ᐅ Introduction to Lighting Design and Automation

Hello everyone,

I am currently starting to focus on the topic of lighting. Before getting into detailed planning, I would like to gather some information to ensure a good result in the end. It will definitely take some time before I discuss this with the electrician!

In general, I would also appreciate keywords or topics I can look up to learn more. I have already searched here but haven’t found much information yet.

Here are the basic conditions, I’m attaching the plans from another thread (https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/Neubau-efh-ca-174-m-Grundriss-Architekt.32936/#post-358403).

My idea is to automate the lighting in all passage areas as much as possible using motion/presence sensors. The goal is to avoid having to press switches and to prevent lights being left on by accident.

Ground Floor
In the hallway, cloakroom, guest toilet, utility room, and in front of the stairs, I want recessed ceiling spots. I don’t want to overdo the number of lights, as I learned from another thread. We need to plan the lighting and sensor boxes in advance, which would then be installed in the ceiling.
The kitchen will also have spots but controlled in the usual way with two-way (or three-way) switches, divided into two to three control zones.

Staircase Lighting
Here, I can imagine a two-level lighting system. One type would be ambient lighting with downlights equipped with a dusk sensor, mounted lower and using low power, plus stronger lighting activated by movement.
Are there downlights available that can adjust their brightness on the stairs? For example, increase brightness when motion is detected and then dim again afterward?

Upper Floor
Since the hallway has an open roof, spots probably won’t be installed there. More likely a central pendant lamp hanging from the ceiling, where a motion sensor could be interesting, or alternatively, switches that operate on a timer. For a corner near the children’s bathroom, maybe a single outlet with dusk-controlled night light.

Basement
Hallway with recessed spots and motion sensor, one control zone should be enough.
Possibly also spots and motion sensors in the technical room and storage/pantry, but I am still considering that.

Now the questions that are on my mind regarding this:

• Is it realistic to completely do without switches? Or should switches be planned at least in some places, allowing manual control of the entire system or certain zones?
• Based on the plans, is it realistic to separate the cloakroom and entrance area from the passage to the stairs and the stairs themselves with separate controls? Or are the detection areas too close for that?
• Are there recommendations for reliable systems?
• Is it better to go with major manufacturers that also provide the matching socket series?
• Or are downlight systems available from large online stores a viable option?
• Is it better to choose light fixtures and sensors separately or to use an integrated system?
• The motion/presence sensors are the key components that need to work reliably. There are ceiling-mounted options, but I have also seen systems installed in the wall (e.g., below an outlet).
• It would be good if the spots were dimmable in stages to adjust brightness. I have read a little about that here as well.
• I could imagine buying the spots and sensors myself and undertaking the installation.
• Solutions like those from A****n are attractive, but which ones are actually good and durable?

Finally, before the question comes up: There will be no truly "smart" system like KNX. I do not want to increase the budget for that and I don’t feel confident enough for that level of DIY. The only smart feature on my must-have list is centralized or floor-level control of roller shutters.

Looking forward to your feedback! Thanks! mini_g!

mini_g! schrieb:

Kitchen also with spotlights, but arranged traditionally with a two-way switch and two to three switching zones.

The kitchen works the same way, only with presence/motion detectors (PM). At a minimum, you can control the main light or even the task lighting with two PMs.

mini_g! schrieb:

Are there possibly downlights for the stairs that adjust their brightness? For example, increase intensity when movement is detected and then dim again?

Yes, definitely. Almost all downlights have this capability. The appropriate control system handles this. It’s basically like daytime running lights in cars, which also dim automatically when signaling, etc.

mini_g! schrieb:

Is it realistic to completely omit switches? Or should at least some switches be planned in certain locations to manually control either the entire system or certain zones?

Yes, it is realistic. However, if you really don’t want to do without switches entirely and want a fallback for a situation that will probably never occur, switches or push-buttons can be installed somewhere as an option.

mini_g! schrieb:

According to the plans, is it realistic to control the wardrobe and entrance area separately from the hallway to the stairs and the stairs themselves? Or are the detection zones too close for that?

With the right presence/motion detectors, this can be done easily and is also sensible.

mini_g! schrieb:

Is it better to choose spotlights and sensors separately or as part of one system?

It’s better not to rely on just one manufacturer and to also consider alternatives.

mini_g! schrieb:

Especially the motion/presence detectors are really the core component and must work reliably. They are available for ceiling mounting, but I’ve also seen systems installed in the wall (e.g. below an electrical outlet).

Presence/motion detectors come in all shapes and sizes. When selecting them, you should also consider detection range, available settings, noise generation, and other factors.

mini_g! schrieb:

It would be good if the spotlights can at least be dimmed in steps to adjust brightness. I have also read about this here recently.

Again, it depends on the type of control system installed.

Mycraft schrieb:

The kitchen works the same way, only with presence detectors. At minimum, you can control the main light or also the task lighting with two presence detectors.

I see the issue that the kitchen is right next to the dining/living area. That’s why the concern. If my wife wants a cozy atmosphere, the lights have to be turned off...

Mycraft schrieb:

Yes, that’s true. But if you really don’t want to do without it, you can have switches or push buttons installed somewhere for an emergency that will probably never happen.

If the extra switches aren’t needed, that’s good. I don’t need a belt and suspenders.

Which control system and presence detectors would you recommend?

Best regards! mini

Well, once you leave the kitchen, the light turns off, right? Or do you want to relax in the living/dining area while activities are still happening in the kitchen? But in that case, the switch won’t help either. I think the presence detector in the kitchen, in addition to the switch, is not disturbing at all, but rather a benefit in my opinion.

mini_g! schrieb:

Which control system and presence detectors would you recommend?

Since you want to avoid full automation, I would suggest looking into EnOcean, for example.

The problem with presence detectors is that you can’t really recommend a specific brand or model, because each device works well in its own way and suits the task it was designed for. In my house, I have five different types from four manufacturers, all of which perform their tasks perfectly. However, for example, a detector from the bathroom or entrance area wouldn’t deliver satisfactory results at all if used in the kitchen.

Mycraft schrieb:

Or rather, I think that having the passive infrared sensor (PIR) in the kitchen in addition to the switch is by no means annoying, but in my opinion an improvement.

I think I can sell that (WAF)!

Mycraft schrieb:

EnOcean

I will take a look. Thanks! Detailed questions might follow.

Best regards! mini

One of my best friends has been automating homes since his school days, working with residents of all ages and educational backgrounds. We would always design such a system to be philosophy-independent, meaning wired in a star topology rather than saving on wiring runs; and instead of switches, it’s better to use push buttons: switches have fixed positions and can conflict with the centrally controlled state. For an operation that is also comfortable for users who are usually intimidated by technology (compatible with the grandmother-in-law), the controls should be one-dimensional: on/off or more/less, but no more than binary options, and also with clear assignment (so the light button isn’t configured to control the blinds by double-clicking).

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