Occupancy Sensors

Occupancy sensors are devices used to turn off lights in rooms when they are not in use. Below are the types of sensors we are currently utilizing around campus.

 

Multitech Sensors:

Multitech Sensors utilize two types of technologies in order to detect movement:

1. Infrared: Senses changes in temperature (usually body heat) & motion.
2. Ultrasonic: Sensor fills room with continuous high frequency sound waves. Any movement causes a shift in the original emitted frequency. The sensor reads this change and turns on the lights or keeps them on
 
Common areas of use are Classrooms, Offices, Conference Rooms, General Workspace, and Public Areas.

Advantages of Multitech Sensors:

  • Gives Maximum Sensitivity
  • Infrared helps to prevent false triggering from AC currents, corridor activity and movement of inanimate objects.
  • Smart calendar – Learns occupancy patterns and adjusts sensitivity to accommodate.

 Ultrasonic Sensors:

Ultrasonic Sensors do not contain the infrared technology. Common uses are Restrooms, Office Areas w/ Cubicles, General Work Space, Warehouses, and Public Areas.

Advantages of Multitech Sensors:

  • Gives Maximum Sensitivity
  • Smart calendar – Learns occupancy patterns and adjusts sensitivity to accommodate.

Switch Mounted Sensors:

Passive Infrared Sensor
Multitech Sensor (New)

Switch Mounted Sensors utilize a new Passive Infrared Sensor (PIR Multitech Sensor) to monitor an area through a segmented Fresnel lens. The lens divides the field of view into zones. When a person passes into or out of a zone, the sensor detects motion and turns on the lights. The new Multitech Sensors use the dual technology for increased sensitivity. Common areas of use are Classrooms, Offices, Conference Rooms, Restrooms, Lounges, and Janitor Closets.

Advantages of Switch Mounted Sensors:

  • Allows installation where ceiling mounting is not accessible.
  • Cheaper to install

Disadvantages of Switch Mounted Sensors:

  • Set time until it turns off (20 minutes in Restrooms)
  • Not as easy to reactivate switch as ceiling mounted sensors (line of sight can be obstructed).

Inteliswitch Timers:

Inteliswitch timers are not occupancy sensors. They are digital timed devices that count down from a preset time to turn off the lights. Common areas of use are Mechanical, Electrical and, Telecom Rooms. The devises are turned on or off by simply pressing the button. Once the devices are on, they show a digital time that will count down to zero and then turn off the lights.

Advantages of Inteliswitch Timers:

  • When these devices are turned on, the operator can hold down the on/off button to increase the displayed time up to 12 hours.
  • Cheap to install. Replaces light switch.
  • Can be used in rooms that have multiple light switches controlling the same lights.

Safety Features:

  • The device will blink the lights once when 5 minutes remains on the counter to warn the occupants.
  • The device will blink the lights twice when there is 1 minute remaining on the counter to warn the occupants.
  • The device will emit an audible signal to warn the occupants that the time is running out.



Last Updated: Jan 21, 2011
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