Summarize
- Colour temperature control affects the atmosphere and the mood at home
- CCT spots allow colour temperature adjustment between 2700K-5500K
- Wireless control works with RF/Zigbee transformers and mobile apps
- The Philips HUE app offers an easy way to control your lighting
- Zigbee control is a cost-effective and versatile lighting solution
You can adjust the colour temperature of spotlights with Philips HUE, for example.
Colour temperature control of spotlights is possible in every home using wireless devices. Colour temperature controllers are inexpensive and reliable, and can be set up with just basic skills. This article summarises the features of CCT spots, how to install them and illustrates wireless Wifi control using a mobile app.
Colour temperature and its variations affect mood and vitality
In recent years, there has been much public discussion about the amount of light and the impact of light colour temperature on human activity and circadian rhythms. We won’t summarise these studies here, but we will say that by adjusting the colour temperature of light (Kelvin) you can at least influence the mood and alertness of your home, and that we have a reasonably priced solution. Colour temperature control.
The unit of colour temperature of white light is Kelvin, and the quantity of colour temperature is CCT, which stands for correlated colour temperature. The colour temperature in nature varies throughout the day, being at its highest when the sun is at its highest. Thus, natural colour temperature variation is affected by the time of day and the season. There is no substitute for real sunlight, but the colours of the morning and evening sun – orange shades below 3000 Kelvin, and shades above 5000 Kelvin that mimic bright daylight – can be adjusted and timed in LED spots using a mobile phone/tablet. It is also a good idea to have a wireless wall button. Our solution is also suitable for LED strips and LED panels.
What is needed to adjust the colour temperature control of spotlights from warm white to daylight?
The colour temperature control of spotlights requires that the LED circuit has a colour temperature control option. In addition, the wiring of the LED spotlight and the driver must allow for colour temperature control.
Technically, this means a three-conductor line, and (at least) a three-channel driver. So it is not enough to have two channels – and + in the output of the driver. In an RF or Zigbee driver suitable for CCT, one wire (-) carries the cold light signal, one (-) carries the warm light signal and the third is the plus (+) wire.
Wireless control works through the cooperation of an RF/Zigbee driver (receiver built into the driver) and a controller. Controlled by a button, remote control and/or mobile phone for CCT LEDs.
For mobile phone/tablet control, you need an app (e.g. Philips HUE) and a Wifi hub, which we call the box. We’ve made it easy to buy wireless control by creating a kit with the products ready to go.
How to connect the colour temperature controlled LED spotlights and control?
The mains power (230V) installation of the luminaires is the work of a professional electrician, but at least as a basis for planning and purchasing it is good to know how the colour temperature control of spotlights is technically done:
CCT led spots are connected to a single RF or Zigbee driver with 3-conductor wires and splitters. The wires are 3 metres long. If the spots are further than 6m from the driver, additional wiring (3m) may be necessary. Spots and harnesses have quick connectors for easy installation.
The size of the transformer is determined by the number of spots, and when buying a wiring harness set, the transformer will come in the right size depending on the number of spots needed: 3-4 pcs for 9W spots 50W RF or Zigbee transformer, 6-8 pcs for 9W spots 100W RF or Zigbee transformer.
The driver has a wireless receiver that is paired with a wireless control button. Wireless control harnesses are available in 3-8 pieces for spotlights in the online shop category Led accessories.
In addition to the kit, you only need 9W CCT spots, which you can choose from 14 different options. Spot (green) transformers are replaced by an RF transformer when wirelessly controlled, stepless colour temperature control is desired. Spots are also available for 15W high spaces.
Spotlight colour temperature control even with a Wi-Fi connected Hub and the Philips HUE app
In addition to wireless control, the spotlight’s colour temperature control can be timed to turn on, turn off and dim at a specific light hue. Wireless mobile phone or tablet control can be used in addition to other wireless control. It can also work independently, but then you need to make sure that a controller – a mobile phone or tablet – is always available to operate the lights.
Zigbee control is a cost-effective option, as a HUE bridge, for example, typically costs less than a single LED spot. The app is free, and there are no paid features. The app is available in app stores for Android and iOS devices under the name Philips HUE. With Zigbee control, you can control all our LED luminaires with a Zigbee transformer or receiver, such as spotlights, panels and LED strips. Philips HUE is just one of many Zigbee controllers available. Others include Deconz/Conbee 2, Samsung Smart things, Tuya, Silvercrest. All of these uniformly use the same Zigbee 3.0 protocol.
The HUE bridge is connected to the mains power supply and the home’s wireless network, in practice a modem, via an RJ45 Ethernet cable and a power cord that come with the HUE box. The HUE application is downloaded to all the devices on which it is to be used.
With the Philips HUE app, you can operate lights, dim lights and change the colour of the light. You can designate the spaces whose lighting you control. You can add several lighting groups under each room, e.g. living room groups of curtains, ceiling lights, showcase lights. These can be used as a group or as separate groups. Pressing the (ball) icon turns the lights on and off. In other words, the control of colour temperature controlled spots is easy and intuitive.
Slide the bar to dim the lights. By pressing light, you can adjust the brightness and hue of the light. These settings can be saved as different “Scene” settings. You can also schedule these activities.
We are happy to advise you on all aspects of LED lighting. Here are a few articles on the Zigbee takeover:
- Zigbee lighting control part 1
- Zigbee lighting control part 2
- Zigbee lighting control part 3
- Part 4, Zigbee smart lighting from an installer’s perspective
- Part 5, Pairing is done like this
We have also written more about the wireless control of LED lights with its different options in the article How wireless control of LED lighting works.
Did you also notice the new reference photos on the blog, where we showcase the great CCT solutions that bring a touch of luxury to the everyday life of a family with children.
By subscribing to our monthly newsletter, you can keep up to date with LED technology and the many uses of LEDs in homes and other spaces.
