Innovative Technologies

Occupancy Sensors:

Soon many of you will return to your classrooms and labs note a small change to the light switch or the addition of a piece of equipment in the ceiling or on the wall. These are occupancy sensors that will be installed to reduce lighting energy use when classrooms, offices, conference rooms and common areas are not in use. The theory behind the operation of these occupancy sensors is that the lighting will be turned off after a specified time without movement or sound. These sensors will also tell the heating and cooling equipment when to go into occupied or unoccupied mode. Most of these sensors are “dual technology” meaning that they respond to both motion and sound. The initial activation of the sensor is triggered by motion and then either sound or motion will keep the lights active.

If you notice a delay in your lights turning on when you return to your classroom, this may be due to the placement of the infrared beams relative to the door. The occupancy sensors require that two or more infrared beams be “broken” or crossed before the sensor becomes active. If one of the beams is aimed directly at the door, you may need to walk into the room a little further until two or more beams have been crossed.