INTEGRAL LIGHTING CONTROLS

Microwave Sensor

A microwave sensor transmits pulses of specific microwave frequencies. The sensor then measures reflection off objects such as walls when those microwaves make their way back to the sensor. The whole area in range of the sensor is subject to this process, and the reflections change when someone enters that area. The microwave sensor interprets motion in terms of speed and size, as opposed to a PIR sensor which senses in terms of heat and light.

A microwave sensor has high sensitivity as well as detection range compared to other types of sensors. Microwave sensors love moving metal so care should be taken when deploying this type of product in old buildings with metal structures. In addition to high sensitivity, these products are powerful and capable of detecting occupancy through wood, plasterboard and glass.

 Typical microwave sensor in operation. Suffix: MW

Microwave Sensor or PIR?

The microwave sensor’s method of operation means that the line-of-sight issues experienced with PIR sensors such as not being able to detect movement if it occurs around a corner is reduced. Microwaves transmitted from the sensor can penetrate most building materials. Controls which are integrated into light fittings by design can be protected against dust, moisture and background temperature. Microwave sensors have a considerably longer lifespan than PIR’s.

Corridor Function

When regulations require that a specific area be lit 24 hours per day, Corridor Function is a low cost, energy efficient option. Corridor Function is a feature automatically enabled on certain dimming control gear. For even more control, this type of gear can be used in conjunction with a microwave sensor. Lighting can be set up to be permanently on or dim down when no movement is detected. Possible uses are pedestrian walkways, cycling paths, tube stations, large apartment complexes. Luxonic combine Corridor Function with microwave sensors in order to increase flexibility and energy efficiency of the lighting system.

 Typical Corridor Function and microwave sensor in operation. Suffix: CF/MW 

Note; – Pre-set for typical situations (Adjacent luminaires may perform differently). Detector is disabled when daylight is sufficient.

Photocell Sensor

Luminaires controlled by photocells automatically light up as daylight fades, and completely switch off when the morning sun becomes bright enough to supply sufficient light. The luminaire might possibly switch on and off at various times as the level of natural light available might vary during the course of the day. Luxonic combine microwave sensors with corridor function and photocells to achieve a more flexible and money saving, energy efficient lighting system.

Typical Corridor Function with microwave sensor and photocell in operation. Suffix: CF/MW/PH

Note: The photocell is located behind the luminaire lens.

ECODIM® Range

Ecodim® is a range of intelligent luminaires with integral sensors for surface, recessed and suspended lighting to cover a wide range of applications to include care home and student accommodation. The philosophy of Ecodim® is to maximum energy savings by providing light when needed, turn off or dim down the lighting when it’s not, harvest daylight contribution, dim lighting if applicable and prevent the lighting from switching on when daylight is sufficient for the environment to be lit.

In dimming applications where an appropriate light source is chosen, automatic light level switch Off can also be realised when measured light levels are sufficient. Features that involve any form of daylight control, i.e. Daylight linking or Daylight inhibit require commissioning at site to ensure the required energy saving performance is achieved.

Auto On/Off
This feature is regular switching On & Off according to occupancy

Daylight Inhibit**
This feature prevents the lighting switching On if occupation is detected in regular On/Off switching applications when the current light level measured is above the required lighting level. This feature does not switch the lighting Off when artificial and daylight exceeds the required level for safety.

Auto On/Off to Dim
This feature switches the Lighting to Dim as opposed to Off and provides a background illuminance when the sensor is not detecting occupancy.
Note:   Compact fluorescent lamps are restricted for dimming level subject to Lamp/Ballast matching and manufacturers recommendations. Low level dimming of compact fluorescent lamps for long periods is not conducive to long lamp life.

Daylight Link**
This feature enables the artificial lighting to dim up & down according to the light contribution from daylight and maintains the require illuminance by measuring reflected light. This reflected light level will be affected by change of reflective surface underneath the sensor and may require re-commissioning on change.

Daylight Link to Off
This feature enables the artificial lighting to both switch On & off depending on whether the measured light level exceeds the required light level. This feature is not recommended for compact fluorescent light sources due to limited low level dimming potential.  

Burn-in
LED light sources provide 50,000 hour lamp life and do not require any form of lamp burn-in.

Occupancy Sensing

These luminaires utilise microwave sensors for increased detection sensitivity and are suitable for direct on sensing and slow or small movements.
Luxonic uses standard ‘Macro’ configuration settings for all sensors supplied in luminaires, alternative settings can be requested and programmed in the factory at a cost. Changes to supplied Macro Settings such as daylight switching and dimming must be performed on site by a Luxonic commissioning engineer.