Centralized or Distributed, That is the Question!

Explore Panelized Lighting Options for Your California Property 

To be centralized, or not to be? That is the question.

We don't mean to get Shakespearean on the topic of panelized lighting, but we get many questions from our clients who are curious about the difference between centralized and distributed panelized lighting.

The blog below will dive into the basics of these standard lighting design setups. Once you're done reading, you'll better understand the differences between these designs and how to get started with a new lighting system for your San Diego, CA, property. Keep reading below to start exploring this topic! 

SEE ALSO: What Can a Smart Home Designer Do For Me? 

Centralized Lighting 

Imagine one central location in your home, typically an AV closet or utility room, where all electrical wiring goes. From there, it runs to the lights and switches throughout the rest of your home. It's like having one centralized hub for power! If you're building a new home, a centralized panel is much easier to incorporate because all low-voltage and line voltage wiring, panels, and switch locations are planned for and installed before drywall installation.

With a clean slate like a new build offers, all electrical loads, data lines, and other infrastructure needs can be addressed! This prepares a great wiring foundation that powers all devices today yet can expand as you inevitably add additional technologies in the future. Powerful and with room to grow - that's the benefit of a centralized panel lighting setup. 

Distributed Lighting 

This localized panelized lighting setup uses multiple panels located in your home, and little - or more likely no - low-voltage wiring runs through walls to your light switches. Perhaps one panel is in an equipment room, and another is in the master bedroom's walk-in closet. Dimmers and smart switches replace traditional switches, and repeaters and processors interpret the radio frequency communication between switches and the control system. There's typically less expense associated with this lighting design when no additional low-voltage wiring is required to run through walls. 

Hybrid Panelized Lighting 

A hybrid panel design utilizes a centralized design in areas with multiple light fixtures and switches. Low-voltage wiring communication provides control to these rooms, while local control exists in rooms with lower lighting loads or less foot traffic.  

The Experience 

Regardless of how the panelized lighting in your home is designed, you and your family will be able to walk into a space and adjust the ambiance in mere seconds. One tap on a customized on-wall keypad that matches your decor, and the lights will dim or brighten to the perfect setting. Or go a step further and incorporate your lighting into the rest of your Savant home. Press the Outdoor Party button to illuminate the backyard and fire up the outdoor speaker system for the ultimate hangout experience with friends and family. 

So, What's Next? 

Still not quite sure what would be best for your San Diego-area estate's lighting design? Give the Digital Home Lifestyles team a call at (858) 565-4229, chat with us at the bottom of your screen, or connect with us using this form to start exploring what's possible!