Safe & Sustainable

In the era of modern homes and connected living, lights and switches are transforming towards smart, safe and energy efficient. Construction Times presents the new trends.

The market for lights and switches is transforming with new materials, designs and aesthetics that promote energy efficiency and visual impacts. While LEDs are playing a larger role in sustainability in lighting, advanced materials and designs are changing the functions, looks and aesthetics of switches. Also, advancements in circuit breakers are enhancing safety. With urbanisation picking up in the country, people are increasingly adopting advanced features and technologies in lights and switches.

New developments

With homes and commercial spaces becoming smarter and innovative, the role of switches and lights are transforming towards more than functional. Accordingly, the lighting and switch market is experiencing a dynamic shift driven by smart home integration, energy efficiency demands, and changing design preferences. Bishan Jain, Director, Goldmedal Electricals, says, “We’re seeing strong momentum towards interconnected lighting systems controllable via smartphones or voice commands. There’s also growing interest in adaptive lighting that supports natural circadian rhythms, enhancing well-being. In switches, touch-sensitive and wireless options are becoming increasingly popular, offering both functionality and sleek aesthetics.”   

In India, there’s a growing focus on environmental sustainability and decarbonization, especially in the lighting industry. “Energy-efficient LED lighting and RoHS compliance have become industry standards, with Panasonic Life Solutions India ensuring all LED products are RoHS compliant since 2023. Additionally, there is an increased emphasis on employee well-being, driving demand for comfortable lighting solutions that improve productivity and the work environment. Panasonic is dedicated to providing tailored lighting solutions to suit various work tasks and moods,” Toshinobu Kawasaki, Joint Managing Director, PEWIN, Panasonic Life Solutions India, elaborates.

Innovation in design & functions

The latest innovation in lights and switches has revolutionized the design and functions of lights and switches. With models like AiroGeometry and AiroJewel, Signify has incorporated unique designs and features such as LED speed indicators, BLDC technology, and inverter compatibility to ensure an exceptional user experience. “Innovation is the cornerstone of our work at Signify. We are constantly exploring new ways to enhance the user experience and push the boundaries of what’s possible with lighting,” says C Arun Kumar, Head of Consumer Business, Signify, Greater India.
Goldmedal Electricals has introduced innovative functions in lights and switches focusing on user experience enhancement and energy optimization. Jain adds, “Advanced LEDs now feature tuneable white technology, allowing customization of colour temperature to match daily routines. Wi-Fi-enabled smart bulbs offer seamless control through mobile apps or voice assistants, integrating effortlessly with smart home ecosystems. These energy-efficient LEDs significantly reduce power consumption while boasting extended lifespans.”  
Balancing energy efficiency and aesthetics in lighting fixtures is challenging. Panasonic Life Solutions India tackles this with innovative Light Guide Panels (LGPs) featuring a micro-textured surface. “These LGPs allow our products to combine high energy efficiency with exceptional visual appeal. While more stylish lighting fixtures are becoming available, achieving both high energy efficiency and great looks is still a challenge,” adds Kawasaki.
A smart connected product from Signify - NatureConnect is an industry-first product that utilises biophilic design principles, by harnessing elements of nature to create healthier indoor environments. Arun Kumar adds, “With an aim to transition towards a sustainable and circular economy, NatureConnect’s innovative lighting technology offers diverse applications throughout the hospitality sector. NatureConnect mimics the natural rhythm of sunlight, promoting a healthier circadian rhythm, improved mood, enhanced focus, and better sleep quality.”
Innovations in switches have focused on energy efficiency and safety along with looks and aesthetics. Kawasaki says, “Panasonic prioritizes safety, investing heavily in the construction and testing of switches. Each component, from fire-retardant materials to bimetal silver-plated rivets, is meticulously selected for reliability. Our switches meet stringent safety standards, including an IP20 rating, and feature innovations like captive screws for better installation and integrity.”
He elaborates on energy efficiency features in the product range, “Panasonic switches are designed for minimal energy consumption. Our bimetal silver rivets improve electrical conductivity, reducing carbon deposition and energy loss. We also offer modular and standalone motion sensors that manage occupancy and reduce energy consumption.”

Smart future

The latest switches and lights come with automation and IoT-based functions for smart and efficient functions. “Connected solutions like IoT and Smart Home technologies are trending in the digital era. For the past eight years, we've introduced and continuously expanded our range of connected solutions, including Zigbee, KNX, WiFi, and products for home automation, building management, parking, and energy saving,” says Kawasaki.
The future growth trends in lights and switches are poised to be driven by advancements in technology and increasing consumer demand for energy efficiency and smart home solutions. “As the adoption of smart home systems continues to rise, there will be a greater emphasis on integrating lighting and switches with IoT technology, enabling seamless control and automation through voice commands and mobile apps,” says Jain.
According to Arun Kumar, the future growth trends in lights and switches point towards increased digitization and personalization. “As the world becomes more connected, we expect to see a greater demand for smart lighting solutions that can be controlled remotely and customized to individual preferences. With the rise of IoT and connected devices, we foresee a significant demand for smart lighting solutions,” he concludes.