Circadian Rhythm Settings
Video Tutorial: Watch the companion video V46: Circadian Rhythm Settings for a visual walkthrough.
Overview
Circadian rhythm lighting automatically adjusts color temperature throughout the day, mimicking natural daylight patterns. This supports occupant wellbeing by aligning artificial lighting with human biological rhythms.
What Is Circadian Lighting?
Natural daylight shifts color temperature throughout the day:
| Time | Natural Light | Effect on Body |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrise | Warm (2700K) | Wake-up, gentle start |
| Midday | Cool (5000K+) | Alertness, productivity |
| Sunset | Warm (2700K) | Relaxation, wind-down |
Circadian lighting recreates these patterns indoors to support natural body rhythms.
Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Fixture type | Tunable white capable |
| Operating mode | Must be in Auto mode |
| Scope | Zone-wide application |
Note: Standard dimmable fixtures without color tuning cannot participate in circadian rhythm.
Enabling Circadian Rhythm
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Navigate to More page.
- Find Circadian Rhythms in the list.
- Tap the enable/disable toggle to turn on.
- All qualifying lights synchronize color temperature.
Automatic Schedule
The circadian system uses three timer points:
Timer Settings
| Timer | Time | Color Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Timer 1 | 8:00 AM | Warmest |
| Timer 2 | 12:00 PM | Coolest |
| Timer 3 | 6:00 PM | Warmest |
Daily Color Progression
| Time Period | Color Behavior |
|---|---|
| Before 8:00 AM | Warmest (constant) |
| 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Gradually transitions to coolest |
| 12:00 PM | Coolest peak |
| 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Gradually transitions to warmest |
| After 6:00 PM | Warmest (constant) |
Controller Types
| Controller Type | Transition Behavior |
|---|---|
| Stepless tunable | Smooth, continuous transition |
| Color-selectable | Switches to nearest available CCT |
Light Level Behavior
During circadian operation:
- Light levels are controlled by photosensors (if enabled)
- Light levels remain stable if photosensors are disabled
- Only color temperature changes automatically
Circadian Termination
Circadian rhythm mode ends when:
| Event | Effect |
|---|---|
| Manual color change | Circadian stops |
| Scene activation (app) | Circadian stops |
| Scene activation (switch) | Circadian stops |
| Scene activation (schedule) | Circadian stops |
Resuming Circadian
To resume circadian rhythm after termination: 1. Return the lights to Auto mode 2. Circadian automatically resumes
Best Practices
| Practice | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Use in occupied spaces | Supports occupant wellbeing |
| Combine with DLH | Natural color + optimized levels |
| Avoid frequent scene changes | Maintains circadian continuity |
| Consider space function | Alertness vs. relaxation needs |
Considerations
| Consideration | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Meetings | Scene activation pauses circadian |
| Presentations | Manual override terminates circadian |
| 24/7 spaces | Consider if circadian is appropriate |
| Night shifts | May need adjusted or disabled |
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No color change | Not tunable white | Verify fixture capability |
| No color change | Not in Auto mode | Enable Auto mode |
| Color change stopped | Scene was activated | Return to Auto mode |
| Wrong timing | System clock | Verify time sync |
Quick Reference
| Action | Steps |
|---|---|
| Enable circadian | More → Circadian Rhythms → Toggle on |
| Disable circadian | More → Circadian Rhythms → Toggle off |
| Resume after interruption | Return lights to Auto mode |
Related Articles
Based on Keilton+autani App User Guide v9.7