Simple Solutions with Lighting Occupancy Sensors

Our clients are always looking for ways to reduce operating costs and since one of the biggest expense items is electricity, we are always looking for energy saving ideas with quick payback periods that help the bottom-line.

Lighting occupancy sensors are the latest and greatest energy-saving technologies to incorporate into hotel renovations. Detecting activity in an area, lighting occupancy sensors turn lights on and off automatically.

Lighting occupancy sensors were installed in TynanGroup’s recently completed project, Montelucía Resort and Spa in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

Why a lighting occupancy sensor?

• Reduces lighting energy use- better for the environment and cost efficient.
• Convenient.
• Provides additional security.
• Contributes to obtaining points in LEED credit categories.

The most commonly used lighting occupancy sensors are:

Passive Infrared: Detect heat and motion

Ultrasonic: Detect Sound

There are also hybrid technologies which combine infrared and ultrasonic technologies.

Passive Infrared

Ultrasonic

Design, application and installation need be carefully considered for sensors to operate properly:

• Size of space and amount of motion to be considered.
• Range and coverage for sensors needs to be researched.
• Layout and mounting location to be determined.
• Switching to be determined, i.e. automatic on, manual on, bi-level switching
• Load limits for sensors and capabilities to work with light fixtures and ballasts needs to be researched.
• Sensors need to be installed in the correct location, proper height and angle and on non-vibrating surfaces.

When installed sensors need to be calibrated, i.e. sensitivity level to be checked and time delay to be determined.

Passive Infrared

Pros

1. Low occurrence of false triggering.
2. Cost less to purchase than Ultrasonic.

Cons

1. Work by “line of sight” – cannot detect motion behind partitions, stairs, etc.
2. The farther the motion occurs from the sensor, the larger the sensor will need to be.

Ultrasonic:

Pros

1. Can usually detect movement not in “line of sight”
2. Detect all types of motion.

Cons

1. More expensive then infrared.
2. Can be prone to false signals.

Manufacturers:

Most major manufacturers produce lighting occupancy sensors, including the following:

Lutron Electronics
888.588.7661
www.lutron.com

Leviton Manufacturing
800.323.8920
www.leviton.com

Lithonia Lighting
770-922-9000
www.lithonia.com

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