Lighting equipment and control innovations

Image courtesy of Axis Lighting

Lighting equipment and controls continue to evolve as manufacturers meet hospital demands for innovations such as tunable white light, touchless and voice-activated controls, and networked systems that enable centralized automation.

“Today’s connected lighting systems enable hospital facilities managers to combine energy-efficient LED lighting with smart sensors to improve occupant experiences and integrate insights collected from the connected lighting sensors with building management systems,” says Rahul Shira, senior product manager for controls and software at Genlyte Solutions, a Signify business in Bridgewater, N.J.

Additionally, intuitive, scalable control systems not only manage energy and integrate with building controls but also interact with nurse call systems and infection control protocols, adds Dirk Zylstra, vice president for strategic innovation and product development at Axis Lighting in Montreal.

Energy and other drivers

It’s all about finding the optimal balance between energy efficiency and optimal care, according to Tom Leonard, vice president and general manager at Leviton’s lighting and controls business in Melville, N.Y. “We’re seeing demand for tunable white fixtures and intensity controls that can mimic natural daylight cycles. Human-centric lighting is no longer a niche concept; it’s becoming a driver in health care,” says Leonard.

Hospitals also face challenges such as infection control and regulatory requirements. “Hospital lighting must support clinical accuracy, promote healing and integrate with building systems while remaining adaptable to technology upgrades,” says Martin Mercier, strategic marketing manager for Internet of Things and connected systems at Cooper Lighting Solutions in Peachtree City, Ga.

Additionally, luminaires now have a more welcoming appearance, according to Patricia Rizzo, senior health care product marketing manager for Kenall Manufacturing in Kenosha, Wis. “We see the introduction of contoured shapes — round or curved — which provide comfortable delivery of light,” says Rizzo. “There also is a focus on the quality of light — uniformity or a gradation in luminance across the lens — that provides visual comfort.”

In ambulatory and outpatient settings, there’s strong demand for design-forward, human-scaled solutions. “These spaces often aim to feel more like wellness environments than traditional hospitals, so lighting must support that functionally and aesthetically,” says Zylstra. “To that end, institutional lighting systems are being replaced with architecturally integrated LED fixtures that provide soft, indirect light.”

Off-campus facilities prioritize easy installation, cost-effectiveness and an inviting aesthetic. Thus, wireless control systems and plug-and-play fixtures are attractive for these environments, particularly in retrofits, vendors say.

While cost is an important factor in off-site facilities, their needs often are specialized, which can drive demand for tailored applications. From a luminaire perspective, outpatient environments should prioritize products that are easy to clean, minimize glare and deliver comfortable, effective illumination.

Product offerings

Lutron Electronics in Coopersburg, Pa., offers the Athena lighting control system. Paired with the Athena wireless node, a coin-sized embedded fixture control, it helps optimize space to empower innovative care and support positive patient outcomes while saving energy, says Kenneth McGuire, marketing manager. “Bringing wireless control to the fixture level saves on labor and materials, streamlining installation while laying the groundwork for easy adjustments as needs change.”

Lutron Electronics also offers the Lutron Dashboard with Athena, which provides a pane-of-glass interface that allows facilities managers to control lighting and shades, and access building data from a single platform.

Cooper Lighting Solutions continues to expand its WaveLinx digital lighting control portfolio with hybrid wired and wireless solutions. Updates include a redesigned mobile app interface, enhanced data analytics and expanded fixture compatibility, making it easier for facilities to manage lighting zones, occupancy and energy use from a centralized platform. The company also has introduced a room controller from its intelligent lighting controls brand, the EVO Lite.

Axis Lighting has introduced a series of sealed linear and troffer solutions that are engineered for patient care, surgical suites and clean rooms. The troffers feature IP65-rated housings, antimicrobial finishes and tool-less maintenance for infection control while maintaining a clean, minimal aesthetic. Axis Lighting also has unveiled a family of tunable lighting with embedded controls, which allow dynamic control of intensity and color temperature to align with circadian rhythms. “This system is easily integrated with third-party control protocols and nurse call systems,” says Zylstra.

Under its Nightingale brand, Acuity Brands Lighting in Atlanta has introduced a range of luminaires paired with a new family of wipeable wall controllers linked to the SensorSwitch sealed wall switch, which is built to withstand regular cleaning, says Tommy Nichols, business development director for health care.

These luminaires include Observe cloud, which uses an optical treatment to create a sky effect that does not impede exam and ambient modes; Embrace, a patient room over-bed luminaire that has ambient, exam and night observation modes and an optional reading light; and Assist medical panel, which is designed to provide general- and exam-level illumination for outpatient settings, meeting recommended light levels from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) RP-29 standard in one package.

On the fixture side, Cooper Lighting Solutions offers several lines optimized for health care. Its Fail-Safe luminaires are designed for high-abuse, behavioral health and surgical environments, offering tamper-resistance, cleanability and impact durability; its Metalux fixtures provide general illumination for offices, hallways and clinical spaces; and its Neo-Ray and HALO support residential-style lighting needs in waiting areas, lobbies and recovery rooms.

Kenall Manufacturing has introduced a line of health care and behavioral health lighting products that are tamper- and ligature-resistant. Included is the low-profile MedMasterSaturn surface (wall or ceiling) mount luminaire. It has two light engines, a center disc and outer rim, which can be controlled independently or together. Saturn offers many colors and color-changing combinations, which can be used to calm or energize both personal or social environments.

Additionally, Kenall Manufacturing’s contoured MedMaster KUE task light offers three-step capacitive touch dimming and is available in custom colors to suit many interior schemes. “Together, the sleek aesthetics and endless color choices provide design flexibility,” says Rizzo. Kenall Manufacturing’s MCRT (healthcare) and BHRT (behavioral health) recessed, 24-inch diameter round troffer offers visually comfortable illumination as well as multi-functionality for ambient and exam modes. It’s also available in a single-function 48-inch diameter model.

Leviton has introduced the Certolux MD-ALTO, an overhead lighting solution designed for patient rooms. Built to meet the ANSI/IES RP-29 standard, the MD-ALTO moves away from traditional compartmental or reflector-style lighting by offering a clean, unified design that supports clinical tasks while creating a more comfortable environment for patients. At 3 1/4 inches deep, the MD-ALTO features an end-to-end ambient glow, which delivers soft, calming illumination that enhances patient comfort while supporting visual well-being. “A high-output exam mode activates shadow-free, focused illumination to assist health care professionals during clinical tasks,” says Leonard. “Optional reading lights, directed at the chest area, offer patient-centered visibility, too.”

Leviton also has introduced a range of Certolux MRI lighting products. This includes the MRI-TH, a troffer luminaire designed for MRI rooms, and the MRI-D6, a 6-inch downlight. Additionally, the company has launched the MRPE and MRPFE power systems, available with or without filters.

Maxlite in Pine Brook, N.J., offers color tuning, controllable downlights and recessed ceiling fixtures for health care environments. MaxLite’s c-Max Lighting Controls deliver a flexible, scalable and easy-to-implement lighting control solution tailored to the unique demands of hospitals, according to Gene LeDuff, national accounts manager. “Automated occupancy and daylight sensing ensure that lights are only used when and where needed, reducing energy consumption and utility costs,” says LeDuff.

Also, multi-level dimming and scene control allow hospitals to tailor lighting for patient rooms, surgical suites and common areas to support healing environments and staff productivity. “Plug-and-play design and remote/app-based commissioning minimize disruption to hospital operations, reducing the need for electricians or extended downtime during upgrades or maintenance,” LeDuff adds.

Genlyte Solutions has launched a new generation of its 2-by-2-foot Ledalite NatureConnect skylight. The skylight mimics natural daylight patterns, providing occupants with the correct light for the time of day to support their well-being. It also offers custom light recipes with high melanopic levels, elevating an individual’s performance while providing functional lighting and creating a more pleasant health care environment. “In hospitals, care centers and clinics, many rooms are windowless, which has a negative impact on well-being,” says Shira. “Patients and caregivers spend long hours without access to daylight.”

For common areas, Genlyte Solutions’ new Ledalite DecoForm recessed and suspended luminaire can be specified with different colored acoustic, acrylic and metal Top Tiles to create a unique design statement. “Ledalite DecoForm complements the NatureConnect aesthetic and makes the environment bold and colorful without major design effort,” adds Shira. In addition, the Philips Dynalite control system from Genlyte Solutions offers intuitive, hospital-grade lighting controls and energy-saving options while making it easy for staff to recall lighting scenes for supporting different functional and caregiving tasks.

Ledvance in Mississauga, Ontario, offers TruWave, a patented LED technology designed to mimic natural sunlight, delivering full spectrum light with controlled blue wavelengths. It reduces glare, minimizes eye strain and supports healthy sleep cycles by closely matching natural light’s circadian action factor, says Omid Nadi, trade marketing manager. “By minimizing blue light intensity, TruWave supports readability during the day and less sleep disruption at night,” Nadi says.

Finally, Visa Lighting in Milwaukee has introduced the Harmony 2-by-4-foot patient over-bed light, which features a recessed lens that provides soft, comfortable illumination. The lit appearance resembles the indirect illumination of cove lighting, known for soft gradients and reduced glare, which enhances the patient experience and promotes well-being, according to Eric Loferski, director of marketing and product management. Harmony features the functionality of a multi-mode, patient room over-bed light fixture, delivering IES-recommended light levels. “Also, Harmony is sealed to IP64 specifications for easy cleaning and disinfection,” adds Loferski.

Visa Lighting also offers Symmetry DL, a high-abuse downlight with a 4-inch diameter aperture, designed for behavioral health patient rooms and other potentially high-abuse areas. The Symmetry DL features an aluminum trim ring, impact-resistant polycarbonate lens with anti-scratch coating and tamper-resistant fasteners. It is available in 20 non-volatile organic compound, powder-coated paint colors. In addition, the company’s Liberty ligature-resistant switches allow patients to control lighting within their rooms.

Continued evolution

Looking forward, health care spaces will continue to evolve with a focus on enhancing the patient experience, reducing anxiety and providing intuitive luminaire control throughout the suite — from the family zone and staff area to the patient’s own space, vendors say.

In fact, Zylstra believes lighting is heading toward an era where it becomes ambient intelligence.

“That means luminaires and controls will not just react; they’ll anticipate,” says Zylstra. “For instance, sensor-rich ecosystems that adjust based on occupancy, time of day, patient condition or even biometric feedback is on the horizon.” 

SOOTHING SPACE

Multi-function luminaires flanking a bed deliver beam spreads and intensities dedicated to examination procedures as well as general ambient and reading activities. Axis Lighting

PATIENT COMFORT

The Harmony patient over-bed light features a recessed lens that provides soft, comfortable illumination. Visa Lighting

COMPLETE CONTROL

WaveLinx digital lighting control portfolio includes hybrid wired and wireless solutions, which offer flexibility across new construction and retrofit projects. Cooper Lighting Solutions

MANY MODES 

Certolux MD-Alto features multifunctional lighting modes — ambient, exam and reading — designed to enhance patient comfort and support clinical efficiency. Leviton

VERY VERSATILE

The MedMaster BHRT multifunction luminaire provides ambient, examination and reading light levels, plus an amber nightlight option, without visible compartments. Kenall Manufacturing

FOLLOW THE SUN

TruWave LED technology is designed to mimic natural sunlight, delivering full-spectrum light with controlled blue wavelengths. Ledvance

LOOK UP

The Ledalite NatureConnect skylight is an indoor LED luminaire that mimics a view to the sky. Genlyte Solutions, a Signify business

ENERGY AWARE

TRK recessed ceiling fixtures and Cmax controls can be programmed for daylight harvesting to reduce energy usage during the day and maintain lumen output levels for the working environment. Maxlite

OPTIONS ABOUND

Respond multifunction headwall lighting provides ambient, exam and night observation, and reading light modes with indirect and direct outputs. Acuity Brands Lighting

Neal Lorenzi is a Mundelein, Ill.-based contributor to Health Facilities Management.

Product inclusion in this article should not be construed as an endorsement by Health Facilities Management, ASHE or the American Hospital Association.