Lighting controls are where I see the most confusion in commercial projects. Clients know they want “smart lighting” but aren’t sure what that actually means or which technology to choose.

Let me cut through the marketing and explain what’s really going on.

Why Controls Matter

First, do you even need controls? Here’s my honest take:

You probably need controls if:

• Energy costs are significant and occupancy varies throughout the day
• You want to integrate lighting with building management systems
• Different areas require different light levels at different times
• You’re targeting a Green Star rating or similar certification
• You want detailed data on lighting energy usage

You probably don’t need controls if:

• The space is occupied consistently during all operating hours
• Your retrofit budget is tight and payback matters most
• The facility is simple (single zone, fixed schedule)
• You’re leasing short-term and can’t justify the premium

Controls typically add 20-40% to a lighting project’s cost. That’s a lot. Make sure you’ll actually use the functionality.

The Main Options

DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface)

DALI is the industry standard for commercial lighting control. It’s been around since the late 1990s and has matured into a reliable, well-supported protocol.

How it works: Each fitting gets a unique address on the DALI network. You can control fittings individually or in groups. Commands travel over a dedicated low-voltage control wire alongside your power cables.

Pros:

• Open standard, not tied to one manufacturer
• Individual fixture addressing allows flexible zoning
• Can be integrated with building management systems (BMS)
• Supports dimming, scene setting, and scheduling
• DALI-2 adds standardised sensors and emergency lighting

Cons:

• Requires additional wiring (the DALI bus)
• More expensive to install than basic switching
• Needs commissioning—someone has to program all those addresses
• Can be overkill for simple applications

Best for: Office buildings, education facilities, healthcare, anywhere needing integration with BMS or sophisticated control requirements.

Bluetooth Mesh

Bluetooth lighting controls have emerged as a lower-cost alternative to DALI. Casambi is probably the best-known platform in Australia.

How it works: Each fitting contains a Bluetooth module. Fittings communicate wirelessly with each other and with smartphones or tablets for configuration. Cloud connectivity is optional.

Pros:

• No control wiring required—just power
• Lower installation cost than DALI
• Easy to commission via smartphone app
• Flexible—can reconfigure zones without rewiring
• Good for retrofits where running new cables is problematic

Cons:

• Wireless reliability can be affected by building structure
• Less integration capability with traditional BMS
• Relatively newer technology with less industry track record
• Ongoing licensing fees for some platforms
• Limited range means you need fittings acting as mesh repeaters

Best for: Retrofits, smaller commercial spaces, projects where wiring is difficult or expensive, facilities without existing BMS.

Proprietary Systems

Most major lighting manufacturers have their own control ecosystems. Philips has Interact, Signify has various platforms, and so on.

How it works: Varies by manufacturer, but typically involves their specific hardware and software working together.

Pros:

• Single point of responsibility
• Often well-integrated with the manufacturer’s fittings
• Can include advanced features and analytics
• Technical support from the manufacturer

Cons:

• Lock-in to that manufacturer’s ecosystem
• May not integrate well with other brands
• Ongoing subscription or licensing costs for software
• What happens if you want to change suppliers later?

Best for: Clients who are committed to a single manufacturer and want a complete solution without mixing systems.

Simple Switching and Sensors

Let’s not forget the basics. Sometimes you don’t need networked intelligence. Sometimes you just need:

• Occupancy sensors that switch lights off when areas are vacant
• Daylight sensors that dim lights when natural light is adequate
• Time clocks that follow a schedule

These can be standalone devices, not connected to any network. They’re simple, reliable, and cost-effective.

Best for: Budget-conscious projects, simple spaces, facilities without technical staff to manage complex systems.

Real-World Decision Making

Here’s how I approach control selection on a project:

Question 1: What’s the building management situation?

If there’s an existing BMS and the client wants lighting integrated, DALI is usually the answer. BMS integration via Bluetooth is possible but less mature.

Question 2: Is running control wiring practical?

In a new build or major renovation, sure. In a retrofit of an operating facility where ceilings are difficult to access? Wireless starts looking attractive.

Question 3: Who’s going to manage this after installation?

DALI systems need someone who understands them for ongoing adjustments. Bluetooth systems are more user-friendly but still need management. Simple sensors mostly look after themselves.

Question 4: What’s the budget reality?

If adding controls stretches the budget to breaking point, maybe do a straightforward LED retrofit now and add controls later. Many LED fittings are “control-ready” even if you don’t commission controls initially.

The Integration Question

For sophisticated projects—particularly those involving multiple building systems—you may need specialist help with the integration layer. Connecting lighting controls to HVAC, access control, and other systems isn’t trivial.

Companies that specialise in building automation and smart systems integration, like AI consultants Sydney, can handle the more complex scenarios where lighting is just one piece of a larger intelligent building puzzle. But for standard lighting-only control projects, your commercial electrical contractor should be able to handle DALI or Bluetooth commissioning.

My Honest Recommendation

For most commercial LED retrofits I’m involved with:

1. If BMS integration is required: DALI-2
2. If retrofit with minimal wiring: Bluetooth mesh (Casambi or equivalent)
3. If budget is tight: Standalone occupancy sensors in key areas
4. If it’s simple and consistent occupancy: Maybe just switches

Don’t let anyone sell you more sophistication than you need. A well-designed simple system beats a poorly commissioned complex one every time.

And whatever you choose, make sure someone is trained to use it. The best lighting control system in the world is useless if nobody knows how to adjust the schedules when operating hours change.