Ultimate Comparison Softswitch 128 vs. Traditional Relay Panels
Posted by Beverly Hills Lighting Team on Mar 12th 2025
Softswitch 128 vs. Traditional Lighting Control Relay Panels: The Ultimate Comparison
Quick Summary
For commercial buildings, choosing the right lighting control panel impacts energy efficiency, compliance, and long-term operational costs. Traditional relay panels rely on mechanical components that degrade quickly, while Lutron's Softswitch 128 offers a million-cycle lifespan, built-in automation, and seamless compliance with energy codes. This article provides the definitive comparison, ensuring you make an informed decision that saves time, money, and maintenance costs.
Introduction
Selecting the right lighting control panel for a commercial building is a decision that impacts energy efficiency, compliance, maintenance costs, and long-term operational reliability. While traditional relay panels have been the go-to for decades, Lutron’s Softswitch 128 introduces groundbreaking technology that extends relay lifespan and simplifies automation.
Why Your Lighting Control Panel Choice Matters
- Frequent relay failures, requiring costly maintenance and downtime.
- Non-compliance with energy codes like Title 24 and ASHRAE 90.1, leading to potential fines or retrofit expenses.
- Inefficient scheduling and automation, increasing energy waste and operational costs.
Traditional Relay Panels: How Do They Work?
- Mechanical Wear and Tear: Standard relays last around 100,000 switching cycles before failure due to arc formation.
- Lack of Smart Control: Requires separate time clocks, occupancy sensors, or BMS integration, increasing system complexity.
- High Maintenance Costs: Facility managers must schedule frequent replacements due to burned-out relays.
Softswitch 128: The Next Generation of Commercial Lighting Control
- One Million-Cycle Relay Life – 10X longer than traditional relays, eliminating frequent replacement.
- Integrated Astronomical Time Clock – Ensures Title 24 compliance out of the box.
- Digital Control for Up to 512 Circuits – Allows precise lighting schedules and centralized monitoring.
- Prewired and Pre-Tested Panels – Cuts down installation time and labor costs.
- Built-in RS232 & BMS Integration – Compatible with advanced building automation systems.
Softswitch 128 vs. Traditional Relay Panels: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Traditional Relay Panels | Lutron Softswitch 128 |
|---|---|---|
| Relay Life Cycle | ~100,000 cycles | 1,000,000+ cycles |
| Automation | Requires external time clocks & sensors | Built-in time clock, occupancy sensor & BMS integration |
| Compliance | May require add-ons for energy codes | CEC Title 24 & ASHRAE 90.1 compliant |
| Maintenance | Frequent relay replacement & service | Low maintenance, solid-state reliability |
| Installation | Manual wiring & configuration | Prewired, pre-tested for fast deployment |
Final Verdict: Is Softswitch 128 the Right Choice for You?
Softswitch 128 is the clear winner in commercial lighting control. Its million-cycle relay technology, built-in automation, and compliance-friendly design make it the best long-term investment over traditional relay panels.
Browse Our Available Models & Buy Today:
- XPS16-FT Softswitch 128 – 16 Relay Feed-Through
- XPS12-FT Softswitch 128 – 12 Relay Feed-Through
- XPS8-FT Softswitch 128 – 8 Relay Feed-Through
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