Light the way with occupancy sensors

In a commercial space, it is particularly important to make sure work areas are well lit when they are occupied and not lit when they are unoccupied. Due to the number of lamps being powered, savings can be huge when occupancy sensors are used. Reaping these energy savings can be as simple as installing occupancy sensors to ensure that when the space is empty, the lights are off.

Beyond energy savings, you’ll add security and convenience. Choosing occupancy sensors for warehouse spaces means no one will walk into a dark space or worry about turning the lights off when they leave. More technologically advanced versions are great for offices and some will even adapt to ambient light from windows. Occupancy sensors are a key attribute when working toward LEED certification. Some fixtures can be ordered from the factory with the occupancy sensors already installed.

Conventional wisdom about increased on/off switching of fluorescent fixtures is that the wear and tear on the lamps negated any energy savings. A carefully designed study by the Electric Power Research Institute found this was not the case, particularly in settings where lights typically were turned on as a default for the duration of the business day. By not wasting lamp life during unoccupied hours, years can be added to lamp longevity.

Despite the fact that energy savings from occupancy sensors remain their most compelling feature, reducing lamp replacement over time (and the associated decline in maintenance costs) can also provide major savings. Click on the appropriate link for more information about LEED and EPAct.

Introduction to Occupancy Sensors
Energy efficient lighting controls (PDF)
Dimming ballasts, occupancy sensors can reduce costs