Enhance Life Safety, Security and Comfort With Integrated Lighting Controls
Linking these important functions can also assist first responders during an emergency and save on energy consumption.
Newer installations with LEDs allow the lights to come to full brightness instantaneously, making the ability to override essential. Although the override is not always readily available, several systems on the market today can provide secured access for a timed override via smartphones. Implementing this function takes forethought on the part of the building management team and access to the lighting controls.
Sidebar: Integrate Lighting Controls and HVAC to Reduce Energy Consumption
The ability to dim lights is the other advantage to LED parking lot and site lighting. LEDs can be dimmed to reduce power consumption but still provide enough light for security cameras. Occupancy sensors from camera motion detectors or any other signal source can return the lights to full brightness. In other words, motion detectors and LED lighting will solve the scary parking lot scenario, described above, automatically.
Systems Integration Is Becoming Standard
Integrated lighting controls are becoming more standard in BAS. Integration enables cross-system applications and system-wide sharing of information from the various BAS components, including lighting controls, window shading, fire and life safety, security, HVAC and power management.
Working together, they can help enhance life safety and security, improve occupant comfort, and capture and encourage energy savings. Product enhancements like light override, improved occupancy sensors and other technologies continue to be made to current market offerings. Incorporating these into future generations of integrated building management systems will help make smart buildings even more intelligent.
5 Steps to Securing the Outside of the Building
Securing the building’s perimeter and immediate surroundings is equally important as creating a safe atmosphere inside. Here are a few pointers on how to do so:
- Carefully select where to position cameras and motion sensors
- Trigger lights to full brightness when an area is occupied
- Position lighting fixtures for downlighting to reduce shadows and glare
- Place alarm pulls/boxes in well-lit and easily accessible locations
- Encourage building occupants to remain vigilant when exiting the premises
David Thurow is the senior product manager for lighting controls at Siemens Industry Inc. in Buffalo Grove, Ill. He can be reached at (847) 941-5808 or at david.thurow@siemens.com.
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