LIGHTING
14
The latest developments in lighting: what electrical contractors need to know I n the rapidly changing world of electrical contracting, keeping up with the latest lighting technology is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge and providing installations in both commercial and residential environments. By: Minx Avrabos
fixtures, enabling flexible setups and simple integration with other building systems. This involves lowering reliance on traditional electrical wiring and enhancing skills in IT infrastructure. Collaborating with IT professionals and developing expertise in network-based lighting solutions will become increasingly important. Sustainability and circular economy Initiatives Clients are demanding greener, more sustainable lighting solutions. Manufacturers now offer luminaires made from recycled materials, modular designs for easy repair and upgrade, and take-back programmes for end-of-life fixtures. Energy codes are becoming stricter, requiring contractors to stay informed about compliance and rebate programmes. Advising clients on sustainable options, facilitating the recycling of old fixtures, and ensuring installations comply with the latest energy standards are all part of the modern contractor’s role. Staying ahead of the curve The lighting sector constantly evolves. For electrical contractors, keeping up with the latest trends—such as advanced LEDs and smart controls, alongside human-centric and sustainable solutions—means providing smarter, safer, and more energy-efficient lighting projects. By remaining informed and adaptable, contractors can ensure their services stay essential in a fast-changing market.
Contractors should be prepared to advise clients on HCL and install control systems that can be programmed for circadian lighting schedules. Understanding the science behind HCL can also help contractors educate clients about the advantages of investing in these systems. UV-C Lighting for disinfection The COVID-19 pandemic sped up the adoption of UV-C (ultraviolet-C) lighting for disinfecting air and surfaces. The newest UV-C fixtures include integrated safety features and can be installed in HVAC systems or used as standalone units in high- traffic areas. Although not suitable for all environments, UV-C lighting provides a new revenue stream for contractors, especially in healthcare, hospitality, and public transportation sectors. It’s vital for contractors to understand the safety protocols and legal requirements related to UV-C installations. Adequate training and compliance with manufacturer instructions are crucial to ensure safe and effective operation. Wireless and PoE lighting solutions The move to wireless lighting control and Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting is making installation and maintenance easier. PoE lighting systems use Ethernet cables to supply both power and data to LED
Smart lighting and IoT integration Smart lighting systems are changing how lighting is controlled, monitored, and maintained. These systems, often part of larger Internet of Things (IoT) networks, can be programmed, automated, and remotely controlled via mobile apps or centralised dashboards. Features such as occupancy sensing, daylight harvesting, and scheduling optimise energy savings and user comfort. Smart lighting offers an opportunity to provide value-added services. Setting up wireless lighting controls, integrating lighting with building management systems (BMS), and configuring sensors for adaptive lighting scenarios are increasingly sought after. Familiarity with protocols like Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Bluetooth Mesh has become essential. Human-Centric Lighting (HCL) Human-centric lighting is designed to support health, well-being, and productivity by mimicking the natural changes in daylight. The latest HCL systems use tunable LED fixtures programmed to shift colour temperature and intensity throughout the day. These systems are particularly sought after in hospitals, schools, and workplaces.
high-value solutions to clients. Recent developments are not only transforming how spaces are lit but also creating new opportunities for efficiency, integration, and sustainability. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the most important trends and innovations that every electrical contractor should be aware of. LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) have dominated the lighting industry for over a decade, but ongoing advancements continue to make them even more versatile and efficient. The latest generation of LEDs boasts improved colour rendering, higher lumen output per watt, and extended lifespans. Tunable white LEDs—capable of adjusting colour temperature to mimic natural light throughout the day—are now widely available, making them ideal for offices, schools, and healthcare facilities where circadian-friendly lighting is a priority. For contractors, the ongoing decrease in LED prices, along with improved efficiency, results in more clients retrofitting existing fixtures. Additionally, new form factors and flexible strip lighting allow for creative LED technology: The ongoing revolution
Light + Building 2026 highlights the pace of innovation
visitors reported being satisfied with their visit and accomplishing their objectives, while the same proportion viewed the range of exhibits positively. Buildings - from energy consumers to active systems In the buildings sector, Light + Building 2026 clearly demonstrated how buildings are evolving from passive energy consumers into active parts of an intelligent energy system. Smart energy distribution, integrated load and charging management, and bidirectional charging are increasingly connecting buildings, the grid, and e-mobility, opening new opportunities for energy efficiency and system stability. At the same time, the existing building stock has gained further importance: modular, scalable solutions are making energy modernisation simpler and enabling retrofits to be carried out efficiently and cost- effectively. Digital planning and operational concepts, along with multifunctional interfaces, simplify installation and usage, while secure charging infrastructure and reliable systems for critical applications are becoming more important. In this way, the sector is promoting the next phase in the development of building technology, aiming to make buildings more integrated, flexible, and future-ready. Lighting - intelligently controlled and atmospherically staged In the lighting sector, it has become clear that lighting is increasingly developing into a data-driven, adaptive system. Sensors, connected luminaires, and AI-supported control systems enable precise, demand- based light distribution that automatically
Light + Building 2026 showcased industry innovation. From 8 to 13 March 2026, 1,927 exhibitors from 49 countries in Frankfurt displayed solutions advancing electrification, digital connectivity, and lighting design for buildings and urban spaces. Notable technologies included artificial intelligence, bidirectional charging, multifunctional interfaces, and connected lighting, marking the next phase in city and lighting development. Over six days, 144,767 visitors from 143 countries attended in Frankfurt. The largest international groups came from China, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, France, Austria, Belgium, the UK, Spain, and Greece. Air travel restrictions and geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East, particularly in Dubai, prevented some attendees from attending. Despite this, the event reaffirmed its strong base in Germany and Central and Western Europe and highlighted its international importance for industry, skilled trades, planners, and architects. “The Light + Building 2026 has once again demonstrated just how innovative and forward-looking this industry continues to be,” says Wolfgang Marzin, President and CEO of Messe Frankfurt. At the same time, it highlights the continuing importance of personal encounters and direct exchange, especially in times like these. Light + Building fulfils its role by bringing together people from industry, skilled trades, planning, and design, laying the foundation for dialogue, cooperation, and new ideas. This exchange strengthens industry cohesion and provides vital momentum for its ongoing development. The future lies in electrification. Light + Building 2026 ended with very high visitor satisfaction. Overall, 95 per cent of
The Light + Building 2026 has once again demonstrated just how innovative and forward- looking this industry continues to be.
towards a new generation of holistic lighting concepts that combine technological precision with emotional impact. Design, AI and young talent set new trends The high-quality range of events also spurred the next phase of innovation. The Design Plaza in Hall 3.1 served as the centre for lighting and design topics. Light + Building The next Light + Building trade fair will be held from 5 to 10 March 2028 in Frankfurt am Main.
adjusts to presence, daylight, and specific usage scenarios. Across all application areas - from private homes and hospitality to retail, industry, and urban infrastructure - connected and flexibly scalable solutions take centre stage. Simultaneously, light remains a key design element in interior architecture: high-quality luminaires, diverse design languages, and carefully tuned light colours create atmosphere, guide perception, and enhance the quality of spaces. Sustainable materials, durable components, and circular product design further underline the industry’s long- term outlook. Overall, the trend is clearly
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
APRIL 2026
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker