advanced search

Adding Value on the Home Front

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Carlos Villalobos, Watt Stopper/Legrand

Special switching options

Once the sensor type has been selected, you can consider whether the application involves any special switching requirements. An area with multiple entrances, such as a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, a hallway, or a staircase might not be suited to switching from a single location, but instead require 3- or 4-way control. Alternately, the homeowner might wish to switch two loads separately from a single location, such as a bathroom fan and light.

Multi-way sensors are available for applications requiring several switching locations. By installing sensors in two or three locations, coverage is extended to include areas within the line of sight of any of the connected sensors. Lighting is held on for the time delay period after the last sensor in the group ceases to detect motion. When choosing multi-way sensors, be certain that the model selected offers full multi-way control.

(click here to see Fig. 1)

Dual relay sensors offer a perfect solution for switching separate loads from one location and can be especially useful for retrofits. Housed in a single-gang device, dual relay sensors give contractors the option of splitting control of two loads or adding a load without having to install a larger box.

In addition to PIR circuitry, some sensors also contain photocells that measure the amount of ambient light. With this added input, automatic-on occupancy sensors in areas with windows or skylights can be set up to turn lights on only if light levels are low when occupancy is detected, saving more energy than standard occupancy sensors. A light level sensor could be just the right choice for a daylit laundry room, a space people tend to enter or exit with their hands full, making a manual-on switch an awkward choice. The light level sensor would keep lights off when the space was bright, but turn them on automatically when the space was dark and someone entered. Of course, such sensors can be turned on manually.

Setup and maintenance

For the most part, sensor set up involves a couple of quick one-time adjustments. If the device has the option of automatic- or manual-on, this parameter may need to be configured from one option to the other. In most cases, the only other adjustment needed is to set the time delay. This is generally done with a screwdriver-adjustable trim pot. As noted earlier, set long time delays for areas that experience extended periods of occupancy and/or where occupants may move only minimally. Set shorter time delays for areas that will experience short durations of stay.

When a sensor includes a built-in light level sensor, it should be factory set to the maximum light level. This ensures that the daylighting option does not come into play unless it is specifically required. When using the option, gradually decrease the light level adjustment until lighting comes on at the desirable threshold.

The contractor should test the sensors as the final step of the installation process. Place each device in test mode, which temporarily shortens the time delay, and check to ensure that the sensor does indeed turn the lights on (if applicable) and off — and that it properly senses movement within its line of sight. Once the sensor is set up, you can confidently walk away, knowing it will operate consistently over time with no maintenance.

Staying on top

According to the “Builder Technology Market Survey,” conducted by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) in conjunction with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), lighting controls represented the second biggest increase of any home technology — over home theater, multi-room audio, and structured wiring.

As with so many things in life, the array of choices on the market can sometimes be more of a curse than a blessing. How can a busy contractor best keep track of so many options and offer customers features tailored for each application without spending an inordinate amount of time setting up and adjusting sensors? By familiarizing yourself with the benefits of the latest generation of residential control products, you will be in the best position to take advantage of your clients' growing interest in controls.

Villalobos is senior product development manager with the Watt Stopper/Legrand, Santa Clara, Calif.

Want to use this article? Click here for options!

© 2012 Penton Business Media, Inc.

---

Acceptable Use Policy blog comments powered by Disqus

Browse Back Issues Select an Issue EC&M Magazine | April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 1, 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 1, 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 1, 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 July 2006 June 1, 2006 May 1, 2006 April 2006 March 1, 2006 February 2006 January 2006 December 2005 November 2005 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 2005 December 2004 November 2004 October 2004 September 2004 August 2004 July 2004 June 2004 May 2004 April 2004 March 2004 February 1, 2004 January 1, 2004 December 1, 2003 November 1, 2003 October 1, 2003 September 1, 2003 August 1, 2003 July 1, 2003 June 1, 2003 May 1, 2003 April 1, 2003 March 1, 2003 February 1, 2003 January 1, 2003 December 1, 2002 November 1, 2002 October 1, 2002 September 1, 2002 August 1, 2002 July 1, 2002 June 1, 2002 May 1, 2002 April 1, 2002 March 1, 2002 February 1, 2002 January 1, 2002 December 1, 2001 November 1, 2001 October 1, 2001 September 1, 2001 August 1, 2001 July 1, 2001 June 1, 2001 May 1, 2001 April 1, 2001 March 1, 2001 February 1, 2001 February 1, 1995 January 1, 2001 December 1, 2000 November 1, 2000 October 1, 2000 September 1, 2000 August 1, 2000 July 1, 2000 June 1, 2000 May 1, 2000 April 1, 2000 March 1, 2000 February 1, 2000 January 1, 2000 December 1, 1999 November 1, 1999 October 1, 1999 September 1, 1999 August 1, 1999 July 1, 1999 June 1, 1999 May 1, 1999 April 1, 1999 March 1, 1999 February 1, 1999 January 1, 1999 December 1, 1998 November 1, 1998 October 1, 1998 September 1, 1998 August 1, 1998 July 1, 1998 June 1, 1998 May 1, 1998 April 1, 1998 March 1, 1998 February 1, 1998 January 1, 1998 December 1, 1997 November 1, 1997 December 1, 1996 November 1, 1996 October 1, 1996 September 1, 1996 August 1, 1996 July 1, 1996 June 1, 1996 May 1, 1996 April 1, 1996 March 1, 1996 February 1, 1996 January 1, 1996 December 1, 1995 November 30, 1995 November 1, 1995 October 1, 1995 September 1, 1995 August 1, 1995 July 1, 1995 June 1, 1995 May 1, 1995 April 1, 1995 March 1, 1995

browse e-newsletters