Plug loads such as computer equipment, copiers, and task lighting are common in many buildings, especially office buildings, where use is intensive. They are a significant and the fastest-growing load type in buildings, in some cases exceeding the lighting load. Because these devices often remain ON when they are not being used or draw power in an OFF or standby state, they offer an attractive target for automatic removal from power to reduce energy consumption by 15% to 50%. As a result, a growing number of energy codes now require plug load control.
Controlling plug loads is a natural extension for lighting control, as the same strategies and devices used for automatic switching of general lighting can be deployed for plug load control either at the receptacle or circuit level.
Authored by Craig DiLouie, LC, CLCP, education director for the Lighting Controls Association, this webinar runs about 20 minutes and provides an overview of approaches used to automatically control plug loads in commercial buildings. Topics include code requirements, strategies, devices, system integration, and key decision-making points.
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