Smart Lighting Controls

The Luxor system by Unique Lighting Systems is our premium smart control platform, offering individual fixture-level control through proprietary ZD technology that assigns each fixture its own digital address. This allows grouping fixtures into zones programmatically rather than through physical wiring, meaning zone assignments can be changed through the app without any rewiring. Luxor supports up to 250 individually addressable fixtures per controller, with dimming from 0 to 100 percent in 1-percent increments and RGBW color mixing on compatible fixtures. The system communicates via WiFi to the Unique app for iOS and Android, and integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.

The Alliance system by WAC Lighting offers robust zone-based control at a mid-range price point, with WiFi connectivity and a well-designed smartphone app. Alliance controllers support multiple zones with independent dimming and scheduling, astronomical timer programming, and integration with major home automation platforms. The system uses standard low-voltage wiring, with zones defined by physical circuit connections at the transformer. Alliance is particularly well suited for systems with eight to twelve zones that do not require individual fixture addressing. Its straightforward setup and intuitive app make it a popular choice for homeowners who want smart control without the complexity of fixture-level programming.

Astronomical timers calculate sunrise and sunset times using GPS coordinates and the U.S. Naval Observatory's algorithm, which accounts for latitude, longitude, date, and time zone to determine exact solar event times within one minute of accuracy. For the Lake Wylie area at approximately 35.1 degrees north latitude and 81.1 degrees west longitude, sunset varies from 5:14 PM on the winter solstice to 8:41 PM on the summer solstice. The timer adjusts the system's on-time daily to match these changes, eliminating the need for seasonal manual adjustments. Most controllers also allow offset programming, so you can set lights to activate 15 or 30 minutes before sunset to account for shade from trees and structures.

WiFi connectivity in outdoor environments requires consideration of signal strength between your home's router and the transformer location. Most residential WiFi routers provide adequate coverage for transformers mounted within 50 feet of the home with clear line of sight. For transformers located in garages, sheds, or at the far end of the property, we may install a WiFi range extender or mesh network node to ensure reliable connectivity. Bluetooth controllers offer an alternative for properties where WiFi coverage at the transformer is impractical, though they require proximity to the controller for real-time adjustments and rely on scheduled programming for unattended operation. Some systems offer both WiFi and Bluetooth as redundant control paths.

Dimming compatibility between smart controllers and LED fixtures requires attention to the dimming protocol used. Most landscape lighting smart controllers use pulse-width modulation to dim LED fixtures, rapidly switching power on and off at frequencies above human perception. This method works well with the resistive loads of low-voltage LED lamps but can cause flickering with certain LED driver designs. We verify dimming compatibility during fixture selection and test every fixture at multiple dim levels during installation to confirm smooth, flicker-free operation. For systems using the Luxor ZD platform, dimming is handled digitally at the fixture level, eliminating transformer-based compatibility concerns entirely.

What smart lighting control systems do you recommend and install?

We work with several professional-grade systems selected for their reliability and feature sets. The Luxor system by Unique Lighting Systems is our premium recommendation, offering individual fixture-level addressability with up to 250 fixtures, built-in RGBW color control, and integration with Alexa and Google Assistant. The Alliance system by WAC Lighting provides excellent zone-based control with a user-friendly app at a mid-range price point. For simpler applications, we install Bluetooth-enabled controllers that offer scheduling and dimming without requiring WiFi connectivity. We select the system that best matches your needs, budget, and existing smart home infrastructure.

Can smart controls be added to my existing landscape lighting system?

Yes, smart control can be retrofitted to virtually any existing low-voltage landscape lighting system. The minimum upgrade involves replacing your current transformer with a WiFi-enabled smart transformer that provides astronomical timing, remote app control, and basic dimming. If your system is currently wired as a single circuit, we can add zone capability by rerouting circuits at the transformer and adding junction points in the landscape. The Luxor system can even add individual fixture-level control to existing systems by installing small digital modules at each fixture. We assess your current wiring and recommend the most practical approach during a free consultation.

Do I need strong WiFi coverage in my yard for smart lighting controls?

You need WiFi coverage at the location of your transformer or smart controller, not throughout your entire yard. The controller communicates with your fixtures through the low-voltage wiring, not through WiFi. If your transformer is mounted on the side of your house or in a nearby garage, your existing WiFi signal is usually sufficient. For transformers located at the far end of the property, we may recommend a mesh WiFi node or range extender to ensure reliable connectivity. Bluetooth-based controllers do not require any WiFi coverage at the transformer, though they require you to be within Bluetooth range for real-time adjustments.

Will smart controls work with Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit?

Most of the professional smart lighting controllers we install offer integration with major home automation platforms. The Luxor system works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing voice commands like 'Alexa, set landscape to dinner party mode' or 'Hey Google, dim the patio lights to 50 percent.' Alliance by WAC integrates with Alexa and Google Home as well. Apple HomeKit compatibility is available through certain controllers and bridge devices. During our consultation, we discuss your existing smart home platform and ensure the controller we recommend integrates smoothly with your voice assistants, routines, and automated scenes.

What happens to my smart lighting system during a power outage?

Professional smart lighting controllers are designed to recover automatically from power interruptions. The astronomical timer, zone configurations, scene settings, and schedules are stored in non-volatile memory that is retained even without power. When electricity is restored, the controller reconnects to your WiFi network and resumes normal operation based on its programmed schedule without any intervention. This is a significant advantage over basic timers, which often lose their programming and revert to default settings after an outage. We do recommend checking your system's operation after extended outages, as some controllers may need a few minutes to re-establish WiFi connectivity.

How many zones can I create with a smart lighting controller?

The number of available zones depends on the controller platform. Basic smart transformers typically support two to four zones, which is adequate for small to medium systems. The Alliance system supports up to eight or twelve zones depending on the model, covering most residential applications. The Luxor system supports up to 250 individually addressable fixtures, which can be grouped into virtually unlimited software-defined zones without additional wiring. For most homes in the Lake Wylie and Charlotte area, we find that six to ten zones provide excellent flexibility. Common zones include front facade, entry and driveway, side landscape beds, rear patio, pathway lighting, accent trees, and waterfront areas.

Can I control my landscape lighting when I am away from home?

Absolutely, and this is one of the primary benefits of smart lighting controls. Any WiFi-enabled controller allows you to access your system through its smartphone app from anywhere with an internet connection. You can turn zones on or off, adjust schedules, activate scenes, and monitor system status whether you are at work in Charlotte, visiting family across the country, or vacationing overseas. This is especially valuable for Lake Wylie homeowners with second properties who want to maintain a lived-in appearance and ensure safety lighting operates correctly even during extended absences.

What is an astronomical timer and why is it better than a standard timer?

An astronomical timer uses your property's GPS coordinates to calculate the exact sunset and sunrise times for each day of the year, automatically adjusting your lighting schedule as days lengthen and shorten with the seasons. A standard timer is set to fixed on/off times that you must manually adjust periodically, resulting in lights that turn on too early in summer or too late in winter. Photocell timers respond to ambient light levels but can be triggered by cloudy days, nearby headlights, or shade from buildings. Astronomical timers eliminate all of these issues, ensuring your landscape lighting activates at precisely the right moment every single day without any manual intervention or environmental interference.

How difficult is the smartphone app to use for controlling landscape lighting?

The apps for professional landscape lighting controllers are designed with homeowner usability as a priority. The Luxor and Alliance apps feature intuitive interfaces with zone sliders for dimming, one-tap scene activation, drag-and-drop schedule creation, and clear status indicators showing which zones are active. Most homeowners become comfortable with basic operations within the first few minutes of use, and proficient with advanced features like scene creation and schedule programming within a week. We provide hands-on training during installation and are available by phone for questions afterward. If you can use a streaming music app or a smart thermostat, you can operate a landscape lighting controller.

Do smart lighting controls save energy compared to standard timers?

Smart controls can significantly reduce energy consumption compared to basic timer operation through several mechanisms. Zone control ensures that only the areas you are actually using are illuminated, rather than running every fixture in the system simultaneously. Dimming reduces wattage in proportion to the reduction in brightness, so running a zone at 50 percent uses roughly half the energy. Astronomical timing prevents lights from running during daylight hours due to incorrect timer settings. Automated schedules can reduce output in phases, transitioning from full entertainment lighting to minimal security lighting as the evening progresses. Our clients typically report 20 to 40 percent additional energy savings from smart controls beyond the savings already achieved by LED technology.

Can I set different schedules for weekdays and weekends?

Yes, all of the professional smart controllers we install support multiple schedule profiles. You can program weeknight schedules that activate at sunset, dim accent zones at 10 PM, and shut off all but safety lighting at midnight. Weekend schedules can keep entertaining zones active later, adjust brightness for outdoor dining, and accommodate seasonal activities like late summer poolside gatherings. Most controllers support at least four schedule profiles, and you can switch between them manually through the app or automatically based on day of the week. Holiday and vacation schedules can be created for special occasions and activated with a single tap.

What is the cost of adding smart controls to my landscape lighting system?

The cost depends on the level of control desired and your existing system's wiring. A basic smart transformer upgrade that provides astronomical timing, WiFi app control, and two to four zones of dimming typically runs between $500 and $1,200 installed, depending on the brand and features. Advanced systems with eight to twelve zones and home automation integration are typically $1,500 to $3,000. The Luxor system with individual fixture addressing is a premium investment suited for larger, more complex properties. For a new system, adding smart control during the initial installation adds less to the total cost than retrofitting later. Call (803) 889-0096 for a free estimate specific to your system and desired features.