This new sensor provides an innovative and contractor-friendly solution to meet the neutral/ground wiring requirements under the 2011 National Electric Code® (“NEC 2011”) without having to purchase a dedicated unit. The WSD NGX sensor can use either the neutral conductor required by NEC 2011 for new construction projects, or it can use the ground connection, which is a common wiring method for many retrofit applications. The sensor’s ability to use either wiring method enables distributors to stock and sell one unit without risk of returned material from jobs where the wrong type of sensor was supplied.
The new patent-pending convertible neutral/ground exchangeable (NGX) feature joins Sensor Switch’s already patented reversible line and load wiring featured product line – continuing the Company’s rich history of developing contractor-friendly products. The WSD NGX is available in both Passive Infrared (PIR) and Dual Technology (PDT) versions and is now shipping.
By Lighting Controls Association, on March 21, 2012
Lutron Electronics has unveiled a new line of Maestro occupancy/vacancy sensing switches that automatically turn lights on and off. The sensors provide significant technological advancements, including working with all bulb types and ambient light detection, making it simpler than ever to make sensors a part of your home’s energy-saving strategy.
When used in the home, sensors can save up to 20% lighting energy. Sensors are commonly used in kitchens, laundry rooms, kids’ rooms and garages.
The product offers numerous breakthroughs in this market, including:
For use with all bulb types and all load types
* works with incandescents, halogens, CFLs, LEDs, magnetic low-voltage, electronic low-voltage and linear fluorescents
* working with all these bulb types simplifies the selection and installation processes, as they’re installed the same way as a light switch or dimmer – no additional wiring required
Advanced XCT Sensing Technology
* Lutron’s proprietary sensing technology offers reliable on/off performance up to 30 feet from the sensor
* eliminates background interference that could trigger the sensor to turn on when not needed
* detects fine motion to avoid having the lights inadvertently turn off
Ambient light detection
* detects natural light, so lights turn on only when needed, saving energy
* will learn your preferred light level for a specific room and turn on only if needed to get to this preferred level.
Sleek design complements a home’s décor
* overcomes common homeowner objection of unattractive design
* offers a clean look and feel and coordinates with other Lutron Maestro family products
Sensors can function in two modes:
Occupancy mode
* sensor automatically turns lights on when entering a room
* sensor automatically turns lights off when room is vacant
* great for laundry rooms, garages, kitchens
Vacancy mode
* manually turn lights on when entering a room and sensor automatically turns lights off when room is vacant
* great for bedrooms, kids’ rooms, rooms with pets
Two models of the Maestro occupancy/vacancy sensor switch are now available – one version for small rooms and one for large rooms. Sensors are priced at $29 and $41, respectively, and are available now at home improvement centers, lighting showrooms, electrical distributors and online.
The sensor, which was accepted into the prestigious 2011 IES Progress Report, mounts in a lighting fixture and provides motion-based multilevel control combined with optional hold off daylighting control. Its unique feature set provides the flexibility to quickly and easily customize control parameters for each project to ensure energy savings while also addressing security concerns. All parameters are adjustable via a wireless configuration tool capable of storing and transmitting multiple sensor profiles.
The sensor is specifically engineered for use in LED fixtures; it can withstand the high temperatures produced by LED lighting, and its relay will last for the life of the fixture. The FSP-211 also works with fluorescent lighting, including 0-10V dimmable ballasts. When installed in an outdoor fixture, it is IP66 rated, impervious to dust and powerful water jets. A choice of four lenses ensures complete coverage for mounting heights ranging from 8’ to 40’, making the sensor suitable for virtually any application.
The FSP-211 is the first fixture-integrated motion sensor to feature two fully adjustable lighting levels plus off. It delivers design levels for high and low modes, preventing over-lighting and maximizing energy efficiency. An integral photocell measures the ambient light level and can hold lighting off, or at low level, when there is sufficient daylight contribution. All adjustments are made with a wireless handheld infrared (IR) tool, and the hold off setpoint includes an automatic calibration option for added convenience. The wireless configuration tool can store and send up to five sensor profiles, including all parameters, to significantly speed project commissioning.
By Lighting Controls Association, on December 29, 2011
OSRAM SYLVANIA has expanded its line of ELOGIC™ Lighting Controls within the SYLVANIA Light Management Systems portfolio. The ELOGIC family of controls provides added energy savings, preference control and optimization for lighting systems across a variety of applications. Additions to the SYLVANIA portfolio include the commercial-grade ELOGIC Sensors Series and ELOGIC Slide Dimmers Series, offering flexibility and improved efficiency for a wide range of lighting systems.
The SYLVANIA ELOGIC Occupancy Sensors Series delivers a full line of sensors comprised of six unique sensors, including configurations for internal fixture mounting, external mounting for high bay applications, and one with the additional feature of daylight hold-off. A Wall-Box Sensor is available that requires little to no commissioning and self-adjusts and self-calibrates, and a Dual Relay Wall Box sensor is available that controls two separate loads and multiple fixtures or switched dimming. Both Wall-Box and Ceiling sensors come in Infrared and Multi-Technology version that detects small motions and occupants behind obstructions.
The SYLVANIA ELOGIC Dimmer Series delivers a full line of dimmer switches compatible with line voltage LED sources, phase cut fluorescent systems, zero-to-ten volt devices and electronic and magnetic transformers. ELOGIC Dimmers feature fluid slide motion, allowing for fine adjustments, and LED locator lights are available in most models to illuminate the switch when lights are off.
For more information about the SYLVANIA Light Management Systems portfolio, contact OSRAM SYLVANIA.
By Lighting Controls Association, on November 1, 2011
Encelium Technologies has introduced its new family of low-voltage occupancy sensors. This product line includes a full range of passive infrared (PIR) and dual technology (Ultrasonic/PIR) low-voltage sensors available in both wall mount and ceiling mount configurations.
PIR and Ultrasonic line-voltage wall switches are also available as are 120V, 277V and 347V power packs. Any of the new low-voltage sensors can be converted to line-voltage use with a Power Pack (PPK-020/PPK-347) or a unique Power Base Adaptor (PBA-015). All of the sensors are customized for use with the company’s Energy Control System (ECS) with optimized factory presets for sensitivity and default time-outs.
When the sensors are used within the ECS architecture, parameters including time-outs, support zones, integration with time schedules, sharing of occupancy data with building management systems, and zone control, are all configured through Encelium’s Polaris 3D software. A first of its kind software application in the lighting control industry, Polaris 3D is used to commission, configure and manage Encelium’s ECS.
By Lighting Controls Association, on October 3, 2011
This video by Walters Wholesale Electric introduces the building industry to the Philips OccuSwitch Wireless Control System, an advanced, energy-saving occupancy sensor system that automatically turns lights off in an unoccupied room. This unique indoor Plug and Play system is ideally suited to retrofits as well as new installations in commercial applications. With a 10-year battery life design included, the system can be installed in minutes to deliver long-lasting energy savings.
By Lighting Controls Association, on September 14, 2011
This short video, produced by the Lighting Controls Association at the 2011 LIGHTFAIR event, introduces the building industry to WattStopper’s Isolé plug load control product line. This controller provides a convenient way for building managers to prevent wasted energy from a wide variety of electrical devices in private and modular offices. Isolé couples a personal occupancy sensor with a surge-protected power strip to turn off unneeded devices when a space is vacant while also protecting expensive equipment. It is the only occupancy-based plug load controller available.
After watching the video, click here for more information.
Acuity Brands has announced the release of its new and updated catalog for its nLight® system, the award-winning network lighting control system that combines multiple lighting control options, including time-based, sensor-based, daylight-based, and manual functionality.
The newly released nLight catalog contains comprehensive product information as well as a system architecture section that illustrates sample configurations for many types of customer applications, including retail, office, warehouse, and classrooms. The catalog also incorporates a design guide, a section detailing best practices, information about lighting coverage patterns, wiring diagrams and a Quick-Reference guide entitled nLight is/is NOT, which condenses descriptions of the many features and benefits of the system into one simplified format.
The nLight system connects intelligent digital devices, including occupancy sensors, photocells, power/relay packs, wall switches, dimmers, relay panels and luminaires, to create an integrated lighting system with distributed intelligence that can be easily configured and customized to meet customers’ lighting requirements. Featuring advanced passive infrared and patented Microphonics dual technology, nLight is a sophisticated, flexible, software upgradeable and energy-efficient system, which significantly shortens installation labor time while also reducing energy costs by up to 40% or more, making it both contractor and customer-friendly.
“We are pleased to release this updated comprehensive nLight catalog,” said Ben Hahn, Acuity Brands Lighting Vice President, Sensor Switch Product Value Stream. “It will be a tremendously useful tool for specifying and design engineers. The easy-to-use formats, clear, concise diagrams and illustrations will go a long way towards helping our customers design and build integrated systems that meet their lighting needs.”
Acuity Brands’ Sensor Switch has also announced its introduction of QR barcodes in its 2011 print ads enabling mobile users to simply scan the code with their Blackberry®, iPhone®, or other smart device and immediately have access to additional product information.
Leviton’s SECTOR™ Intelligent Ballast and Lighting Control System combines several energy-saving technologies–occupancy sensing, daylight harvesting and dimming–into one conveniently integrated system. This topology free system uses the same wiring type for all SECTOR™ components and accessories making it one of the easiest lighting control systems to install. To further simplify installation, all components are on a single bus, with accessories connected to the network, not the ballast. The SECTOR™ family of products provides a scalable solution that offers maximum flexibility and maximum coverage in any application–from a single room to a campus of buildings.
By Lighting Controls Association, on June 30, 2011
Zone5 Daylight Harvesting System by Hubbell Building Automation
A daylight harvesting system including occupancy sensors, daylight sensors and low voltage switches, to control 1 on/off and 4 variable lighting zones.
Acuity Brands, Inc. recently introduced a new patent-pending (Neutral/Ground Exchangeable) wall switch sensor as an addition to its Sensor Switch® line of occupancy sensors.
Lutron Electronics has unveiled a new line of 
WattStopper has introduced the rugged 
