Which Softswitch 128 Panel Is Right for Your Project?
Posted by Beverly Hills Lighting Team on Mar 3rd 2025
Lutron XPS8-FT, XPS12-FT, and XPS16-FT: Which Softswitch 128 Panel Is Right for Your Project?
Quick Summary
- Lutron Softswitch 128 panels provide high-performance, relay-based lighting control for commercial and industrial applications.
- Three models available: XPS8-FT (8 relays), XPS12-FT (12 relays), XPS16-FT (16 relays), each designed for varying facility sizes and automation needs.
- Built for energy efficiency, these panels comply with Title 24 and ASHRAE 90.1 standards, ensuring adherence to modern commercial energy regulations.
- Key benefits: Prewired and pre-tested for faster installation, integrated astronomical time clock, demand response capabilities, and seamless integration with building management systems (BMS).
- Best suited for: Bulk buyers, electrical contractors, facility managers, and industrial procurement teams looking for long-term, maintenance-free lighting control solutions.
Introduction
For electrical contractors, facility managers, and engineers handling large-scale lighting automation, selecting the right control panel is crucial for optimizing energy efficiency, ensuring compliance, and minimizing operational costs. Lutron’s Softswitch 128 series is engineered to meet the demands of commercial and industrial spaces requiring highly reliable, programmable lighting control. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the XPS8-FT, XPS12-FT, and XPS16-FT models, covering their unique specifications, installation benefits, and application suitability for large-scale projects.
What Is Lutron’s Softswitch 128 Series?
Softswitch 128 panels are commercial-grade relay-based lighting control systems designed to support high-volume switching operations in corporate, industrial, and institutional environments. Traditional relay panels wear out over time due to mechanical stress, often failing after around 100,000 cycles. Lutron’s Softswitch 128 technology addresses this issue by utilizing **solid-state relay switching**, which increases longevity to over **1,000,000 cycles**, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and ensuring maximum uptime.
Why Facility Managers and Electrical Contractors Choose Softswitch 128:
- Reliability: Designed to operate in high-use environments such as hospitals, warehouses, and large office buildings, ensuring consistent performance without downtime.
- Energy Cost Reduction: Integrates with **demand response programs**, reducing power consumption during peak load periods, leading to long-term operational savings.
- Code Compliance: Preconfigured to meet **Title 24 and ASHRAE 90.1**, reducing risk of non-compliance issues in new and retrofit installations.
- Fast, Scalable Installation: Arrives **prewired and pre-tested**, significantly reducing labor costs for contractors and integrators.
- Automation & Integration Ready: Seamlessly connects with **building automation systems (BMS)** through **RS232 and contact closure interfaces**, allowing centralized lighting control across multiple circuits.
Core Features:
- Reliable Relay Switching: Capable of over 1,000,000+ relay cycles, ensuring long-term durability.
- Prewired & Pre-Tested: Eliminates configuration errors and accelerates deployment.
- Integrated Astronomical Time Clock: Automates time-based scheduling for exterior and interior lighting control.
- Demand Response Ready: Supports load-shedding protocols to optimize energy use during peak demand hours.
- Occupancy Sensor & Daylight Harvesting Integration: Maximizes energy efficiency by adapting to real-time usage patterns.
- Seamless BMS Integration: Compatible with **RS232 and contact closure systems**, allowing remote automation and control.
Model Comparison: XPS8-FT vs. XPS12-FT vs. XPS16-FT
| Feature | XPS8-FT | XPS12-FT | XPS16-FT | Why Choose This Model? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Relays | 8 | 12 | 16 | Choose based on the number of zones or circuits you need to control. |
| Maximum Load Capacity | 16A per relay | 16A per relay | 16A per relay | All models offer the same per-relay capacity, but more relays allow for higher overall load control. |
| Compliance | Title 24 & ASHRAE 90.1 | Title 24 & ASHRAE 90.1 | Title 24 & ASHRAE 90.1 | Ensures compliance with energy efficiency regulations for all commercial applications. |
| Best For | Small offices, conference rooms | Mid-sized commercial buildings | Large facilities, hospitals, warehouses | Choose based on the scale of your project and the number of independent lighting zones required. |
How to Choose the Right Softswitch Panel for Your Project
XPS8-FT: Best for Small-Scale Applications
Ideal for:
- Professional office spaces such as law firms, medical offices, and consulting agencies.
- Conference rooms where independent lighting control is necessary.
- Retail spaces requiring scheduled lighting automation.
Key Benefits:
- Supports occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
- Compact design is suitable for installations with limited electrical room space.
- Fast and cost-effective installation, making it a contractor-friendly solution.
XPS12-FT: Best for Mid-Sized Commercial Spaces
Ideal for:
- Office buildings with multiple floors or departments.
- Educational facilities and schools, ensuring compliance with Title 24 regulations.
- Mid-sized industrial facilities requiring multiple independent relay circuits.
Key Benefits:
- Supports multiple automation zones for enhanced flexibility.
- Built-in astronomical time clock reduces manual scheduling efforts.
- Seamless integration with BMS systems, allowing facility-wide automation.
XPS16-FT: Best for Large-Scale Facilities
Ideal for:
- Hospitals and healthcare centers ensuring lighting reliability in critical areas.
- Warehouses and logistics centers where multi-zone control maximizes energy savings.
- Manufacturing plants requiring automated relay switching for production efficiency.
Key Benefits:
- Handles higher loads and complex automation requirements.
- Demand-response ready, reducing peak-hour energy costs.
- Ensures compliance with Title 24 and ASHRAE 90.1, essential for large-scale commercial buildings.
Installation & Compliance Considerations
Title 24 & ASHRAE 90.1 Compliance:
- Preconfigured to meet energy efficiency codes, simplifying contractor installations.
- Helps facility managers maintain compliance without costly upgrades.
Occupancy Sensor Integration:
- Reduces energy waste by automating lighting shutoff in unoccupied areas.
- Can be custom-configured per zone, improving energy savings.
BMS Compatibility:
- Seamless integration with existing building automation systems for centralized control.
- Supports RS232 and contact closure interfaces, allowing for easy interoperability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between a relay-based and dimming lighting control panel?
Softswitch 128 uses relay-based switching for high-efficiency, long-life lighting control without dimming functionality.
Can Softswitch 128 panels integrate with third-party automation systems?
Yes, they support RS232 and contact closure interfaces for seamless BMS integration.
How does Softswitch 128 improve energy efficiency compared to traditional relay panels?
With solid-state relays rated for 1 million+ cycles, they reduce maintenance costs and support demand response programs.
Case Study: How Businesses Are Using Softswitch 128 Panels
Corporate Office Energy Savings
A commercial office retrofitted with Softswitch 128 panels reduced annual lighting energy costs by 28%.
Hospital Compliance & Automation
A hospital used XPS16-FT to meet Title 24 requirements, ensuring reliability and automated scheduling in critical areas.
Industrial Facility Load Management
A manufacturing plant integrated Softswitch 128 to optimize peak demand energy consumption, lowering utility bills by 15%.
Installation Best Practices
Panel Placement Considerations:
- Avoid heat-exposed areas for optimal relay performance.
Pre-Testing Protocols:
- Verify all loads before final wiring to prevent installation errors.
Best Wiring Practices:
- Use proper gauge wiring to support full relay capacity without overloading circuits.
Final Recommendation
For contractors, facility managers, and engineers, selecting the right Softswitch 128 panel depends on project scale, compliance needs, and automation goals:
- Choose XPS8-FT if a cost-effective solution is needed for small-scale offices and retail spaces.
- Choose XPS12-FT for mid-sized commercial buildings, where multiple zones require flexibility and compliance.
- Choose XPS16-FT for large-scale projects requiring high relay capacity and automation.
Explore Our Softswitch 128 Panels:
Need help selecting the right panel? Contact Beverly Hills Lighting for expert guidance.
