What is nLight?
nLight is a revolutionary digital architecture and
networking technology that cost-effectively integrates
time-based, daylight-based, sensor-based and manual
lighting controls.
How does nLight work?
nLight networks together intelligent digital devices
including occupancy sensors, photocells, power
packs, wall switches, dimmers, panels, and even
luminaires; creating a system with an unmatched
level of “distributed intelligence”
What is Distributed Intelligence?
• Digitally Addressable
• Locally makes switching & dimming
control decisions
• Self-Commissioning
• Stand-alone Operation
nLight Enabled Devices
nLight-enabled Device
 Model numbers start with the letter “n”
 2 RJ-45 Ports
 All devices consist of one or more of basic lighting control components
o sensor
o manual control station
o dimmer
o relay
nLight-enabled Device
Basic Devices = 1 component
Model
Number
Lighting Control Components
Sensor
Occupancy
nCM 9
nCM PC
nPP16
nPODM
Relay
Photocell
Manual
Control
Station
Dimmer




nIO

RT LED

nLight-enabled Device
Advanced Devices = 2 or more components
Model
Number
Lighting Control Components
Sensor
Relay
Occupancy Photocell
Manual
Control
Station
Dimmer
nCMR 9

nCMR 9 P



nCMR 9 ADC




nSP5 D


nPODMR


nPODMR D




nWSD



nLight Control Zone
nLight Control Zone





Zones are daisy-chain wired (in any order)
May have a single device
May have several different device types
May have multiple devices of the same type
Can be sub-divided into 16 channels of occupancy,
photocell, and switch control
 Functions stand-alone if disconnected from
Gateway/SensorView
Occupancy Sensors
Enclosure
Ceiling Mount
Recessed Mount
Fixture Mount






Lenses
# of
Relays
Standard Range
Extended Range
High Bay 360°
High Bay Aisleway
0, 1, 2
Options
# of
Time
0-10 VDC
Delays Photocell
Dimming1
1, 2
Yes
Yes
1
Yes
No
Corner/Wall
Wide View /
Hallway
_
Wall Switch
Wall to Wall
0, 1, 2
1, 2
Yes
No
Embedded Mount
Micro 360°
0
1
Yes
Ctrl only
PIR or Dual Technology2
Powered over CAT-5, therefore units have no neutral wire
If present, 1 or both relays can be used as a dry contact closures
Sensors that switch two phase power (208/480) also available
Remotely configurable and upgradeable
Integrated RJ45 connectors
1 Dimming not available with 2 pole or 208/480 devices
2 Dual Technology not available on High Bay or Hallway sensors
nLight Embedded Sensor (also called the micro)
•
•
•
•
Provides all in one nLight sensing/photocell solution
for embedding in Acuity luminaires (ie Peerless
pendants)
Only embedded dual tech sensor on market
Single RJ-45 port typically connects to any nLight
relay/dimming pack (mounted either internal or
external to luminaire)
CAT-5 splitter provided
Model #
Description
nES 7
PIR
nES PDT 7
PIR / Microphonics
nES 7 ADCX
PIR + Dimming Ctrl
Photocell
nES PDT ADCX
PIR / Microphonics +
Dimming Ctrl Photocell
nES ADCX
Dimming Ctrl Photocell
Photocell Sensors
Enclosure
Ceiling Mount
Recessed Mount
Fixture Mount
Embedded Mount







Control Type
# of Relays
# of
Dimming
Outputs
On/Off
On/Off/Dimming
0, 1, 2
0, 1, 2
On/Off/Dimming
0
0
Automatic set-point programming mode
Device provides light level in foot-candles
Powered over CAT-5, therefore units have no neutral wire
1 or both relays can be used as a dry contact closures
Sensors that switch two phase power (208/480) also available
Remotely configurable and upgradeable
Integrated RJ45 connector(s)
Relay Packs (Switching Only) & Power Supplies
Model #
Load
Rating
(Amps)
Supplies
Network
Power
# of
Relays
Power
Monitoring
Option (IM)
Power Pack
nPP16 (SA)
16
Yes
1
Yes
Secondary Pack
nSP16 (SA)
16
No
1
No
Embedded Pack
nEPP5 (KO)
5
Yes
1
Yes
480/240/208 VAC Pack
nSP5 480
5
No
1
No
2-Pole Secondary Pack
nSP5 2P
5
No
2
No
nAR40
1
No
1
No
nPP16 ER
16
Yes
1
No
nPS 80
-
Yes
-
No
Embedded Power Supply
nEPS 60 (KO)
-
Yes
-
No
Louver Control Pack
nSP5 2P LVR
-
No
-
No
Shade Control Pack
nSHADE
-
No
-
No
Description
Low Voltage Auxiliary Pack
UL924 Emergency Pack
Power Supply
 Integrated RJ45 connectors, push-button, and LED
 All relays are latching
 Reversible relay logic
Relay / Dimming Packs
Model #
Load
Rating
(Amps)
Supplies
Network
Power
# of
Relays
# of
Dimming
Outputs
nEPP5 D (KO)
5
Yes
1
1
nSP5 D
5
No
1
1
UL924 Dimming Pack
nSP5 D ER KIT
5
No
1
1
2-Wire Phase Dimming Pack
nSP5 PCD 2W
5
No
1
1
3-Wire Phase Dimming Pack
nSP5 PCD 3W
5
No
1
1
MLV Dimming Pack
nSP5 PCD MLV
5
No
1
1
ELV Dimming Pack (120V)
nSP5 PCD ELV
5
No
1
1
Description
0-10 VDC Embedded Pack
(current monitoring option available)
0-10 VDC Dimming Pack
 Integrated RJ45 connectors, push-button, and LED
 Reversible relay logic
 All relays are latching
nPanel 4
Key Features:
•
•
•
•
•
nLight-enabled control board
Utilizes 4 LC&D snap link relays
One 0-10 VDC dimming output per relay
Integrated power supply provides both bus &
auxiliary device power
Operates as two devices (each with two relay/dimming
outputs), that can be utilized together in a single zone
or in separate zone.
Electrical Specs:
Relay Load (all relays normally closed latching)
20 Amps @ 120 VAC Tungsten
30 Amps @ 277 VAC Ballast
20 Amps @ 347 VAC Ballast
Dimming Load
Each 0-10 VDC Dimming outputs can sink < 20 mA (~40 ballasts)
Power Supply (120/277 VAC)
Bus Power: 40 mA from each RJ-45 port
Auxiliary Device Power: 200mA
nIO - Universal Input/Output Device
Model #
Input Description Output Description
nIO
0-10 VDC Input,
Contact Closure
0-10 VDC
 Provides an addressable 0-10 VDC dimming output for standard dimming ballasts
(non-DALI)
 Enables simple incremental addition of dimming zones
 Interfaces 0-10 VDC dimming control signal from any non-nLight device
 Interfaces a toggle or momentary contact closure input into system
 Available as an inline wired device or in the power pack housing
Push-Button WallPods – Low Voltage
Key Features:
•
•
•
•
•
Traditional soft-click tactile feel
Integrated LED per button
3-way configurations w/ other WallPods or nWSD
Buttons are field replaceable
Custom labeling will be handled by ordering
replacement buttons (see datasheet)
Model #
On/Off
Control
Raise/Lower
Controls
nPODM
1
0
nPODM DX
1
1
nPODM 2P
2
0
nPODM D*
1
1
nPODM 2P DX
2
2
nPODM 4P
4
0
nPODM 4P DX
4
4
*Provides 0-10 VDC output wires
Push-Button WallPods – Line Voltage
Key Features:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Traditional soft-click tactile feel
Integrated LED per button
Contains relay to switch 800W/1200W relay
@120/277 VAC
3-way configurations w/ other WallPods or nWSD
Buttons are field replaceable
Custom labeling will be handled by ordering
replacement buttons (see datasheet)
Model #
On/Off
Control w/
Relay
Raise/Lower
Controls
nPODMR
1
0
nPODMR DX
1
1
nPODMR D*
1
1
*Provides 0-10 VDC output wires
Push-Button WallPods – Scene Control
Local / Remote Scene Mode
• Runs scenes (profiles without a schedule) that are configurable via
SensorView
• Scenes can control devices within local zone or other remote zones
• Scenes for local zones are stored locally, remote scenes are stored
on the Gateway
• LED shows which scene is currently active
WallPod Mode (default)
• Each buttons provides On/Off operation for different channel
• LED indicates current state
Model #
# Scenes / Channels
nPODM 1S
1
nPODM 2S
2
nPODM 4S
4
nPODM 4S DX
4 + on/off & raise lower
Touch WallPods
Description
Single On/Off
Dual On/Off
Scene Selector





# of
Relays
# of
Raise /
Lower
Controls
# of
Dimming
Outputs
# of
Scene /
Preset
Control
1
0
0
0
0
nPOD DX
1
0
1
0
0
nPOD D
1
0
1
1
0
nPOD 2P
2
0
0
0
0
nPODS
4
0
0
0
4
Model #
# of
On/Off
Control
nPOD
3-way configurations w/ other WallPods or nWSD
Remotely configurable and upgradeable
Integrated RJ45 connectors
Capacitive Touch Controls
Audible Clickers
Graphic WallPod
nPOD-GFX
 Full-color touch screen control
 Provides functionality of 16 On/Off/Dim WallPods
 Facilitates creation of up to 8 lighting presets with
on/off/dim settings
 Runs up to 8 scenes locally or from Gateway
 Enables programming of switch tracking channel
of all devices in local zone
 Low voltage device mounts to a single gang
switch box or ring
 Micro-USB connector (behind cover plated) for
simple laptop connectivity with zone
 Requires separate PS-150 power supply
(provided)
Virtual WallPods
 On-screen icon version of WallPods
 Available as taskbar or iPhone application
Multiple
Single
iPhone Virtual WallPod App.
nLight Control Zone
nLight Control Zone





Zones are daisy-chain wired (in any order)
May have a single device
May have several different device types
May have multiple devices of the same type
Can be sub-divided into 16 channels of occupancy,
photocell, and switch control
 Functions stand-alone if disconnected from
Gateway/SensorView
Zones and Channels
 Every nLight zone has 16 occupancy channels, 16 photocell channels, and 16 switch
channels on which to communicate information
 Any device with a sensor, photocell, and/or
switch can broadcast each type of
information on one respective channel
(2 pole devices can broadcast of two
channels simultaneously)
 Any device with a relay and/or dimming
output can listen (track) on one or more of
each information type’s channels
simultaneously
Zones and Channels - Example
Example:
Classroom with 4 circuits of lights (3 main rows of lights, 1 white board light)
–
Two occupancy sensors are needed to cover space (turn off all lights)
–
One dimming photocell to control two rows only
–
Four switches enabling individual controls of all rows and whiteboard
Zones and Channels - Example
Physical Connections
Zones and Channels - Example
Logical Connections
Example Zone Designs
1 Circuit - Relay in Power Pack
Example Zone Designs
2+ Circuits - Relays in Power Pack
Example Zone Designs
2 Distribution Circuits – Relays in both Power Pack and Sensor
Example Zone Designs
Multi-zone Dimming
nLight Network
Backbone
nLight Network Backbone
 Backbone devices include
– Bridges
– Gateways
nLight Bridge
Functions
 Routes Information between upstream
Gateways & up to 8 downstream sensor
zones
 Increases number of lighting zones (128
devices per port)
 Acts as both a hub and router of
information between zones and Gateway
 Redistributes power between zones
Physical Specs
 8 ports (RJ-45)
 Mounts to 4”x4” junction box
 Powered via dedicated Power Supply
Bridge
Bridge
 Powering provided by PS 150 power supply connected via terminal
connections
 Installation
– Mounts to 4”x4” box
– Serial number is on outside of unit
(the reason for this is covered in
commissioning section)
– The fewer the bridges deep the
better (see handout on trees)
– Pushing the button resets bridge
– No loops allowed
Bridge and power supply mount
directly to a 4” x 4” square box
Gateway
Functions
 Local Control Point
– Two gang low voltage device located in
space
– Discovers and maintains database of all
network devices
– Capable of managing 400 devices
indirectly or 32 devices directly
– Typically one per floor
 Network Access Point
–
–
Links Ethernet to nLight network
Contains one Ethernet port and 3 SensorNet ports
 Maintains time clock
 Profile management
–
–
–
Stores all profiles created by SensorView that include a device connected to
Gateway
Sends out new settings to all devices in the Group bound to a particular Profile at
the times specified by that Profile
Enables profiles to be run on-demand
Gateway
Gateway
–
Local powering (via terminal connections using PS 150)
Gateway
 Network connection
– IP address can be fixed or DHCP
– Derives time from network
– Ethernet port connects to buildings LAN
(Local Area Network)
 Security
– Gateway password (set via SensorView)
prevents outside SensorViews from
accessing network
– Once password is set for one Gateway it
is automatically configured as the
password for all current and future
Gateways on the network
– 4 Digit Pin Code is available to enable
locking of Gateway manual interface
 Installation
– Discovery of network is automatic, rediscovery can be forced via MDI
– Mounts to 2-gang low voltage ring
Example Network Design
Additional Network
Design Topics
System Powering
 All device and communication power is delivered via the CAT-5 bus that
interconnects zones and Bridges.
 Power is supplied by power packs (nPP16), power supplies (nPS 80),
nPANELs, RTLEDs, and Bridges (via their external power supply)
Typical Power Consumption
Power Generation
nPANEL
RTLED
~3mA
~3mA
~3mA
Note: WallPod Scene Selectors require 5 mA
Wall Switch Sensors with the –NL option require 3.5 mA;
6 mA
40 mA per port
6 mA total
System Powering
 Bridges combine system power from zones that are net contributors of power
and distribute it to zones that are net consumers of power
BACnet IP
Key Features:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Downloadable plug-in to SensorView
Enables interfacing with BMS systems via an IP connection
Communicates information gathered by nLight to other building systems (such as
HVAC)
Translates and forwards lighting relay and other select control commands from
BMS system to nLight control devices.
Demonstrated compatibility to date with Siemens Apogee, Johnson Controls
Metasys, and Tridium.
Interoperability with other systems will be added as required.
Installation &
Commissioning
Basic Steps
1. Install backbone (Gateways & Bridges)
2. Install zones w/ power packs (or supplies)
Installation
3. Install zones w/o power packs (or supplies)
4. Install SensorView
5. System check and customization
Commissioning
Installing Backbone
Gateway
1.
Mount and hardwire power supply
2.
Mount Gateway
3.
Connect Gateway & power supply with CAT-5
4.
Connect Gateway to Ethernet LAN w/ CAT-5 (or direct connect to Laptop)
5.
Verify unit acquired IP Address
Bridge
1.
Mount and hardwire power supply
2.
Mount Bridge
3.
Connect class 2 power wires from power supply to Bridge terminal
connections
4.
Once power applied verify operation by observing LED blinking
5.
Connect to Gateway with CAT-5 cable according to network design
6.
Repeat steps 1-5 for interconnecting additional Bridges
Installing Zones w/ Power
1. Install and wire all line voltage devices
2. Install low voltage devices
3. Interconnect all zone’s devices with CAT-5 cabling
4. Zone should become functional and run according to defaults*
5. Verify lighting, sensor, photocell, and switch operation
6. Plug zone into backbone via Bridge port or Gateway port
7. Note Bridge serial and port number (record on sticker and card)
8. --- Optional --- Record one serial number of device in group
9. Verify correctly incremented device count on Gateway
*All device tracking/broadcasting settings start in enabled state and all channels
settings use Channel 1 initially
Installing Zones w/o Power
1. Install and wire all line voltage devices
2. Install low voltage devices
3. Interconnect all zone’s devices with CAT-5 cabling
4. Plug zone into backbone via Bridge port
5. Zone should become functional and run according to defaults*
6. Verify lighting, sensor, photocell, and switch operation
7. Note Bridge serial and port number (record on sticker and card)
8. --- Optional --- Record one serial number of device in group
9. Verify correctly incremented device count on Gateway
*All device tracking/broadcasting settings start in enabled state and all channels
settings use Channel 1 initially
Installation Worksheets
System Startup
1. After launching SensorView verify discovery of Gateway and all devices
2. Set-up user accounts
3. Label ports with zone names
4. Edit active defaults in units
5. Perform any necessary firmware updates (extended time may be required)
6. Create Groups/Profiles per customer requests
7. Print Inventory and Profile reports
8. Perform system backup
CAT5 Cable Bundles
Features:
• Pre-terminated, white, labeled “Acuity Brands Controls”
• Plenum rated
• No molded strain relief
Model #
Length
Cables in
Bundle
CAT5 6IN
6 IN
10
CAT5 2FT
2 FT
15
CAT5 10FT
10 FT
15
CAT5 15FT
15 FT
15
CAT5 30FT
30 FT
15
CAT5 50FT
50 FT
15
CAT5 1FT Y*
1 FT
10
*Cable has a female Y Splitter end
Troubleshooting
LED indications
– Sensors/Photocells
• SOS Blink out if bad communication
– Bridge
• No LED blinks indicates bad cabling
• Rapid blinks indicates discovery
• Persistent and/or periodic rapid flashing means communications issue
(short, cross)
Activity Mode (default)
• Single blink indicates normal polling traffic of zone (Knight Rider sequence)
• Double blink indicates upstream Bridge or Gateway connection
• 4 blinks indicates downstream Bridge or Transceiver
Device Count Mode (press button once to toggle between modes)
• Number of detected devices is blinked out in two digits
– Power Pack
• Interior LED will be solid if it is polling the zone (e.g. Bridge not connected)
• Only one per zone at any time should be polling
• Exterior LED will blink at regular pace to indicate being polled
Methods & Indicators
 Gateway Rediscovery
– MDI (Main => Discover)
– SensorView
– Cycling power (unplug all local ports first)
 Gateway IP Renewal
– MDI (Main => Setup Option => Get IP (DHCP))
 Bridge reset
– Press and hold button for 6 seconds
– SensorView
– Cycle power (unplug all local ports first)
 Button Mode on units with Relays
– Makes push-button on unit toggle switch
– Function 1, setting 5
– Short delay between press and relay switching
 Restore “factory” defaults to “active” defaults on units
Methods & Indicators
 SensorView
– Status Bar
– Profile states
•
•
•
•
Synchronized
Mismatched
SensorView only
Gateway only
– Replace Device/Remove Devices
• Devices within zone that are of same type can replace an offline device
– Advanced Status (requires Admin privileges)
• Log.aspx
• Health Tab
nLight Documentation
www.sensorswitch.com/nlight/docs








nLight Hardware Manual
SensorView User’s Guide
Training Presentation
SensorView Installation Instructions
Gateway Menu Map
Device Instruction Cards
Application Examples
Settings Glossary
© 2013 Sensor Switch