Complete Smart Lighting Control System from Caséta by Lutron

Caséta provides a comprehensive smart lighting control system with a variety of smart dimmers, switches, and plugs designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It integrates seamlessly with a smart hub, enabling enhanced control over lights, thermostats, window shades, Sonos, and more. Whether you prefer a minimalistic setup or a fully integrated smart home, Caséta’s flexibility allows you to customize your smart home experience according to your needs and preferences.

Caséta Smart Home Control Features:

1. Scheduling: Caséta goes beyond basic timers by adjusting automatically with sunset changes throughout the seasons, ensuring your home is lit when needed after dark.
2. Personalized Scenes: Create unique lighting atmospheres for various occasions such as movie nights, dinners, or game sessions by setting different dimmer brightness levels.
3. Smart Away: Enhance home security by remotely controlling lights while you’re away. Use this feature for evening outings or extended trips to mimic occupancy.
4. Multiple Controls: Manage Caséta effortlessly from anywhere using dimmers, Pico® remotes, the mobile app, or voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
5. Geofencing: Receive notifications if lights are left on when you leave and have them automatically turn on when you return, all based on your location.
6. Voice-Activated Convenience: Simplify life with hands-free control. Caséta integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, allowing you to adjust lighting with voice commands like “Alexa, dim the lights.”

Compatible with Caséta – Pico Motion Sensors and Dimmers

Lutron Caséta motion sensors are wireless, battery-powered devices using passive infrared (PIR) technology to control lighting automatically. They detect heat from people moving within an area to determine occupancy and use RF communication to transmit commands to compatible dimmers or switches, turning lights on or off as needed. This enhances convenience and ensures energy savings by only using lights when necessary. Easy to install, these sensors are a valuable addition to any smart home lighting system.

The Pico paddle remote is a versatile and user-friendly device that allows control of Lutron wireless load-control devices from anywhere in the room. This battery-operated remote requires no external power or communication wiring, ensuring easy and flexible use.

60W USB Type A And Type-C In-Wall Charger

The Leviton Fast Charge Type-C Outlets stand out due to their convenience; eliminating the need for multiple cables or charging blocks. These outlets are versatile, seamlessly integrating into various environments like home offices, businesses, and public spaces. They facilitate easy device charging while enhancing the efficiency of any tech setup. Additionally, the Leviton Fast Charge Type-C Outlets deliver increased power to compatible devices, enabling faster charging. In practical terms, using a Type-C fast charge plug can often recharge a phone from 0% to around 50% or more within 30 minutes. While larger battery capacities may take longer, fast charging still significantly reduces charging time compared to regular chargers.

HDMI® and DVI-I Connectors & Insert

In a home office, HDMI and DVI-I connectors streamline multimedia connectivity, supporting high-definition audio and video transmission. Compatible with monitors, projectors, and TVs, they enable seamless integration for presentations, video conferencing, and entertainment. With HDMI Feedthrough QUICKPORT Connectors, installation into various wallplates ensures a tailored setup in white, ivory, light almond, or black, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. Their durable ABS plastic construction guarantees reliable performance, minimizing interruptions and enhancing productivity during critical tasks.

The eXtreme Cat 6 jack 

The eXtreme Cat 6+ RJ-45 data connector is independently tested and verified to 650 MHz, making it the ultimate solution for gigabit connectivity. With an innovative design, easy installation, and component-rated performance, the Leviton Cat 6+ RJ-45 connector ensures reliability and longevity for your network.

• Durable Construction: The connector body is made from high-impact, fire-retardant plastic rated UL 94V-2.
• Performance Compliance: Meets TIA/EIA channel performance limits, allowing a total length of patching and equipment cords up to 32 feet (10 meters) as per TIA/EIA-568-B.
• Color Options: Available in various colors for easy color-coding and organization.
• QuickPort Compatibility: All connectors feature standard QuickPort compatibility and universal color-coded wiring labels.
• Standards Compliance: eXtreme 6+ system components meet or exceed the requirements for TIA/EIA Category 6, and are cULus Listed, NOM, and ACA compliant.

Leviton Giveaway for Individuals in the Electrical Industry

We’re excited to announce a special giveaway for professionals in the electrical industry! We’re giving away two 150 EXTREME Cat 6 QUICKPORT Jacks, Bulk QUICKPACK (Ivory), complete with JackRapid Tools. Don’t miss your chance to win these top-quality tools! Please enter by August 1st, 2024.

About Leviton

Leviton is the smart choice, delivering the most comprehensive range of solutions to meet the needs of today’s residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 90 countries around the globe. Through investment in research and development, manufacturing, distribution, human capital and training, Leviton’s century of heritage provides a strong foundation and proves a commitment to continuous improvement, high standards and innovation to the industry. More info: https://leviton.com/

The post EB Horsman’s Guide To Optimizing Data Automation In Your Home Office & Datacom Giveaway! appeared first on E.B. Horsman & Son.

Smart home automation isn’t just a wave of the future. It’s here, and it’s only expected to grow. Some experts are predicting the market will expand to $133 billion US by 2027!

You’ve probably heard of smart lighting, but how familiar are you with the range of other smart home products? Beyond lighting, smart home automation can touch almost every corner of a space. 

Read on for a comprehensive guide to some of the top recommended home automation products—for single-family homes, multi-family units, and even commercial spaces. 

Smart Home Automation Ideas to Consider This Year

Smart Power Outlets

Smart outlets allow users to remotely control power flow, schedule operations, and monitor energy consumption via a smartphone or tablet. 

You can effortlessly turn off unused appliances, schedule plug-in lamps to mimic occupancy patterns for enhanced security, or remotely power down electronics to save energy—all at the touch of a screen. 

For a variety of uses, we love Leviton’s line of smart outlets, like this one; the industry’s first smart GFCI outlet. They allow you to configure notifications via the My Leviton app—for instance, to alert a smartphone if the GFCI trips due to a ground fault—making it ideal for remote monitoring. ‘We also recommend Leviton fast-charge, type-C outlets. These offer 60W and 30W options for fast charging while eliminating the need for a charger block.

Occupancy Sensors

Occupancy sensors cue lights to turn on automatically when someone enters a room or when motion is detected—making them excellent for convenience and security.

Leviton’s wall-mounted smart dimmers, for example, can be used in closets, pantries, bathrooms, and garages, eliminating fumbling for switches in dark areas, reducing the risk of accidents, and improving overall accessibility and security. 

Working with a commercial space? They also come in handy for storage closets, supply rooms, restrooms, hallways, and corridors.

Smart Cameras

From high-definition security cams that keep a vigilant eye on your property to AI-powered cameras that recognize faces, these innovative devices are reshaping the way we keep our homes and businesses safe.

The Dahua N484E62C 4MP Basic Night Color (VU-More Color) security system also provides a complete video security solution with features such as smart IR technology that adjusts the camera’s infrared LED intensity to avoid overexposure, plus smart dual illumination, smart motion detection, and intelligent search.

Preparing for a temporary absence from a vacation property? Here are some more recommended products to ensure safety and security while it’s vacant.

Smart Ceiling Fans

Keeping comfortable is a breeze with automated ceiling fans. The traditional fixtures have evolved into smart fans, such as this Leviton fan with speed control and LED indicator. 

Most come equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, intuitive controls, and climate sensors to keep occupants comfortable.

Smart Home Lighting

The original smart home product! Putting light controls at your fingertips allows you to customize lighting levels, save energy, and improve security at your home or business through automation. 

You can choose colour-changing LEDs, motion-sensing bulbs, smart dimmers, and even smart shades and blinds—or incorporate other smart lighting hacks.

Lutron’s Maestro dimmers and switches offer the best of all worlds, with full app control and also rocker dimmers for adjusting lights manually.

Not sure which lighting control system you need for your building? Take a look at our “basic, good, better, and best” overview of Lutron smart home dimmer systems.

Other Recommendations for Smart Home Products

We’re just scratching the surface here—new smart home products and systems come onto the market every day. The world of automation is growing, from smart thermostats to smart appliances, AI-powered voice assistants and more. 

Take a look at our recent Leviton spotlight, for instance, to learn more about the full range of smart-home and automation products the company offers, from dimmers to EV chargers. 

Tips for Automating Single-Family Residences

Automating your—or your customer’s—primary home or vacation retreat enhances convenience, security, and energy efficiency in remarkable ways. 

Imagine arriving at a cozy cabin in the mountains after a long drive, greeted by a warm and well-lit interior thanks to remotely activated smart thermostats and lighting systems. You can also install smart locks for hassle-free entry management and peace of mind. We suggest getting started by creating a smart hub to centralize device control.

Tips for Automating Multi-Family and Commercial Spaces

Start by thoroughly assessing the space to identify areas that will benefit most from automation, such as lighting, HVAC systems, and access control. Opt for scalable automation solutions that accommodate the unique needs of your facility—whether it’s an apartment building, office space, or other complex—to allow for easy expansion and customization.

Cloud-based management platforms can help centrally monitor and control all connected devices, while occupancy sensors and smart thermostats optimize energy usage, reduce costs, and enhance comfort. Prioritize security with surveillance cameras, access control systems, alarm sensors, and more. 

Let’s Find the Smart Home Products You Need

Whether you’re retrofitting a residential space or working on a new commercial building, automation can help modernize your space and set it up for future success. Our team of lighting experts can help you find everything you need for your next home automation project.

Latest Articles

Transforming Lighting at Canadian College Surrey Campus with Mac’s II Agencies

From enhanced energy efficiency to modern design, see how this project is setting a new standard in campus lighting.

Learn More

Liteline Recessed Downlights & Colour Selection

LED lighting options come in a spectrum of hues known as colour temperatures. This correlates to how warm (yellowish) or cool (bluish) the light appears.

Learn More

Smart Retrofits for Multi-Family Buildings: What You Should Know – Albrite Lighting

Smart lighting retrofits for multi-family buildings might seem daunting, but the investment can be all worthwhile.

Learn More

The post Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Smart Home Automation Products – Albrite Lighting appeared first on E.B. Horsman & Son.

…If you’re a student, that is.

But if you’re a school facilities manager, your work might just be ramping up—especially when it comes to electrical projects. That’s because spring offers a unique window of opportunity to get any nagging projects done—while the weather is sunny, but not too hot. 

Here’s a list of five electrical spring-time projects you can complete.

Project #1: Lighting Audits

Before doing any updates at your school, conduct a lighting audit to see what needs to be done and to set priorities straight. You can even complete your audit before spring to ensure you’re prepared when spring rolls around.

Here are some tips on where to begin:

• Check lighting inventory. Start by putting together a detailed list of all lighting fixtures, noting their types and locations.
• Evaluate existing technology. Assess the school’s lighting technology, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability.
• Collaborate with maintenance staff. Coordinate with maintenance staff to address immediate concerns and ensure safety compliance.
• Measure lighting levels. Check lighting levels in different areas of the school to identify spaces that could use more or less light.
• Inspect control systems. Ensure lighting controls, including sensors and timers, are working properly.
• Draft your recommendations. Put together a detailed report outlining your recommendations to improve lighting and reduce energy consumption.
• Make a plan. Develop an action plan for during and after spring break. 

All this being said, conducting a lighting audit requires meticulous planning. Get in touch if you need support—we can help every step of the way! 

Project #2: Lighting Retrofits

Spring is short, so you’ll need to identify priorities for any lighting retrofits. 

Upgrading existing lighting systems to more energy-efficient alternatives such as LED lights can cut operational costs, reduce energy usage, and support the environment. Enhancing your school’s lighting also creates a better learning environment for students—which makes your job more rewarding!

Here are some lighting retrofit ideas:

• Upgrade to LEDs. Spring break is a great opportunity to make the switch to cost-saving LEDs, which will soon become mandatory in Canada. 
• Set occupancy sensors. Install occupancy sensors, such as these ones from Lutron. This will optimize energy usage in classrooms and other spaces when students and staff are away.
• Harvest daylight. Use daylight harvesting systems if this is an option for your school. You can adjust artificial lighting levels based on the availability of natural daylight to be more energy efficient.
• Add smart lighting controls. Centralize lighting management and scheduling to optimize energy usage during school hours with timers and dimmers.
• Assess lighting design. Identify areas with over- or under-lit spaces, and explore lighting design solutions to ensure an efficient distribution of light throughout each building.
• Upgrade emergency lighting. Enhance emergency lighting systems—including exit sign upgrades—with modern, energy-efficient options. This ensures you’re meeting safety compliance and reduces long-term maintenance costs.
• Use energy-efficient bulbs. Replace outdated bulbs with energy-efficient alternatives, such as LEDs, across the facility to improve overall efficiency.
• Explore energy rebate programs. Get to know energy rebate programs in your area that offset the costs of lighting retrofits along with other ways to cut back on energy costs.

Project #3: HVAC Upgrades

Upgrading and maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can improve both energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Following COVID-19 and amidst pesky flu season, maintaining high-quality ventilation is even more crucial to keeping people healthy. 

Here are some HVAC projects you can take on during spring:

• Inspect the HVAC systems. Assess the school’s existing HVAC systems to identify any inefficiencies or maintenance needs.
• Replace air filters. One of the best ways to ensure top system performance and improve indoor air quality by reducing dust and allergens is to regularly replace air filters.
• Upgrade thermostats. Switching to programmable or smart thermostats allows you to control temperature settings while saving energy and money.
• Inspect and seal ductwork. Repair any leaks or gaps in ductwork to prevent energy wastage and maintain consistent airflow.
• Upgrade HVAC units. Replace outdated HVAC units with more energy-efficient models to reduce energy consumption and operational costs.
• Monitor indoor air quality. Take this opportunity to set up indoor air quality monitoring systems to address ventilation concerns on an ongoing basis and ensure a healthy school environment.
• Upgrade ventilation systems. Your school’s ventilation systems should meet or exceed recommended standards to promote proper air exchange and reduce the risk of indoor pollutants.
• Consider adding energy recovery ventilators. These systems capture and reuse heat or cool air, improving overall energy efficiency.

Project #4: Electrical Safety Inspections

Inspecting electrical safety in schools is crucial year-round, but spring weather can give you the extra time you need to conduct more thorough checks. 

The following inspections can help identify and address any electrical safety  issues, update wiring, and replace faulty outlets or switches:

• Inspect electrical panels. Check for signs of wear, loose connections, or overheating that could pose safety risks.
• Assess wiring and conduit. Look for any damaged or exposed wiring or broken conduit.
• Check outlets and switches. Ensure they’re working properly, aren’t overloaded, and are equipped with safety features like ground fault circuit interrupters.
• Test emergency exit lighting. Inspect and test to ensure emergency lighting is up to speed in case of power outages or emergencies.
• Confirm appliance and equipment safety. Check all electrical appliances and equipment, including cords, plugs, and connections to prevent fire hazards.
• Inspect the electrical room. Electrical rooms should be organized and have clear access to panels and equipment. Safety protocols and signage should be clearly on display.
• Evaluate the grounding system. Check the school’s grounding system to confirm it’s working properly by providing a path for electrical faults to dissipate safely.
• Inspect fire alarms. Test the fire alarm system and electrical components to ensure they comply with safety regulations. Read more about other life safety systems to test regularly.

Project #5: Check your Datacom

Students, teachers, and administration rely heavily on technology, so ensuring up-to-date data communications at your school is vital. 

Let’s take a look at what you might include in a thorough examination of datacom on school grounds. Though some of these items might be outside your scope of work, this list can help identify what needs to be done.

• Examine network infrastructure. Inspect routers, switches, and cables, looking for signs of wear or degradation.
• Verify Wi-Fi and internet connectivity. Check the functionality and coverage of Wi-Fi access points and the school’s internet connection speed and reliability.
• Evaluate the VoIP system. Your school’s Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system should have clear communication and be properly integrated with other datacom.
• Inspect the security system. Check security cameras and access control systems to ensure they’re working and connected to the network.
• Assess digital learning tools. Check the functionality of interactive whiteboards or tablets.
• Review cloud services. Review the integration and accessibility of cloud services used for storing and accessing educational materials and data.
• Check data backup systems. Ensure these systems are functioning correctly and that critical school data is backed up regularly.
• Audit cybersecurity measures. Conduct an audit of firewalls and antivirus software.

Interested in learning more about datacom services? Check out our solutions or read this handy guide.

Turn Spring into Spring Fix

You likely won’t be able to complete everything on your to-do list during spring, but these tips should get you started. You’ll earn your gold star by taking a systematic approach to school electrical projects and creating a brighter, healthier, and better functioning environment at your school.

Have any questions? Reach out to our team for support at any step!

The post 5 Electrical Projects That School Facility Managers Should Do For Spring appeared first on E.B. Horsman & Son.