6 Oct 2016
What is Daylight Harvesting?
Daylight harvesting reduces energy consumption by using daylight in place of, or to augment, artificial lighting to illuminate a space. Lighting control systems are used to dim or switch electric lighting in response to changing daylight availability. When daylight penetrates into spaces, the amount of artificial lighting is reduced automatically.
Is Daylight Harvesting Required?
Building energy code requirements are the main factor driving the use of daylight harvesting. The concept is also being used in other general energy-efficient lighting designs that seek to reduce power costs and save money on energy by dimming electric lights in response to available daylight.
California is leading the nation in energy efficiency standards. California’s Title 24 requires nonresidential buildings to aggressively regulate indoor lighting. Based on the amount of natural light penetration, the state mandates that an automatic dimming lighting control system be utilized to control the fixtures in two defined zones in closest proximity to the windows. These two zones, primary and secondary, must be wired to a lighting control module that automatically dims the fixtures based on the available natural light entering the window. In addition to automatic daylighting, California requires occupancy sensors that automatically shut off lighting completely during unoccupied times.
Is there an economical method to wire controlled lighting?
Atkore, identified the contractor’s need for a new type of cable that contained power and control conductors under one armor. This cable is known as MC Luminary® Cable* and it has revolutionized the way dimmable fixtures are wired. MC Luminary® Cable* provides the electrical contractor up to 30% labor savings by having fewer terminations, supports and cable pulls with the added benefit of an overall cleaner installation.
In June of 2016, AFC expanded their MC Luminary® Cable* family to include MC Luminary® MultiZone®*. One MultiZone® cable can replace up to three traditional luminary cables. MultiZone® is also available with neutral per phase configurations. MutiZone’s multiple color coded control pairs allow the contractor to easily identify the correct control pairs when wiring fixtures. MultiZone® can also be employed as a homerun when using a centralized lighting control unit. As an added benefit, MultiZone® hard wired control cables also provide the building owner with a secure lighting system.
AFC’s innovative MC Luminary® MultiZone®* cables offer electrical contractors a straightforward and easy to install cable for today’s technologically advanced lighting controlled systems.
* U.S. Patent No.10,431,353
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