Electrical Connection Spring 2015

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6 4 E L E CT R I C AL CONNE CT I ON S P R I NG 2 01 5
When movement is detected, lighting levels
can instantly return to 100% for clearer
movement, while other areas with no
movement remain dimmed in power saving
mode, reducing energy consumption.
Daylight harvesting sensors ensure a
constant lux level enhancing the visual
experience of visitors while at the same
time also reducing energy consumption.
MESH NETWORK AND WIRELESS
ZONING
Switching from conventional fluorescent
battens to LED battens with controls
in existing car parks has previously
presented challenges, particularly as car
parks typically have concrete ceilings.
With wireless capabilities built into
individual luminaires, car parking spaces can
be easily divided into specified ‘zones of light’
by carefully positioning presence detectors
that are wirelessly linked to the luminaires
near by so that lighting is effectively ‘one step
ahead’ of pedestrian and vehicle access. This
also means more energy conscious use of
lighting as light is only switched on when and
where it is needed.
As an example, the Philips
GreenPerform batten with G2 Actilume
Wireless, uses the ZigBee wireless
communication protocol, which means
up to 50 adjacent luminaires can be
wirelessly programmed into one zone. It is
important however to remember that the
size, shape and location of zones should
be designed to match the occupation
and routing density of people and cars
allowing optimum balancing of comfort
and safety with energy savings.
PLANNING IS KEY
When creating a wireless networked
lighting plan there are a number of factors
that need to be taken into account at the
design stage.
LUMINAIRE CONNECTIONS
The impact of blocking objects such as
lift shafts with metal sidewalls, corridors,
concrete beams and differences in ceiling
heights that separate luminaires need
to be considered when networking
each light zone.
LUMINAIRE POSITIONING
Where luminaires are mounted can
impede commissioning so it is essential
to allow for recommended distances
between wall and luminaire.
SENSOR POSITIONING
Where sensors are placed also impacts
the success of a car park lighting
installation. Whether a new build or
retrofit, it is essential to analyse the
car park area design and anticipated
movements through the car park.
Consider the direction of both cars and
people throughout the area. This will
inform how the area is to be lit, how
lighting zones are to be created, how each
zone is activated and how one zone flows
to the next zone, and the next, around a
entire car park.
ZONING CONSIDERATIONS
When it comes to network zoning with
wireless lighting there are essentially three
layout options contractors need to know
about depending on the needs of the
application: ‘flexible’ layout, ‘economical’
layout or ‘combinational’ layout.
> Flexible layout
For car parks installations where
complete flexibility in terms of both
lighting and control is required, grouping
and connecting only ‘master luminaires’
offers the best approach.
Installing all ‘master luminaires’ means
that each luminaire can function as an
independent connected unit. This also
enables simple pairing or re-zoning by
application can be done easily by the
contractor as a commissioning service or
by the end user.
> Economical layout
Where less flexibility is required, consider
zones that incorporate one ‘master
luminaire’ connected to a group of ‘slave’
luminaires to form a wireless connected unit.
> Combinational layout
A combinational layout incorporates
wireless ‘master luminaires’, standalone
sensors, wireless terminals and ZigBee
controls woven in a connected lighting
network. With this type of layout,
grouping and re-zoning can be achieved
without changing the physical connection
between the units.
A WIN-WIN LIGHTING SOLUTION
FOR CONTRACTORS
Contractors today need to continually
be on the look out for new lighting
solutions that enable them to deliver
greater value to existing customers and
also expand their customer base.
With the introduction of wirelessly-
controlled LED luminaires that offer
a point-to-point retrofit replacement
option for car park applications savvy
electrical contractors will see this as a new
business opportunity not only in replacing
conventional luminaires, but also through
the commissioning of each project.
To stay abreast of the latest lighting
technologies contractors should regularly:
> Consult their local electrical wholesaler
to find out about the latest lighting
products and solutions; and,
> Visit industry and manufacturer websites,
and ask about product training. Most
manufacturers will offer training in system
design, installation, commissioning
(zoning) and ongoing support.
* Comparison to fixed output
fluorescent battens.
> Philips Lighting Australia