The Brighter Choice
We offer 4 levels of lighting control solutions.
More complex lighting controls require specialist expertise, so we partner with MultiControls when our clients need DALI networked controls. MultiControls is a British company, based in Kent, with many years of experience in lighting controls and software development. Our partnership with MultiControls gives our clients the best of both worlds - the deep lighting expertise of NVC and the DALI network supply and commissioning expertise of MultiControls.
If you need a general introduction to DALI, please check What is DALI ? article
There are four wired DALI lighting systems we offer in partnership with MultiControls:
If you are unsure which level of LightBox solution might be best for your project, please read below for more details, or contact us for a discussion.
The LightBox system is a sophisticated lighting control and management system for larger projects such as offices, schools, hospitals and airports. It provides full lighting control and addressable emergency test facilities.
In simplified form, this is how a LightBox installation will appear.
In addition, not shown here, there can be laptops/PCs for accessing the MultiController(s) and wireless devices (smart phones or tablets) connecting via a wireless gateway.
Because all the DALI hubs are connected via the MultiController any device (light fitting, sensor or switch) on any DALI bus can be part of a control group on another bus. This means that a sensor in the ground floor lift lobby (for example) could contribute to the control of the lighting on, for example, the lift lobby three floors above.
The main components of the system are as follows:
MultiController. At least one MultiController is required per installation. Each MultiController can support up to 10 DALI hubs.
A MultiController. There must be at least one of these per LightBox installation.
The MultiController is a powerful piece of IT equipment, but the key features are:
The LightBox GUI. This is included in the MultiController, so no additional graphics software is needed.
DALI hub. Each hub can control two DALI buses (or networks). A DALI bus is a pair of wires connecting up to 64 DALI devices, each of which will have its own address. DALI devices include LED drivers, sensors, switches and other control devices.
A LightBox DALI hub. This connects to the MultiController. Each hub can support up to two DALI buses.
The DALI hub supports two buses (or networks), each of 64 devices. The devices can be LED drivers, sensors, relays or emergency lighting units. However, the processing is mostly carried out by the MultiController, meaning that each DALI hub is relatively low cost, so additional DALI networks can be added to the installation without a large cost overhead.
Input devices
A range of devices is available that connect direct to the DALI bus:
MultiSensors can be connected direct to the DALI bus. These are available in a variety of versions for different mounting heights, sensitivities and applications, including up to 12m high for warehouse projects.
MultiSensors are also available for different installation methods, including robust housings for industrial applications and standard MR16/GU10 hosings that offer a choice of bezel styles and finishes.
The universal switch input interface allows almost any switching input (latching, toggling or retractive) in multi-gang formats to be attached to the DALI bus. This means that installing a MultiControls system does not require all the electrical accessories to be replaced.
Of course, MultiControls has a full scene-setting capability, so a range of push-button scene selection panels is available.
More information?
To discuss your requirements, please contact us
This is a simplified version of LightBox designed for smaller installations. It is ideal for a floor of an office block or a group of classrooms.
The heart of the system is the DALI hub. This supports up to two separate DALI buses, each carrying up to 64 DALI devices (LED drivers, sensors, switches etc).
Unlike the full-scale LightBox solution, in the Express version there is no MultiController. Instead, all the configuration details, GUI etc are stored in and managed from an Apple iPad loaded with the LightBox Express app. If required, this can include DALI addressable test, so LightBox Express really is a complete system, but on a smaller scale than LightBox (with MultiControllers), so suitable for smaller projects.
Ease of installation
To ensure that LightBox Express is cost effective and easy to install it is compatible with most 6-pole DALI marshalling boxes on the market. If required, we can also supply our own MultiControls marshalling boxes, and a full range of pre-made plugs and leads.
More information?
To discuss your requirements, please contact us
Addressable emergency testing is a great benefit in larger installations. An addressable test system will automatically schedule the legally required emergency lighting tests, monitor the results and report any non-compliances.
The MultiControls LightBox system (above, top) provides comprehensive lighting control and DALI addressable emergency testing functions. If this level of sophistication is not required, the LightBox Emergency system is a great alternative.
LightBox Emergency is a scalable, flexible and intuitive DALI addressable emergency test system. It is an emergency test system only – it is not also a lighting control system.
The core of the system are the DALI hubs, each supporting two DALI buses of 64 emergency fittings.
No MultiController is necessary, but a touchscreen runs the LightBox Emergency app. Using either WiFi or ethernet this can be connected to the DALI hubs and a printer.
The printer provides a written record of tests completed, faults found and rectifications implemented, giving the necessary paper-trail to show compliance with all emergency lighting regulations and standards.
More information?
To discuss your requirements, please contact us