Question 1

Savings

Accepted Answer

Energy reduction due to controls varies by technology and application. Most incentive programs accept a predetermined percentage calculation depending on the technology used while ignoring the application. In rare occasions the calculations take into consideration how and where controls are deployed.

Typically APS uses the most conservative calculations allowed

- Photocells: 50% reduction in usage

- All forms of occupancy detecting controls: 15% reduction in usage.

The only accurate way to determine the true savings generated by the installation of controls is to install energy data loggers. APS has done this in the past, but only at the request of the customer. Utility companies and incentive programs rarely allow the actual energy reduction to be claimed (which makes using the energy data loggers a moot point).

Question 2

Smart Controls

Accepted Answer

There is currently no clear definition of Smart Controls and what features they contain. Different manufacturers define these types of controls in different ways.

APS Smart Controls

APS uses a Smart Control that we typically install on garage fixtures and retrofits

• LGrouping

- This is still a fairly unique technology.

- Wireless mesh connects grouped fixtures

- Groups of fixtures act as one. If any sensor in the group detects motion, the entire group of fixtures reacts and comes to full brightness.

• Feature adds a to the safety and security of the area (eliminating the “murder movie scene” feeling).

- VIDEO: Watch a brief demonstration of grouping in action

• Ster down dimming
 • PIR detection
 • Photocell/daylight harvesting
For more advanced Smart Controls, APS uses a system that combines wireless communication, touch screen wall controls, and advanced grouping capabilities.
 • Can be used in almost any situation.
 • Wireless communication between controls helps to avoid the major construction required to add dimming and grouping.
 • Can be installed in a single room, an entire building, or even in exterior applications.
 • Advantages:

- Very high end look and feel.

- Customized controls.

- Wireless connectivity avoids extensive construction and rewiring.

- Works with occupancy sensors, photocells, timers, etc.

- Scalable

- Can be tied into advanced energy management systems.

- Can be tied into a central, proprietary control and monitoring system.

- Allows for remote access to the control system.

• Disadvantages:

- The larger the area, the greater the amount of time it requires to layout a system.

- Short of rewiring and construction for a new energy management system, this type of control system is the most expensive option APS offers.

Question 3

Passive Infrared (PIR)

Accepted Answer

These are the sensors that you are probably familiar with. They are typically called “motion sensors” and are seen in place of standard wall switches, mounted in the ceiling of open office spaces and restrooms, as an add on to security lighting fixtures, or mounted externally to a linear fixture in a garage.

• On/Off controls

• More advanced PIR sensors can step down dim an LED fixture or retrofit. Typically these are found on garage fixtures.

• “Looks” for motion by scanning the area within its range using infrared light

• When there is no motion after a preprogrammed amount of time (called “delay time”), the sensor turns the fixture off.

• When motion is detected, the fixture turns on. Or, if the fixture was already on and motion is detected, the delay time is reset and the timer begins again.

• Need direct line of sight to be effective.

Question 4

Ultrasonic

Accepted Answer

These are sensors that are activated based on sound. They are typically installed in the ceiling of areas with multiple obstacles that will block the “vision” of a PIR sensor (such as a public restroom). This way, when the lights turn off, the person now in the dark can speak or make noise to turn the lights back on.

• Can be paired with PIR sensors (often called “dual technology” sensors”).

• On/Off control

• “Listens” for vacancy.

• If noise is detected, the ultrasonic sensor does not turn the lights off. If no noise is detected for a preset period of time, the sensor will turn the lights off.

Question 5

Microwave

Accepted Answer

Microwave sensors are a newer technology. Like PIR sensors they are detecting motion, but can also detect daylight levels like a photocell.

• On/Off/Step down dimming controls

• “Looks” for motion by scanning the area within its range using microwaves

• When there is no motion after a preprogrammed amount of time (called “delay time”), the sensor adjusts the fixture output to the “low” setting (typically there are preset options such as 0%, 15%, 25%, and 50%).

• When motion is detected, the fixture returns to full power. Or, if the fixture was already on and motion is detected, the delay time is reset and the timer begins again.

• Do not need direct line of sight to be effective.

• Can be used as a photocell for daylight harvesting.

- Detects ambient light levels from windows and sky lights.

- Turns fixtures OFF when minimum ambient light levels are detected.

Question 6

Photocells and Daylight Harvesting

Accepted Answer

Photocells detect the amount of daylight an area is exposed to and controls the light output of a fixture or fixtures.

• The simplest photocell is an ON/OFF system.

- Can be installed on a fixture (as an add-on feature) or is often integrated into a fixture (particularly decorative exterior fixtures).

- Can be installed on the side of a building and connected to an entire circuit.

- This is often the method used to turn building wall packs and flood lights on and off according to daylight levels.

• More advanced photocell controls have additional features.

- Step down dimming for daylight harvesting.

- Daylight harvesting is the idea of adjusting lighting levels based on the amount of sunlight coming in through windows and skylights.

- Some include time controls that allow the time of day/night to override the photo controls.

• Often found in combination with other sensor technologies.

Question 7

Timers and Time Clocks

Accepted Answer

Time controls can be installed either in place of a wall switch, at the panel, or on high end fixtures and controls they can be integrated to the fixture.

Twist Timers and Digital Timers

• Mounted in place of wall switch.

• Most common type that people come across are twist timers

- A knob is twisted to the desired duration of time. The lights come on when the timer is engaged and turn off when the timer expires.

- These are being replaced by digital timers.

• Digital timers are a modern replacement for twist timers.

- Instead of a knob, there are preset buttons for different time durations.

• Typical applications:

- Laundry rooms, restrooms, mechanical rooms, and interior hallways of storage facilities.

Time Clocks

Time clocks are installed at the panel and control a specific circuit or circuits. The earliest time clocks are simple, with only one ON time and one OFF time. Modern astronomical time clocks can be programmed for multiple ON and OFF times, automatically adjust for daylight savings time, and can be programmed according to sunrise and sunset. Typically outdoor lighting is controlled by a time clock.

The most modern time clocks can be used for lighting curfew requirements as well.

Question 8

Applications

Accepted Answer

Effective Applications

• Small rooms

- Offices, restrooms, conference rooms, utility rooms, storage closets, etc.

- Typically use PIR wallbox sensors. In some cases ceiling sensors are used, typically installed during the original build.

• Areas where the lights cannot be turned completely off

- Stairwells and garages are most typical.

-Depending on the fixture and environment PIR, microwave, or smart controls can be used.

• Exterior fixtures

- Wall packs, flood lights, monument signs, parking lot poles, etc.

- Typically photocells are employed in these applications.

- Installed on individual fixtures or wired to a single photocell mounted on the outside of the building.

-Timers and astronomical timers can also be used, they are installed at the panel.

• Multifamily

- Bathrooms

- Kitchens

- Dining rooms (not always)

- Entry/hallway (not always)

Ineffective Applications

• Anywhere which the capabilities of the controls are obstructed.

- No line of sight for a PIR sensor.

- Fixtures too far apart for smart controls.

- Photocells obstructed by trees or buildings

- Photocells being triggered by light from other fixtures

• Hallways

- Unless installed during the original build, hallways can be cost prohibitive.

- Fixtures and retrofits in hallways need to be dimmable.

- Multi-load option

- Connecting multiple fixtures to a single sensor (typically ceiling mounted).

- Wired: very high cost of materials and labor. Ceiling type can make the labor costs skyrocket.

- Wireless: high materials cost. Wirelessly meshed sensors are still very expensive.

- Integrated or add-on option

- Each individual fixture has its own sensor./p>

- This can dramatically increase the price of the fixture.

- Smart controls

- Wireless or wired, these are expensive and do not yield a short payback period.

- Typically installed during the original build or in high end buildings.

Question 9

The Murder Movie Scene (“Popcorn” Dimming)

Accepted Answer

Occupancy controls typically turn a fixture on or off. In garage and warehouse situations this can ead to being in a large space with many dark areas. As a person walks or drives through the rea, the lights come on as they approach the fixture but remain off further away in all directions. To make matters worse, if the time out setting is too short, the fixtures behind the person are turning off. This creates the feeling that a person is alone in a small pool of light. Or, as one of our customers called it, the murder movie scene.

• This can be avoided in many ways.

- Adjusting the sensitivity of the detection zone so that the sensor is triggered at the furthest possible distance from the fixture.

- Lengthening the time out period so that people have the opportunity to leave the area before the lights begin to “dim” or turn off entirely

- Smart Controls with grouping.

- True dimming rather than on/off controls.

Lighting