Illuminating Ideas: Take Control of Your LED Parking Garage Lighting

 

By Mike Riebling

Control is empowering – so why not take control of your LED parking garage lighting? Adding lighting controls can deliver value beyond on/off illumination, such as deeper energy- and cost-savings.

Lighting control options range from stand-alone solutions to connected, networked systems. Let’s look at the benefits of stand-alone sensors.

Stand-alone sensors are the easiest to specify and program via a wireless remote or mobile app. These sensors are matched one per and ordered with the luminaire. Hard wired and installed on/in the luminaire by the manufacturer, the sensors work out-of-the-box – no commissioning required – and can be customized according to your garage’s specific lighting requirements. Group programming can also be done by saving the profile and repeating the programming for each luminaire in your group.

Stand-alone sensors can enable you to only apply light when it’s needed, to save on energy use. They automatically dim your lighting when no presence is detected, or when daylight is detected (known as daylight harvesting). They can also automatically increase light levels when approaching vehicles or people are detected (via occupancy/motion sensing) or based on the time of day (when day turns to night).

While all stand-alone sensors are similar in these aspects, there are important differences to consider among the various types. For example, traditional PIR Passive Infrared sensors are visible (albeit with a low profile) because they need open access for detection. In contrast, advanced microwave technology conceals the sensor inside the luminaire, providing a clean appearance; the sensor “looks” through the lens for detection.

No matter the type, stand-alone sensors are a great way to take control of your parking structure’s lighting.

Mike Riebling is Product Manager Garage & Canopy, Floodlights and Sports for Gardco by Signify. He can be reached at michael.riebling@signify.com.