Lighting Controls

The topic of occupancy sensors came up last session. I believe the implication of the conversation was that occupancy sensors may someday be cost effective. In fact, occupancy sensors are cost effective in both new construction and retrofit projects. In office buildings, it is estimated that they save roughly 20% on lighting energy costs. I have personally seen such sensors used not only in commercial applications but even large warehouses. As one moves through the warehouse, lights turn on in the area that the person is in – it feels very sci-fi. Note as well that the term occupancy a sensor is now more commonly used than motions sensors; the control may use more than simply motion to activate a lighting fixture.