FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Wattstopper.

• What types of lighting control systems does Wattstopper provide? 

  Wattstopper offers room‑level controls (sensors, wall switches, dimmers), Digital Lighting Management (DLM) room networks, networked lighting control systems, plug load control, architectural dimming panels, and luminaire‑level controls. These solutions scale from single rooms to campus‑wide platforms with analytics and integration. 

• What is the difference between room‑level lighting controls and networked lighting controls? 

  Room‑level controls operate individual spaces with local sensors, switches, and controllers and are typically commissioned at the device or room level. Networked controls connect many rooms and devices together for centralized scheduling, monitoring, demand response, and integration with other building systems. 

• What is Digital Lighting Management (DLM) and when should I use it? 

  DLM is Wattstopper’s room‑based, modular control platform that uses plug‑and‑play wired or wireless devices to automatically configure basic control sequences (“Plug n Go”). It’s ideal for code‑compliant control of classrooms, offices, corridors, and similar spaces where you want fast setup and future flexibility. 

• What is Wattstopper PLUS and when is it a better fit than standalone controls? 

  Wattstopper PLUS refers to larger‑scale and feature‑rich control architectures built on DLM that support multi‑room, multi‑floor, or campus deployments. It’s the better fit when owners need central dashboards, advanced scheduling, analytics, and integration beyond individual room behavior. 

• What applications are best suited for Wattstopper controls in commercial buildings? 

  Typical applications include open and private offices, classrooms, laboratories, healthcare spaces, corridors, parking areas, and warehouses. Any area where lighting energy, user comfort, and code compliance are important can benefit from Wattstopper solutions. 

• How do Wattstopper controls help meet current energy codes and standards? 

  Wattstopper products implement required strategies like occupancy/vacancy sensing, daylight harvesting, time‑based shutoff, high‑end trim, and plug‑load control. They are specifically marketed as tools for meeting ASHRAE 90.1, IECC, and Title 24 lighting control provisions when correctly applied. 

• How do Wattstopper systems integrate with building management or smart building platforms? 

  Networked Wattstopper systems support open protocols such as BACnet and DALI and can expose points to BMS or smart building platforms. This allows central systems to monitor lighting status, adjust schedules, and coordinate demand response with HVAC and other loads. 

• What cybersecurity features and certifications do Wattstopper systems offer? 

  Wattstopper highlights alignment with cybersecurity certifications like ioXt and ISO 27001‑related practices for connected systems. These measures address device hardening, secure communications, and update processes to satisfy IT and security stakeholders. 

• What options exist for emergency lighting control within Wattstopper solutions? 

  Wattstopper systems include dedicated emergency control devices and strategies that keep life‑safety circuits on while allowing normal circuits to dim or switch. Architectural and networked platforms can maintain required egress lighting levels and automatic testing sequences where applicable. 

• How can Wattstopper support both new construction and retrofit lighting upgrades? 

  For new construction, DLM and networked systems can be designed into the electrical plans with structured cabling and panels. For retrofits, Wattstopper offers wall‑box sensors, wireless components, and room controllers that reuse existing wiring where possible. 

• What is luminaire‑level lighting control and when does Wattstopper recommend it? 

  Luminaire‑level lighting control (LLLC) embeds sensing and control directly in each fixture, typically with wireless networking. It is recommended where individual fixture control, high‑resolution occupancy data, and flexible layouts are priorities, such as open offices and warehouses. 

• How do Wattstopper controls support plug load control requirements? 

  Wattstopper offers plug‑load control modules and controlled receptacle interfaces that work with occupancy sensors and DLM room controllers. These turn off non‑critical receptacles automatically when spaces are unoccupied, helping meet energy codes. 

• How scalable are Wattstopper systems from a single room to an entire campus? 

  DLM can start with a single room and then be networked via segment managers and bridges to create floor‑, building‑, or campus‑scale systems. Higher‑level platforms aggregate many DLM networks for centralized control and analytics across multiple buildings. 

• How does Wattstopper handle wireless vs wired control architectures? 

  Wattstopper supports both wired DLM networks and wireless devices, as well as mixed architectures where wireless devices tie into wired backbones. This lets designers choose the best approach for each area based on construction constraints and retrofit needs. 

• What types of spaces see the biggest savings from Wattstopper occupancy and daylight controls? 

  Spaces with variable occupancy and significant daylight—such as offices, classrooms, conference rooms, and corridors—typically see the largest savings. Storage areas, restrooms, and back‑of‑house zones also benefit because lights are often left on unnecessarily. 

• How does Summit Electric Supply help design and commission Wattstopper systems? 

  Summit can assist with device selection, riser diagrams, and sequence‑of‑operations planning based on project drawings. They coordinate with Wattstopper representatives and engineers for design review, startup support, and training. 

• What documentation and design tools exist for Wattstopper projects? 

  Legrand provides datasheets, application guides, sequence‑of‑operations examples, and design tools for DLM and networked systems. BIM content and typical drawings help engineers incorporate controls correctly into project documents. 

• How do I choose between Wattstopper architectural dimming and standard control panels? 

  Standard relay or DLM panels handle typical on/off and simple dimming, while architectural dimming panels are intended for complex scenes, color, and show lighting. If your project includes lobbies, ballrooms, performance spaces, or high‑end hospitality areas, architectural systems are usually the better fit.