The development of energy-management and building-control systems is pushing manufacturers to create versatile networks that incorporate features such as occupancy and daylight sensors and, in some cases, can integrate with a building’s HVAC system. While those products are necessary in an age of automation, it’s important for manufacturers to maintain the core of their product line. These streamlined lighting controls provide basic on-off and dimming functions while accommodating a range of lamp types.
250W C•L Dimmers, Lutron
Lutron has added a 250W option to its line of C•L dimmers suited for use in applications that feature striplights, downlights, and linear cove fixtures. The non-neutral, two-wire, forward-phase wallbox dimmer can be used with a range of LED and CFL lamps in residential applications. The 250W model is currently available as part of the company’s Ariadni and Diva families of controls offerings. lutron.com
xCella Wireless, Acuity Controls
Designed for a variety of applications from a single room to an entire building, the xCella Wireless switches and controls use distributed relays to create a system that communicates device-to-device without the need for a central processor or gateway. The system includes battery-free wireless switches, sensors, and load controls that are field-configurable. It can operate on its own or be implemented in a hybrid wireless–wired solution. lightingcontrols.com/xcellawireless
Harmony Tru-Universal Dimmer, Legrand
The Harmony Tru-Universal Dimmer self-calibrates based on the type of lamp that the end-user installs. The dimmer works in preset, single-pole, and three-way applications and requires no derating for one- and two-gang installations. It is rated for a range of loads and lamp types, including halogen, incandescent, CFL, and eternal fluorescent lamps and electronic and magnetic low-voltage dimmers. Ivory, white, and light almond facing colors are available. legrand.us
Vizia RF+ VRMX1 Universal Dimming Switch, Leviton
Leviton has updated its Vizia RF+ family of Z-Wave energy management and lighting controls with the VRMX1 universal dimmer, which offers local and remote dimming for LED, CFL, incandescent, and halogen lamps. It provides two-way feedback, can be used to create scenes, and has 49 fade rates. For single-pole and three-way applications, it uses the Zensys 4.5.4 Z-Wave protocol library. White, light almond, and ivory facings are included. leviton.com
