THE
THEPOWER
POWER OF
OF “OFF
“OFF
Left: Typical skylights cause hotspots on the
Left: Typical skylights cause hotspots on the
floor and do not evenly illuminate the space.
floor and do not evenly illuminate the space.
Right: Sunoptics high-performance prismatic
Right:
Sunoptics
high-performance
prismatic
skylights
distribute
the light evenly
giving the
skylights
distribute
the
light
evenly
giving
the
space the best daylighting controls
opportunity.
space
thethat
bestalldaylighting
controls
opportunity.
Note
electric lights
are off!
Note that all electric lights are off!
2 | High Performance Daylighting & Controls
2 | High Performance Daylighting & Controls
Sustainable buildings stand out, often representing the latest in technology,
Sustainable buildings stand out, often representing the latest in technology,
higher-quality renewable materials, a more comfortable interior, and as a result,
higher-quality renewable materials, a more comfortable interior, and as a result,
are highly marketable. They sell faster and have a better chance of attracting
are highly marketable. They sell faster and have a better chance of attracting
tenants due to lower maintenance costs and higher overall quality.
tenants due to lower maintenance costs and higher overall quality.
The best daylighting systems provide the highest ROI through reduced utility
The best daylighting systems provide the highest ROI through reduced utility
bills. Whether you are seeking LEED certification, recognition as a green builder
bills.
Whether you are seeking LEED certification, recognition as a green builder
or simply trying to save on your energy bill, the rapid payback is well worth
orthe
simply
to saveThe
on most
your energy
bill, return
the rapid
is well worth
initialtrying
investment.
immediate
on payback
your investment
can
the
initialfrom
investment.
Theelectrical
most immediate
return
on your
investment
come
minimizing
use through
daylight
harvesting.
After can
all, why
come
from minimizing
use through
Afterthe
all,sun
why
go through
the troubleelectrical
of generating
artificialdaylight
daytimeharvesting.
lighting when
goproduces
through more
the trouble
of
generating
artificial
daytime
lighting
when
the
sun
than you need?
produces more than you need?
Most low-rise projects see a return on their investment within 18 months and
Most
low-rise
see a that
return
onfinanced
their investment
– 5 within
years a
many
of our projects
clients report
their
equipmentwithin
is paid2 for
and
many
of
our
clients
report
that
their
financed
equipment
show
positive
year. Retrofits are also proving a rapid payback. To help with planning, contact us
ROI
one. calculations
Retrofits aretoalso
proving the
a rapid
Toto
help
andfrom
we’llday
provide
determine
ROI,payback.
at no cost
thewith
developer.
planning, contact us and we’ll provide calculations to determine the ROI,
While most green building strategies employ some form of daylight harvestat no cost to the developer.
ing, few offer the return on investment and the integration opportunities of
While
most green
building
strategies
employ
some form
of controls..
daylight harvesting,
combining
Sunoptics
prismatic
skylights
and LC&D
lighting
Lighting
few
offer the
return on
investment
and the
integration
opportunities
Control
& Design’s
advanced
daylighting
system
promises
the highest of
standards
combining
Sunoptics
prismatic
in equipment,
functionality,
andskylights
support.and LC&D lighting controls.. Lighting
Control & Design’s advanced daylighting system promises the highest standards
in equipment, functionality, and support.
 For more information on zoning, circuiting, etc., visit LC&D’s Daylight Harvesting
Tutorial at www.lightingcontrols.com/design/onlinetraining/index.asp
Advanced
Daylighting Solutions
The Problem: Hot Spots
Clear Skylights produce hot spots,
glare and UV damage to the building.
The Problem: Limited Light
Advanced Daylight Harvesting Controls
Standard white bubble skylights
knock down light transmission in
order to achieve diffusion.
Digital lighting controls improve upon the functionality of traditional (nondigital) controls providing advanced programming capabilities with a seemingly
simple front end (usually just a wall switch or dimmer).
Using LC&D’s GR 2400 system your lighting controls are easy to maintain
and operate. Settings can be adjusted through the internet or any computer
running Unity™ Lighting Control Software.
In fact, LC&D is the only manufacturer that offers free lifetime remote
programming for every system equipped with a modem.
Sunoptics Prismatic Skylights
Prismatic skylights from Sunoptics can replace electric lighting 70% to 80% of
daylight hours with maximum diffusion, producing much less heat than electric
lighting.
Sunoptics Prismatic Skylights provide 35% more light transmission than
competitive glazing types, while providing 100% diffusion for glare-free,
high-performance results. More light, no glaring hotspots, and less heat.
The Solution:
Sunoptics Prismatic Skylights
Sunoptics Advantage: High-Performance Prismatic Skylights maximize
light transmission while still providing
100% diffusion.
Acuity Brands Controls & Systems | 3
CALCULATING DAYLIT ZONES
Primary Daylit Zone Only
Above: A total aperture of 3% to 5% of the
square footage of the roof is usually enough
to guarantee the entire floor will be within a
primary daylit zone.
Primary Daylit Zone
Secondary Daylit Zone
Primary/Secondary Daylit Zone
Primary and Secondary Daylit Zones
Planning for a daylight harvesting response within a uniformly daylit space simplifies design and circuiting and is a guarantee of success.
Applications which do not allow enough skylights for a primary daylit zone only,
will need a more complex switching or dimming strategy. Note that each area
will need separate controls for the primary and secondary zones. This may mean
more relays or dimmers.
You can always contact Engineering Assistance with your questions or if you just
need help laying out the controls for your next project.
4 | High Performance Daylighting & Controls
Switching vs. Dimming
Within each zone (or sub-zone for Primary/Secondary split areas) a strategy must be present for the even reduction of
illumination. This means two or more switching levels or continuous dimming. Simply switching on and off all lights is too
great of a response and will not work.
Electric Lights
MicroPanel Dimming High Bays:
1. Neutral
2. Ground
3. Dimmed Hot
4. 0-10 outputs
5. Common
Dimmer 1
0-10v
Common
MicroPanel
6. Emergency
Dimmed Hot
7. Emergency
Neutral
Dimmer 2
Photocell
Skylight
Cat. 5 Cable with
RJ45 connectors
Toddlers
Path
Dimming
Active Wear
Dimming often presents a more attractive solution for retailers, offices, and
classrooms. The lighting response is more subtle. Schools and offices will reap a
greater productivity. Retailers can keep their customers’ eyes on the merchandise
- not the ceiling. While dimming ballasts present a high initial cost, the controls
can be greatly simplified.
Electric Lights
MicroPanel Switching High Bays:
MicroPanel
R1
R2
1. Neutral
2. Ground
3. Hot
4. Hot
R3
5. Emergency Hot
6. Emergency
Neutral
Photocell
Skylight
Cat. 5 Cable with
RJ45 connectors
Toddlers
Path
Multi-Level Switching
Active Wear
While studies show that a multi-level switching strategy will save more energy,
they also conclude that switching can be distracting. Switching is usually reserved
for warehouses, concourses, or areas where a gradual lighting response will not
distract occupants. This MicroPanel provides multi-level switching (step dimming)
in each high bay. Note that emergency circuits will be switched on automatically
in the event of a power outage.
Acuity Brands Controls & Systems | 5
WAREHOUSE
A centralized approach can be
the most cost-effective for larger
switching or dimming zones. Try to
make the contribution of daylight
from skylights sufficient to illuminate
the entire space (primary daylit
zone only).
The GR 2400 Lighting Control
System from LC&D is the perfect
choice because it uses centralized relay panels and links multiple
control stations using Cat. 5 cable
with RJ45s.
For best practice, use bi-level
switching to control the space.
GR 2400
Relay Panel
Master relay panel
used for centralized
controls as part of the
GR2400 system. Used
for site lighting and
(non-daylit) spaces.
Link multiple control
stations using Cat. 5
cable with RJ45s.
Chelsea
DigitalSwitch:
Master controls
for entire space.
Located near main
office, programmed
for ON and OFF for
each zone (ensure
individual buttons
do not exceed
requirements for
energy codes).
SwitchBolt
DigitalSwitch:
“ON” only – Perfect for high-abuse
areas. Located at
each entrance to
control the local
zone only or the
entire warehouse*
Rocker
DigitalSwitch:
“ON” and “OFF”
– Familiar looking
and intuitive to
operate. Located
at each entrance
to control the local
zone only or the
entire warehouse*
* Codes usually limit square footage of each switch button to 5K sq. ft. or 20K sq. ft. Commissioning, scheduling, and programming changes are easy.
All changes done remotely for free for the life of the system.
6 | High Performance Daylighting & Controls
WAREHOUSE (AISLES)
Use a distributed approach for
controlling aisles. Occupant sensor
and photocells connected to the
MicroPanel provide dimming or bilevel switching. When the occupant
sensors detects motion, the photocell may prevent or limit electric
lighting from being switched on, if
the contribution of daylight from
skylights is sufficient.
No manual controls are required
except for one master switch allowing a temporary full bright level.
A central panel (not shown) may
be required for common, high traffic areas or site lighting.
Chelsea
DigitalSwitch:
Master controls for
entire space. Located
near main office, programmed for ON and
OFF for each zone
(ensure individual
buttons do not exceed
requirements for energy
codes).
Global
Photosensor:
Open or closed
loop, remotely
adjustable (no ladder required) and
extended sensitivity
range. Time delay
and trigger levels
are locally and
remotely adjusted.*
MicroPanel:
4 or 8 relays, 0-10v
dimming outputs
for photocells and
occupant sensors.
Power is centrally
located requiring
less wiring to the
loads being controlled.
Occupant
Sensor:
Low voltage, programmable time
delay (no ladder
required). Total
global control of
loads controlled.
* Commissioning, scheduling and programming changes are easy. All changes done remotely for free for the life of the system.
Acuity Brands Controls & Systems | 7
BIG BOX RETAILER
From Last Device
To Next Device
Indoor
Photocell
MicroPanel
Skylight
Cat. 5 Cable with
RJ45 connectors
LC&D recommends distributing daylight harvesting controls throughout
the store with at least one MicroPanel
in each department. It is well proven,
and generally accepted, that smaller
control zones of lighting tend to show
an increase in energy savings.
While this may seem counter-intuitive,
it is the guarantee of success. Centralized controls should only be used for
site lighting and (non-daylit) spaces.
During daylight hours when the store
is open, photocells determine the
lighting levels for each department.
Global Photosensor:
MicroPanel:
Open or closed loop, remotely adjustable
(no ladder required) and extended sensitivity
range. Time delay and trigger levels are locally
and remotely adjusted.*
4 or 8 relays, 0-10v dimming outputs for
photocells. Power is centrally located requiring
less wiring to the loads being controlled. Ideal
for controlling smaller zones to accommodate
different interior treatments.*
* Commissioning, scheduling and programming changes are easy. All changes done remotely to the system are free for the life of the system.
8 | High Performance Daylighting & Controls
 For more information on zoning, circuiting, etc., visit LC&D’s Daylight Harvesting
Tutorial at www.lightingcontrols.com/design/onlinetraining/index.asp
“
LC&D’s
free remote
programming
has made
commissioning
all of our retail
sites a snap and
my clients really
benefit when
making seasonal
schedule changes
and adjustments
for different
”
departments.
The best practice approach of dimming gives a seamless integration between
the skylights and the electric lighting allowing the lights to be dimmed without
distracting shoppers.
After store hours, lighting levels are reduced allowing for cleaning and stocking. Non daylit zones are controlled with a different strategy but are included
within the digital lighting controls to ensure lights are off after hours, etc.
M.J.
Acuity Brands Controls & Systems | 9
OFFICE & CLASSROOMS
While the correlation between daylight and improved student performance has been repeatedly proven,
the energy benefits can not be recognized without daylight harvesting.
According to the U.S. Department of
Energy, lighting constitutes the highest
percentage of electric energy consumed by educational buildings.
Sunoptics skylights provide the highest distribution of natural light with
patented prismatic technology and
the louvers can limit daylight contributions. Distributed controls in each
classroom offer the ability to integrate
control of electric lighting and louvers
into a seamless control solution. They
also provide the greatest flexibility
and the least amount of wiring.
10 | High Performance Daylighting & Controls
Sequence of Operation:
1. Occupant walks in. Entry switch enables photocell
which opens the louvers and determines if additional electric light is needed to meet foot candle
criteria.
2. Teachers can adjust lights up (temporarily) or down
from the Teacher Control Station. Electric lights are
always dimmed first. They can also set lights back to
energy saver mode (photocell is enabled).
3. Upon leaving, the entry switch turns the lights and
louvers off.
4. If entry switch is not used, occupant sensor automatically switch lights off and closes louvers after a
timed (adjustable) period.
 For more information on zoning, circuiting, etc., visit LC&D’s Daylight Harvesting
Tutorial at www.lightingcontrols.com/design/onlinetraining/index.asp
Scenes can be created for such events as presentations or nap time. With the
push of a button the system will close the louvers, disable the photocell and
lower the electrical light to a predetermined light level to create the desired
effect. To reactivate the automatic settings simply push the button again.
Design Considerations:
• Lights nearest to skylights should be zoned separately from lights nearest windows.
• Dimming provides less distraction than multi-level switching but saves slightly
less energy and has slightly higher equipment cost.
“
LC&D has
provided the
greatest return
and our teachers
love the simplicity
of combining
control of
skylights and
Teacher Control Station: Entry Switch:
Global Photosensor:
3 Button Chelsea (Dim Up,
Energy Saver Mode, Dim
Down).*
Open or closed loop, remotely
adjustable and extended
sensitivity range. Time delay
and trigger levels are locally
and remotely adjusted.*
Rocker DigitalSwitch is located
at each entrance (ON: Lights
are turned to automatic level,
OFF: Lights are switch off).*
electric lights into
a single
J.T.
MicroPanel:
4 or 8 relays, 0-10v dimming
outputs for photocells and
occupant sensors. All digital
devices are linked using Cat. 5
cable with RJ45s.
”
wall switch.
Occupant Sensor:
Low voltage, programmable
time delay (no ladder required).
Total global control of loads
controlled.
* Commissioning, scheduling and programming changes are easy. All changes done remotely to the
system are free for the life of the system.
Acuity Brands Controls & Systems | 11
CUSTOMER
SATISFACTION
GR2400 Lighting Control System
The GR 2400 Lighting Control System is more than just relay panels and hardware. It is a completely digital, integrated system that will lower your operating
expenses. By simply turning off unneeded lighting, energy consumption is reduced as much as 40% - 50%. Every part of our 100% digital system is network
based giving you ultimate flexibility to meet changing client requirements.
Link relay panels, digital switches, and all of our digital accessories with Cat. 5
patch cable with RJ45 connectors. Since our system is 100% digital, it is completely scalable and the same relay panels, digital switches and accessories are
specified and installed in both the smallest and largest applications. No more
complex choices about which “level” of system to specify.
905 Allen Avenue
Glendale, CA 91201
Tel: 800-345-4448
www.lightingcontrols.com
Engineering Assistance
We are always on stand by to assist with all your needs. Our Engineering Assistance Department is available to assist in the design process with general advice,
best practice methods for code compliance, and/or complete CAD drawings.
We’ll even do a free energy analysis of your existing lighting control system to
help you determine whether or not you are getting maximum benefits.
Occupancy
Sensor
Indoor
Photocell
Left: Distributed Bus Section
for One Room.
Digital
Rocker Switch
6201 27th Street
Sacramento, CA 95822
Tel: 800-289-4700
www.sunoptics.com
Below: Typical GR2400 System
Bus for One Building.
MicroPanel
Sunoptics Prismatic
Louver Skylight
One Lithonia Way
Conyers, GA 30012
www.acuitybrands.com
GR 2400
Relay Panel
To Modem
Cat. 5 Cable with RJ45 connectors
© 2011 Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc., All Rights Reserved. 03/11 Form# 1060.001