupied is that the RadioRA 2 system randomizes the on/off times by up to 30 minutes. This is MUCH more effective than using basic wall timers that we used before.

If we hear a strange sound at night, one of the keypad buttons in our bedroom turns our exterior lights on, and turns off any interior lights. If there is anyone outside, we can see the perp, but not vice-versa.

Next, I'm going to integrate it with our security system. When we do so, when the alarm is triggered, we can have certain lights turn on automatically, and even flash all of the exterior lights on and off rapidly to call attention to the house.

Energy Savings –The RadioRA system is built around dimmers, and by default I have most of my lights turn on to 90% brightness instead of 100%. The difference in brightness is hardly noticeable, but my light bulbs will last nearly twice as long and I'm saving energy at the same time. Most of my lighting 'scenes' have lights come on to even dimmer levels, some at only 50% brightness, which not only adds to the moody ambiance, but saves energy.

The wireless thermostat offers all of the energy-savings of any modern digital thermostat (separate temp set points for Morning, Day, Evening, Night), plus the 'Away' button I use for when we're on vacation sets the HVAC system in standby mode...only coming on to heat or cool in extreme temperatures (Woodland Hills, California can get HOT!). Since the system is connected to our phones with the iOS and Android apps, we can turn on the HVAC before we get home from vacation.

Back to the shades…they have an R value for their insulation properties. The sheer shade has an R value of .7, the but the room-darkening ‘blackout’ shade has an R value of 4.3. This helps keep the bedrooms from getting overly warm when we’re not using them. Every little bit of energy savings helps, and HVAC 

The end result: Can you tell I like the RadioRA system yet?? I love it! It has made our home more convenient and elegant at the same time. It is easy to retrofit in any existing home. If you live in Southern California and would like to have a RadioRA system designed for you, give us a call at 866-692-8489. We have offices in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Newport Beach.

Thanks,

Josh Christian

m. 818-391-3061

josh@dsientertainment.com 

www.dsientertainment.com
Los Angeles | Newport Beach | Santa Barbara

653 N. Robertson Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90069