Because of the new features provided by many lighting control systems, such as the ability to change colors, some drivers now available in the market are also “programmable.”  What does this mean?  And why would you want to use programmable drivers?

Industry journalist Craig DiLouie, LC, CLCP recently interviewed Matt Ochs, Senior Marketing Director, Lutron Electronics for an article for ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. The topic: the role lighting controls can play in risk mitigation during the pandemic. Here’s the transcript.

This educational video, produced by the Lighting Controls Association, introduces the building industry to McWong International’s TruBlu commissioning tool for SIG-qualified Bluetooth mesh lighting control networks.

Intermatic recently released a video describing its safety measures during the pandemic, resulting in the company back to operating at 100% capacity.

Eaton recently announced the latest series of intelligent power innovations for home builders, residential contractors and homeowners to simplify installation and adoption of home automation solutions. Eaton’s new portfolio of Wi-Fi smart devices, including dimmers, switches and receptacles, can seamlessly connect to Amazon Alexa upon setup without the need for a third-party hub.

Lutron Electronics recently announced the ability to integrate its Vive Wireless control as part of an Extron touchpanel solution. This collaboration brings simple, web-based API integration of Vive Wireless lighting control to today’s smart-building projects. Now facility managers can combine advanced lighting control with features such as room booking, A/V control of displays, plus other equipment from the convenience of their Extron touchpanel.

GE Current, a Daintree company and Pointr recently announced a partnership to enable location-based services in large buildings such as retail premises, warehouses, workplaces, and distribution centers.

Lutron’s new Limelight Twist-Lock Radio Daylight Module makes it simple to add intelligent control to outdoor lighting applications. The Twist-Lock Module mounts to any standard ANSI C136.41 compliant dimming receptacle on outdoor fixtures in parking lots, pathways, and floodlighting applications. Simply plug in and twist into the socket on the fixture – the light is now ready to be added to a Limelight system for added security, enhanced energy savings, and improved system management.

This educational video, produced by the Lighting Controls Association, introduces the building industry to Eaton’s Pow-R-Command, a microprocessor-based programmable lighting and plug load control system.

Sensor Switch, an Acuity Brands, Inc. company, recently announced the Just One Touch (JOT) wireless solution, which enables single touch pairing of JOT-enabled controls, luminaires and other lighting controls capabilities without the need for 0-10V dimming wires, mobile apps or additional software. JOT-enabled products are integrated with a Bluetooth® radio to wirelessly control switching, dimming, daylight harvesting and detection.

Leviton recently announced that it is now accepting applications for My Leviton Pro – a new support and rewards program geared toward professional installing contractors. The program is available through the My Leviton app for Decora Smart Wi-Fi devices, which has been updated on iOS and Android platforms. The app now includes a special login for professional electricians and integrators, an exclusive 1-800 support number, and easy-to-earn rewards.

In a recent issue of LD+A, editor Paul Tarricone evaluated three examples of leading-edge control projects, including a Lexus dealership, manufacturing plant, and a corporate office, examining the value today’s advanced controls can deliver to spaces and business operations that go far beyond energy cost savings.

Leviton recently announced a new online and robust product support center on their website for customers to access at any time. Leviton.com/support is a one-stop resource for contractors or DIYers to watch product installation videos, download instruction sheets, get pro tips, and search frequently asked questions.

Leviton recently announced the opening of its Leviton LIVE experience center in Chicago. The state-of-the-art facility will allow customers to experience first-hand how Leviton’s innovative products can transform any space via private in-person or virtual tours.

Leviton Lighting Brands recently announced a partnership with BIOS® to expand its offering of humancentric lighting solutions. Birchwood, Intense, ConTech, and Viscor will integrate BIOS SkyBlue technology into existing product offerings.

Watch this video for an introduction to how GE Current, a Daintree company is enabling intelligent industrial environments with an innovative combination of LED lighting, sensors and controls, energy management applications, and an open architecture that supports the implementation of the Internet of Things.

With Lutron’s lighting designer app for the Athena System, one can program and personalize scenes in real-time, right in the space from an iOS device.

Leviton recently announced the launch of a new line of smart touchless wallbox occupancy sensors. The new product line, Smart Wallbox Sensors, are designed for easy, out-of-the-box operation, minimizing contact, and simplifying installation. The sleek design, paired with a wide range of features allows for energy savings, local control, and code compliance.

Synapse Wireless’s Sense 4-20 enables you to bring the power of the latest Internet of Things technology into older facilities and equipment. Lighting networks are typically limited to photocell or motion sensors, but the Sense 4-20 enables integration of other sensors, such as temperature, humidity, vibration, etc. into an existing SimplySNAP network, expanding energy management tools.

GreenMAX DRC Room Control by Leviton

Leviton’s GreenMAX DRC room control solution uses wired LumaCAN networking for communication between devices and wireless Ethernet for configuration and backbone connectivity.

Eaton Corporation’s Pow-R-Command lighting control and plug load control panelboards integrate branch circuit protection and control (switching and dimming) in a single panelboard enclosure.

Acuity Brands’ nLight® UNITOUCH™ is a modern and sleek touchscreen wall switch that provides seamless control of multiple luminaires and devices on the nLight Wired lighting controls platform.

Lutron’s most significant commercial system release since April 2018, when the company acquired Ketra, Athena combines good lighting control, LED lighting technology, and simple app-based setup in a solution that is equally optimal for new construction, retrofits, and evolving commercial spaces.

LIGHTFAIR recently announced 14 winners of its 2020 LIGHTFAIR Innovation Awards, which recognize innovative products and designs introduced by 2020 exhibitors during the last 12 months. In the lighting controls category, 12 products were submitted to the 2020 awards, with RAB Lighting being recognized as both a category winner and with a Technical Innovation Award.

Leviton recently announced its GreenMAX® DRC Room Control System won the 2020 EC&M Product of the Year Award in the Lighting Controls Category. GreenMAX DRC provides a secure, simple, and scalable distributed control system that can manage virtually any type of lighting for any application or building size.

McWong International teamed with project partners Contemporary Energy Solutions, Pentalux, and Silvair to deploy a large TruBlu™ control network at Yamaha Motors’ midwestern distribution center, located in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. The SIG-qualified TruBlu mesh control network consists of 320 nodes and 40 control zones encompassing the 175,000 ft2 facility, and estimated energy savings exceed 250,000 kWh.

2026 Commercial Lighting Rebate Outlook

The commercial lighting rebate outlook is strong for 2026, with widely available rebates covering all popular categories of LED lighting and lighting controls, including networked lighting controls.

Lighting Controls Academy’s 2026 LEDucation New Product Guide

The Lighting Controls Academy is proud to announce the latest offerings in lighting controls from industry-leading manufacturers in this year’s annual product guide. Check them out!

Plug Load Control: Good, Better, Best

Controlling automatic power receptacles is a natural extension of lighting control systems, as the same strategies and devices used for automatic switching of general lighting can be deployed for plug load control at the receptacle or circuit level. This article by the Lighting Controls Academy’s Craig DiLouie explains the why and how, based on NEMA guidance.

2026 Nonresidential Construction Forecast: Modest Outlook

This article by the Lighting Controls Academy’s Craig DiLouie reviews 2025 construction spending and key industry economic indicators, with a detailed 2026 forecast by the AIA Consensus Forecast Panel.

Hybrid Lighting Controls: A Symphony of Wired and Wireless Technologies

This guest post by Cooper Lighting Solutions’ Martin Mercier applauds a new era in “hybrid” lighting control solutions that blend the best strengths of wired and wireless control.

Lutron’s Brent Protzman Talks Lighting as Infrastructure

In a recent article contributed to LightNOW, Brent Protzman, Director of Product Management at Lutron Electronics, describes lighting’s evolution from utility to infrastructure, with insight in how to design for what’s next in lighting.

Controllability Takes Front Seat in New DLC Technical Requirements

The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) recently released Version 6.0 of its Solid-State Lighting (SSL) Technical Requirements, the first major update in over five years, as well as Version 2.0 of Light Usage for Night Applications (LUNA), the DLC program designed to promote responsible outdoor lighting. The updates recognize advances in LED technology while promoting controllability as a strong path to energy savings.

Cut the Cord, Keep the Code: Wireless Paths to Code-Compliant Emergency Egress

In this extraordinary guest post, Cooper Lighting Solutions’ Martin Mercier describes the codes and options that make up emergency lighting and the role for lighting control systems, including wireless.

A Deep Dive Into Daylight-Responsive Lighting Control

Based on an updated version of EE201: Daylight-responsive Lighting Control, a course in NEMA Academy, this article describes a process for designing and applying lighting control solutions that utilize daylight-responsive lighting controls.

Wireless Controls As The Backbone Of Commercial Upgrades

LightNOW recently published a guest post by Tom Shearer, Commercial Business Development Manager, Lutron Electronics, that makes the case for including lighting controls in upgrade projects, powered by wireless communication.