Sensors
Occupancy Sensors
It makes sense to light areas only when they are being used. In many buildings, different areas can have significantly varying levels of occupancy. Depending on the location and usage, lighting areas only when they’re used can save between 20 and 50 per cent of the electricity bill. That’s why installing occupancy sensors for energy efficiency can be one of the most effective and economical decisions a building owner can make.
Occupancy sensors are designed to turn lights on or off in the presence or absence of people. Sensors consist of a motion detector, electronic control unit and a relay. Operation occurs when the sensor detects presence in the controlled space, signalling the control unit to operate the relay that turns the lights on. Conversely, after a pre-set time when no presence is detected, the lights are turned off.
There are also sensors designed for use with lighting dimming systems to maintain lighting levels while making use of daylight. Sensor units are available in wall or ceiling mounted configurations depending on the size of room and coverage area required.
Power Sensor Controls
There is a line of power sensor controls available that will increase energy efficiency by turning off the load to which they are connected. This is done through the use of a passive infrared sensor (PIR), which detects people in the vicinity and powers down the load if no one is detected. These are simple plug-in devices that can be used on vending machines, glass front coolers, snack machines or any plug-in loads such as computer monitors, printers, video arcade games, copiers, etc. Many of these electrical loads are on 24/7/365 and depending on the load device, savings can exceed 40 per cent.
For all these power sensing units, turning off the power supply or reducing run time, also lengthens the expected lifetime of the equipment, keeps maintenance costs down and can also reduce exposure to damaging power line spikes.
