After reviewing the original article, I wanted to take this opportunity to clarify a few specific details which may have been confused in translation. Although I was pleased to see that inaccuracies were noted by the respondent, it’s most unfortunate that system efficiencies and integrated technologies were disregarded as unnecessary options with “zero” return on investment. As an electrical and low-voltage systems integrator, I feel an obligation to provide accurate technical information to our clients and potential installers who may consult us for project design and implementation.

My primary concern is to briefly address the actual wiring methods utilized during the rough installation of a Lutron Homeworks System. First, I will clearly define the precise wiring topographies in question. Secondly, I will provide additional data to support my interpretation of system efficiencies available through endless volumes of technical research established from senior lighting engineers.

The original article referenced incorrect data regarding system voltages and actual conductors employed between the low-voltage devices, the line-voltage fixtures, and the remote dimming modules. Clearly stated, Lutron’s Homeworks system offers the unique benefit of software-controlled low-voltage keypads and traditional line voltage wiring between RPM’s ( Remote Power Modules) and various light sources throughout a residence. For the keypad wiring, we install a 4-conductor wire assembly manufactured by Lutron. To correct the respondent, these Homeworks keypads operate at 15VDC powered either directly from a processor link or, if necessary, connected to an additional power supply. From an efficiency standpoint, it is allowable to connect up to 32 keypads on one link. These devices can be connected in a daisy chain, star or t-tap topography. The clear benefit during the initial installation is the ability to avoid the endless switches commonly cluttering walls. An efficient technician can install entire floors of wiring in a matter of hours. The labor required during the connection of standard switches, 3-ways, and limited functionality, is clearly offset by installing local dimming panels with unlimited flexibility in programming options.

Can you achieve energy efficiency with a Lutron Homeworks lighting system? Absolutely!!! Lutron product engineers have continued to enhance dimming technologies and product offerings. As we are becoming familiar with new installations utilizing incandescent, fluorescent, LED, line-voltage, low-voltage halogen, etc, it has become necessary for us to spend additional processing times with endless light sources and the required dimmers to achieve correct operation. Lutron has offered the Adaptive Dimming Module which automatically senses the load type. Regardless of light sources, we no longer have to concern our field technicians with endless dimmer compatibility issues. Additional energy savings come from the use of occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, time clocks and microprocessor-controlled dimming ballasts. These commonly drop electricity loads by a third or more over traditional switching systems by providing smooth , unobtrusive dimming.

For even greater savings, we engage the microprocessor program benefits to control the user’s functionality. For example, we commonly set the limitations of output zones to a maximum of 75-90%. This automatically doubles and triples the lifespan of light bulbs and gives immediate energy savings respectively. These are real savings. Most Homeworks end users often wonder how they lived without the exciting benefits of their new system.

In conclusion, it is with genuine concern for our industry that we work together to educate our clientele with precise product offerings and functionality. As the need for Green Systems and energy savings becomes more expansive, it is our responsibility to provide up-to-date user-information so end-users can make intelligent decisions based on their individual needs.

[Note: this comment was written by written by Timothy Smith, Director of Field Operations at Metro Eighteen Inc. Tim is a 20-year Certified Electrical Journeyman and a licensed #C-10 Electrical Contractor - a qualification that enables him, and by CSLB qualification, Metro Eighteen Inc, to perform residential and commercial electrical work legally.]

1. There is no such thing as electrical bleed off in an electrical system whether its line voltage (120VAC) or low voltage (12/24 AC/DC) If you did happen to have something remotely close to electrical bleed off, it would be considered seriously dangerous situation.

A. either a loose connection- an impending short
B. a direct short to ground

Both conditions require immediate attention.

2. When switching a local dimmer or a remote dimming module, there is nothing in the path of the electrical current to the light source, A switch leg by design is a dedicated path way so nothing but the light source being controlled is on that circuit. The efficiency concept is based on labor and material during the installation, but in terms of energy efficiency by using remote dimming modules you get: zero, zilch, nada! Think of it this way, if you spend a dollar here or you spend it away, you still spend the dollar.

3. A knowledgeable electrician would never use network grade low voltage wiring to control a light source; in fact it’s strictly prohibited code.

4. In the original article, the wiring topographies are confused. In a system like Lutrons’s Homeworks 8, there are two wiring systems. The low voltage network: which is the logic and communication part of the control system. This network allows keypads and peripheral devices to communicate with the lighting processor, and allows the processor to communicate with the dimming modules.

Then there is the line voltage (120VAC) system, this is what powers up everything in the home including the lighting processor, dimming modules, switching relay modules as well as the light sources. These two systems never physically meet, In fact by code they can’t even be in the same box. unless they’re separated by a partition or the low voltage wiring has a specific heat rating.

You don’t use one over the other, they’re used in conjunction to create the system.

4. The premise that you can send 12VDC over a low voltage network wire from a 120VAC dimming module over 150 to control a low voltage light fixture is incorrect on two counts.

A. A typical light source (incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, LED) cannot be directly controlled by 12DC circuit, because they’re entirely two different systems.

B. The 12VDC circuit only communicates between the lighting processor and the dimming modules which are usually only a few feet away. Once a dimming module gets a command from the processor it sends 120V power to the light source, however far it is in the house.

If by chance, and that’s a big IF, because there would have to be such a huge failure in the project administration process by: project manager, job foremen, lighting designer, and city inspector…but if you did manage to install network grade wiring to a 120V dimming module and tried to switch a low voltage light source 150′ away you wouldn’t have an 20-30% more energy efficient switch leg, you’d have a crisis.

The fact is, as you lower voltage you increase resistance (Ohm’s law) so for example, you actually don’t want to run small size wire over a long distance to feed a low voltage light fixture because you’ll generate serious heat and voltage drop.

There is a HUGE misconception by many in the low voltage industry that by using a modular based lighting control system you’ll automatically save on the electrical wiring, that’s not automatically true, you still have to feed 120V wiring to your ALL light fixtures, that has not changed and is not going to change for the foreseeable future. The distances will vary,some runs will be shorter but some may be much longer. The savings will depend on how skilled and knowledgeable your installers are.