PoE Lighting Controls and Automation System

The lighting industry has undergone a major transformation in the past decade by introducing high efficient energy lighting fixtures of LED for the application of commercial as well as residential markets. Another transformation is unfolding now which will totally revolutionize how we control lighting by allowing lighting systems to be part of the Internet of Things using the digital nature of LED technology to bring illumination & automation together. Bringing smart controls and energy efficiency to verticals  ranging from schools and hospitals to office buildings and retail spaces and even residential properties.

A suite of modular PoE components, including sensors, controllers and manual overrides, makes it easy to install and configure meeting your diverse project needs. Bluetooth and wireless communications and optional battery-powered sensors help speed up installations by reducing wiring needs. Power over Ethernet (PoE) based LED lighting technology enables customizable environments and is best suited for modern workspaces, data centres, retail, education & healthcare segments. Providing options in both distributed & centralised architectures, allowing the flexibility to either mount the related switches in the ceiling or in an IDF/ electrical panel room.

The idea or concept of PoE lighting is to use low-voltage (class 2) wiring to connect low-voltage fixtures that are more suited to the lighting technology being used inside of the fixtures. LEDs, are a low-voltage light sources that natively operate using DC or direct current. Most buildings in the U.S. and Canada are wired to accommodate 120/277V AC (or alternating current) for lighting and power outlets, HVAC, and other systems contained within the building. To overcome this obstacle, LED lighting fixtures use a driver similar to a fluorescent ballast to convert the power being fed to them from high voltage (AC) to the required DC that allows them to operate at their most efficient levels and deliver the longevity that the technology promises. PoE lighting systems will lower the high costs associated with conduit, wire and labor required to install a high voltage lighting system, but it has physical limitations as to how much power can be passed over a single Ethernet cable.

Luminetworx™ is leveraging power over Ethernet in our new Olympus™ lighting platform to provide customers with all the features they want and the flexibility they need. Luminetworx™ solutions eliminate all issues associated with PoE solutions without sacrificing system integrity. So, how does Olympus™ B.A.S work? Olympus™  work in modules.  1)Lighting control system 2) Battery managemnt system 3)HVAC controls 4) Submetering and more.

Let’s start with Control. Although LED lights are much more efficient than old fluorescent or incandescent lighting, the primary control methods of every fixture on the market remains one of four basic types: Phase control, 0-10 volt, DALI or DMX. Every single manufacturer in lighting offers at least one, if not all four of these options on their fixtures. These are industry standards and open protocols, which means the cost is more controlled. DALI and DMX are digital formats that provide individual control of fixtures.

The second feature of interest was having an IoT backbone, and a lighting system that can deliver this simply because lighting is everywhere in a building. So, if we can leverage the lighting infrastructure to provide this IoT communication, it checks another box on our list. Luminetworx™ PoE Lighting has built network ready control that provide the much-desired control and automation features. The Olympus™ lighting control system speeds up the installation and lowers the overall cost of the system.

The third item on our list was a cost reduction. The idea of using PoE that can be installed by anyone rather than a high-priced electrical contractor is appealing, but labor costs are not the only thing that adds up. PoE  was designed to power IoT devices that require low amounts of power, such as PoE switches, cameras, sensors, lighting and other devices. Although LED fixtures require far less power to operate than fixtures using traditional technology, there is still a limit on how many fixtures can be connected to a single Enetwork drop.

Groundbreaking Features at a Lower Cost

Customer feedback has told us what you want in a system; you want  more flexibility in control, provide IoT type data, and finally, you want a system that costs less. Your lighting control system needs to control your lights and meet all legal code requirements as well. Remember that your lighting system is part of what is known as the “Life Safety” systems in a building. So, first and foremost, the lights have to work. That is what PoE lighting delivers. If you would like to know more about PoE Lighting Controls and Automation System or would like to schedule a demo please contact us now.

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