Connected Lighting Trends in 2018
The market for connected, or smart lighting is set to become a $4.4 billion-dollar industry by 2025 and is growing by about 24.6 percent every year. This means more work opportunities and potential for increased revenue for electricians and electrical contractors given the right tools and training.
Lighting capabilities have evolved beyond brightening up dark rooms. Smart lighting fixtures can now be used as a means of collecting data from the spaces they light. Connected lighting operates as a network of lighting fixtures with built-in sensors, and is considered to be part of the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT is the connection of internet capable computing devices inside everyday objects, like light bulbs.
The immense growth in the connected lighting market will be driven by the following trends: the growth in smart technology markets, the demand for energy saving features for businesses, the increased preference for voice activated and wireless controls in homes, and the development of smart cities.
Trends in Smart Lighting:
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association reports that Light Emitting Diode lights or (LED) demand grew by 237.2% from 2014 to 2015. With the advent of connected lighting LED sales have dramatically increased. LED lights are prized for their compatibility with smart lighting, lower energy consumption, extended life, and ultimately their cost savings.
Some things Connected Lighting can do:
- Pair with sound VIA Bluetooth to enhance the overall experience in a room
- Measure room occupancy and temperature
- Transmit a WIFI signal for seamless internet browsing
- Indicate which lights need to be repaired and where they are located
- Send the user real-time information about lighting and electrical usage
- Detect and adjust lighting based on daylight in the room
Besides the need for commercial and residential applications for smart lighting smart cities such as Kansas City and Los Angeles have helped create the demand for smart outdoor lighting and other smart cities. Connected lighting enables cities to save energy by as much as 30%. With the rise of smart cities, lighting is viewed as a way to connect with people, promote safety and wellness and be used as a visual cue to draw in visitors, reduce costs, and improve sustainability.
What This Means for Electricians and Electrical Contractors
With the increased desire for connected lighting, come more opportunities for work. Sixty-three percent of renovating homeowners say they would turn to a professional when installing or upgrading to connected lighting. Despite the growth in in-home technology, 60% of electricians say they have performed a higher number of high-tech installations in commercial buildings than in homes.
To make the most out of the work opportunities that are presented, electrical contractors must hone their lighting expertise by studying:
- LED lighting
- Sensors and utility controls
- Smart buildings and electrical grids
- Power backup installations
- IoT and other new technologies
According to Klein Tools co-president Mark Klein, electricians should be concerned about new technologies impacting job security. “High-tech installations in the housing and commercial construction will only continue to increase, and if we cannot fill these positions with skilled workers, businesses and homeowners will see more delayed projects and higher home prices.”
With an increase in the need for high-tech installations experts will need to gain knowledge to stay competitive in an ever-changing industry. This year, over 70% of electrical contractors reported that they know someone planning on undergoing additional industry training in the next year or has taken a training course this past year.