Lighting Control


versions this would occur even quicker due to the greater electrical savings offered – a situation that rather unusually means the better a system used the bigger the all round savings delivered. And what’s more, the vast majority of


these systems have the added benefit of being easy to install and commission whether in a new installation or during the upgrade of an existing one


Taking control While lighting control systems take many


forms, they all have one thing in common – they enable lighting to be controlled in a way that will reduce energy consumption by reducing unnecessary lighting use. At the very simplest system level are


pure switch operated systems, which enable users to control different lights in different areas, or zones of a room. This approach would enable lights along a row of windows to be operated independently of the other lights in the same space and can reduce light associated electricity use by around 20%. Further savings can be made by


supplementing switches with absence detectors, and even greater ones achieved by using sensors that incorporate ambient light level detection. These latter sensors will either switch off lights when a specified light level is achieved from daylight or will enable electrical lighting levels to alter so as to retain a consistent level in the space throughout the day while saving energy. Meanwhile, the potential for even more


savings can be made by retaining switches in systems due to the fact that individuals will often turn lights on later and off earlier than would be the case if a system was fully automated. This, of course, begs the question why use lighting control systems? The answer of course is that humans are fallible and research shows that lights are more often than not left on longer then necessary. That said, by combining human intervention and lighting automation, savings of up to 60% can be delivered.


Lamp life Despite all the evidence to the contrary,


some will still argue that leaving lights on all the time will ensure lamps last longer than ones that are switched on and off regularly. But that is simply not true. A standard rapid start fluorescent lamp left on continuously currently boasts a typical lifespan of 34,000 consecutive hours. In contrast, the same lamp switched on and off regularly has a reduced lifespan of


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around 30,000 hours, but this is spread out over a longer period of time, meaning the calendar life of the light actually increases dramatically from 3.9-years of round the clock use to 6.8-years of regular use. As a response to the energy reduction


challenge, manufacturers have introduced many new components and systems – Legrand included. Our recently launched range of lighting control devices addresses many of the elements that help to deliver maximum energy savings for the end user. The system incorporates three different sensors and a choice of two remote configurators, and is designed with the intention of being suitable for all types of commercial establishments and applications.


Presence detection Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors detect


both presence and absence by measuring the heat difference between people and ambient space, and are ideal for areas up to 45sq m without obstacles such as small offices and boardrooms. For areas up to 150sq m with obstacles, such as open plan offices and warehouse facilities, Ultrasonic sensors are ideal. These detect occupancy by transmitting sound waves throughout an area and measure the speed at which they come back. On top of these, the range also


features a unique dual technology sensor that incorporates both PIR and Ultrasonic detection and is suitable for areas of up to 90sq m with or without obstacles. Meanwhile, the use of remote configurators enables the different sensors to be quickly and easily programmed and re-programmed without ever having to be removed from ceilings or walls, which not only saves time, but also improves health and safety requirements as there is no need to access the ceiling void via ladders. The two configurators, for use by


authorised site managers, provide two different levels of control. The first being a simple, pre-programmed unit and the second an advanced programming tool featuring an LCD display, precise digital settings, instant visibility of all individual sensor settings, and priority preferences for use on dual technology sensors. The range also includes the option to


integrate switches into a system, in both wired and wireless formats. The latter option removing the need to bury cables


or run them through conduit due to the use of wiring devices that use radio waves to communicate with the different sensors and lights - a great advantage when upgrading an existing space. This is in addition to the more common IR remote control unit that is also available.


A chance to shine So, with all of the chips seemingly


stacked heavily in its favour, the big question is why are more businesses not already reaping the benefits of lighting control systems? The reason, unfortunately, is as straightforward as much of the technology itself. The regulations stipulate the minimum that needs to be done to meet targets and so designers, installers and building owners aren’t incentivised to deliver the best possible solution. Instead the end user has to be satisfied with what they get rather than what they could have had. Looking forward, there are signs that


suggest the picture is about to change. For example the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRCEES) is challenging the 5,000 heaviest commercial electrical energy users in the UK to cut their carbon use by as much as possible. As such these companies will find themselves embracing lighting control systems to their fullest extent in order to ensure they come close to the top of the CRCEES league table. A trend that is expected to filter down to many other businesses and lead to lighting control systems being given their chance to shine.


www.legrand.co.uk July 2010 Electrical Wholesaler 15


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