ABOUT

US

Control. Simplified.

We are designers and manufacturers of high quality electronics for lighting and lighting controls.

Privately owned UK manufacturer, designed and built in Hertfordshire.

For over 50 years, we’ve engineered lighting controls that deliver the atmosphere, control, flexibility, consistency and reliability your projects demand. We provide complete solutions, from design input and documentation through commissioning, training and aftercare, so venues look right and work right, all day, every day.

Continuity, not jumps. What can look like big leaps are in fact planned, incremental steps

Who else can support products dating back 30+ years and bring them in line with today’s lighting challenges? We do, because we built them to be serviceable from day one.

Today’s ultra smooth mains dimming for LEDs stems from transformer and difficult load work in theatres and clubs of the ’70s–’90s.

RGB/RGBW and tunable white applications trace back to early DMX work and neon/cold cathode effects.

Straightforward installation comes from 50 years of listening to electricians and engineers and feeding it back into our designs.

OUR HISTORY

Lighting control is in our DNA

From the original two man startup in the early 1970s we have grown to become an industry leading designer and manufacturer of architectural lighting controls continuing the original mindset of engineering and application focused product development.

1970

Inception

David Tappenden and Richard Steward build the first Mode lighting controller and begin selling products to the newly created disco and theatre markets

Late 1970s

Growth

With the rapid growth in the sector products expand to include dimmer packs and control systems including the Light Unit44 Dancefloor controller which takes the business worldwide.

1980s

Arcline

The Arcline linear stroboscopic effect is born and is deployed on stage shows, TV shows and product launches.

Late 1980s

Scenario scene setting

A range of dimmer packs are developed to work with a new protocol called DMX for theatrical lighting.

1990

Electronic Transformers

The first fully dimmable electronic transformer for low voltage lighting is introduced and opens up the world of architectural lighting.

1990s

Architectural Lighting Controls

A number of theatre products are redesigned to suit the architectural lighting industry

1993

Neotran

Neotran, the world’s first fully dimmable neon / argon convertor is released. High power and DMX convertors follow

1997

Tiger

The original Tiger Dimmer Pack is released creating a new electrical installation backbone that remains in use today.

2004

Evolution

The Evolution system is launched bringing an intelligent, scalable, multi-protocol controls solution to the industry.

2009

eDIN

eDIN arrives bringing a smaller scale controls solution in DIN-Rail Module format

2017

eDIN+

eDIN+ builds on the Evolution and eDIN controls design, widening the capabilities, extending applications and simplifying programming ensuring compatibility and upgrade options across the previous 20 years.

2020s

Tuneable

Additional modules are introduced that expand the system capabilities including DALI broadcast, tuneable lighting control and updated app control for smart devices

2023

Pixel

Several standalone and application specific product designs are worked on which will feed into standard solutions over the coming years. From Pixel LED to wireless controls

2025

Next Generation

Development begins on the next generation of controls which will be compatible with previous ranges and cover additional applications ensuring continuing support of legacy projects and exciting opportunities for the road ahead..

Who we serve

We work across a range of sectors, tailoring solutions to each application:

Hospitality

Repeatable ambience every service: scene setting, scheduling, presence and daylight control.

Workplace

Sensor-led control and time events for comfort and efficiency—without daily tinkering.

Retail & Brand

Consistent roll-outs, neat installs, and reliable colour for windows and feature areas.

Residential

Discreet interfaces and natural-feeling scenes that everyone can use.

Education

Simple, durable controls with clear documentation and easy maintenance.

Heritage & Culture

Gentle fades, tidy wiring and serviceable panels for sensitive refurbishments.

Leisure & Wellbeing

Tunable white and RGBW to move from calm mornings to energetic evenings.

Group, people & facilities

Mode Lighting Limited is part of a privately owned UK Group of electronics companies, TCL. Each business offers complementary capability - delivering true design to manufacture support. We operate well equipped factories, offices and substantial warehousing exceeding 20,000 m² across Ware and Hertford, around 20 miles north of London (Stansted, Luton and Heathrow within easy reach). The Group employs 200+ people, with in-house R&D and engineering ensuring our products meet the industry’s evolving demands.

Group services include: turnkey OEM electronic product development and IMS (Insulated Metal Substrate) PCB manufacture for power and LED applications.