Cyclist riding through a park at night with city skyline in the background, illuminated by a WE-EF CFT500 pole-mounted luminaire

The Intelligence of Light

Controls and connectivity for Smart City Solutions

Dynamic lighting solutions offer flexible, intelligent options that enhance functionality and aesthetics in urban spaces. WE-EF provides energy-efficient, responsive lighting that adjusts to motion, improving safety, reducing energy use, and enhancing the user experience. This adaptability is key for Smart City lighting, where IoT devices and data analytics optimise urban services.

Eco Step Dim by WE-EF

Eco Step Dim (Motion) is WE-EF’s control solution for street lighting that uses motion detection to activate illumination only when needed—minimising energy consumption and avoiding unnecessary light spill. While the surroundings remain mostly unlit, the system provides targeted lighting to enhance safety and orientation.

Benefits of WE-EF Controls Solutions

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Energy saving

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Comfort

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Reduce maintenance cost

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Safety

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Protect nature

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Design and effects

Choose the version of ECO Step Dim® that fits your application

Diagram illustrating the logic of Eco Step Dim® Basic with pre-programmed light levels based on specific time zones

Eco Step Dim Basic

A factory-programmed electronic controller reduces luminous flux to a preset value. One dimming level is programmed, typically reducing light from 100% to 55%, with the option for other dimming settings upon request. This version requires control phases (L’) to activate the switch.

Diagram of Eco Step Dim® Advanced showing factory-programmed multi-step dimming with five adjustable light levels, operated via photocell or timer without a separate power source

Eco Step Dim Advanced

A factory-programmed, multi-step electronic controller reduces luminous flux and power. No separate power source is required, and five dimming levels can be pre-programmed, with the option for on-site reprogramming. Luminaires are switched on/off via a photocell or timer.

Diagram of Eco Step Dim® Motion showing PIR sensor-based lighting control that dims to low levels when no motion is detected and brightens in response to movement, with Advanced Motion offering up to five programmable dimming levels

Motion and Advanced Motion

Eco Step Dim® Motion uses PIR sensors to adjust lighting based on detected motion. When no motion is detected, the system dims the lights to a lower setting, such as 20%. When motion is detected, the lights are ramped up to a predefined level, following the movement of people through the area.
 Advanced Motion combines programming with 5 dimming levels and a motion sensor (still under development for standalone solutions).

Service Packages

Icon showing a street luminaire with light beams emitting from the luminaire head, representing WE-EF’s supply and configuration of luminaires and the Eco Step Dim® Motion system for smart lighting projects.

Energy saving

WE-EF supplies and configures luminaires and the Eco Step Dim® Motion system once ex works or on site. Reconfiguration is available as a service (chargeable). Gateway/app not included. 
 Applications: individual communal projects, isolated solutions and field trials for smart lighting, e.g., single streets, paths or squares. Semi-public or private projects, e.g., company site, car park.
 + Lower cost  + Simple installation 

Icon showing a street luminaire with light beams and a toggle switch, symbolizing user interaction and control over the Eco Step Dim® Motion system via included dongle or apps for on-site configuration and adjustment.

Energy saving optimisation

Dongle or apps included; operators can configure, change and service the Eco Step Dim® Motion system themselves (on site) using the apps on their mobile device. 
 Applications: Public spaces projects (street, square, district) or private projects (larger company sites, commercial estates) if qualified personnel are available for the operation of the system. Changes by WE-EF are subject to a fee. Further licences and details of the included services on request.  Adaptable to changes in human traffic 
 + Adjust settings post installation  + Network capacity + Future proofed + Lighting only when required  + Easily integrated with existing installations

Icon showing a street luminaire connected to a cloud and a computer dashboard, representing an internet gateway with remote configuration, smart-city networking, data monitoring, and operator control via a digital dashboard.

Remote control service

Internet gateway (via mobile phone) and dashboard included; operators can configure, change and service themselves (remotely). Networked Smart-City functions (data collection, remote maintenance, etc.). 
 Applications: larger communal projects or field trials in the context of Smart City; operator has qualified personnel (municipal utilities). Including ongoing support for one year, changes by WE-EF are subject to a fee. Further licences and details on the included services on request. 
 + Adaptable to changes in human traffic + Adjust settings post installation  + Network capacity  + Future proofed  + Lighting only when required  + Easily integrated with existing installations  + Monitoring/reporting capacity

Intelligently illuminating the Bay Run

People walking a dog along Bay Run at dusk, lit by a WE-EF street luminaire. Water is on the right, parking on the left, with a city skyline in the background. The lighting upgrade improves safety and atmosphere.

Enhancing safety, comfort and sustainability
with dynamic lighting

The Bay Run is a scenic and much-loved 7 km walking and cycling loop around Iron Cove Bay in Haberfield, NSW, attracting around 5,000 users each day. Recognising its popularity, the Inner West Council initiated a lighting upgrade to improve safety and usability while protecting the local ecosystem. The project marked the first collaboration between Buckford Illumination Group NSW and WE-EF LIGHTING.

The Lighting Brief

The objective was to create a smart, energy-efficient lighting solution that enhanced the user experience and ensured safety without compromising the surrounding environment. Key challenges included minimising light spill into the bay, managing energy use with adaptive controls, and selecting fixtures robust enough to withstand harsh coastal conditions. Ongoing community engagement also played a vital role in shaping the final solution.

Aerial view of Bay Run showing a pedestrian and bicycle bridge crossing the water, with evening light and WE-EF street luminaires creating a calm, safe atmosphere.
Bay Run path passing under a street bridge, with luminaires mounted beneath the bridge providing bright light to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

WE-EF Solution

Working alongside lighting designers from Lighting, Art & Science, engineers from Northrop, and electrical contractor Thorntek, Buckford Illumination Group NSW implemented a system using WE-EF luminaires with motion sensors and dimming capability. Lights dim to 50% after midnight, brightening only when human activity is detected—balancing safety and sustainability. The chosen products also offer long-term durability with 10-year warranties and advanced corrosion protection.

“The motion control sensors allow us to reduce energy up to 80% and minimise light pollution. The new lighting across the Bay Run produces a safer, greener and more attractive space.”

Craig Thornton, Thorntek

Group walking along the Bay Run path at dusk, enjoying a calm and safe atmosphere enhanced by warm WE-EF street lighting. The smart control system adjusts lighting based on human activity, ensuring efficient, responsive illumination for pedestrians and cyclists.

Product: VFL530

The installation features 82 VFL530 luminaires with a warm 2700 K colour temperature and integrated Eco Step Dim® motion sensors, along with 9 FLD131 floodlights. All luminaires are ADSA Approved, offering precision optics to minimise upward light and prevent spill into the water. The result is a resilient, low-impact lighting system that delivers energy savings of up to 80% and a safer, more welcoming environment for the community.

VFL500 street luminaire with warm 2700 K light and integrated motion sensor, designed for energy-efficient, low-impact outdoor lighting.

Programming ECO Step Dim® 

These PDFs provide detailed forms for the factory-side programming of WE-EF luminaires using Eco Step Dim® technology. The Basic version allows users to define simple dimming profiles with two stages (D1 and D2), while the Advanced version supports more complex, multi-stage dimming (D1–D6) with programmable times and levels. Each form can be filled out and submitted with your purchase order to request custom programming from WE-EF.

ItemDownloadMail Link
Eco Step Dim® Basic (PDF)
Eco Step Dim® Advanced (PDF)

Products with ECO Step Dim®