When do you need a programmable logic controller?
– when there are more than four rooms with more that three zones of lighting.
– when the number of switches per room are more than two.
– when energy consumption is a concern.
– when turning lights on or off automatically is required.
– when an overide switch is needed on security lights.
– when switching outdoor lighting from the basement is not acceptable.
– when a motion sensor and a manual switch is required on the same light.
– when an all on/off control for lights is nice to have.
Chief Manufacturing
– when the fireplace switch is part of the lighting keypad.
– when motorized drapery operates on a timetable.
– when audio volume control knob does not look nice.
– when lighting scene control is a great feature.
– when outdoor heaters require a time off control.
– when hot tub/pool temperature is a concern.
– when landscape lighting is on at sunset and off at sunrise.
– when operating electrical devices from a handheld remote control.
– when control from the Internet via a web site is cool.
– when programming is made simple and easy.
– when turning on/off a fountain from inside the house.
– when on vacation, have the house lighting go on/off to give a lived in look.
– when outdoor lights blink off and on when the security is in alarm.
– when hallway lights go on automatically in the evening.
– when motorized windows need to open/close from lighting keypads.
– when colour touchscreens are needed for whole house control.
– when telephone interface from anywhere in the world.
– when an outside door opens, a light goes on automatically.
– when garage lights go on when the garage door opens and off when it closes.
– when a distributed control system is desired over a central control system.
– when opening a driveway gate manually from inside the home.
– when conventional three way switching drives you crazy.
– when electrical devices go on/off in a sequence.
– when exhaust fans need another switch on the wall.
– when a photocell and manual control is needed on the same device.
– when thermostats add to the clutter of switches on a wall.
– when having to go outside to plug in xmas lights is a chore.
– when preparing for future voice control.
Basically, the answer to the above question is simple. When conventional electrical switching fails to deliver today’s and future control requirements.