Currently we tend to think the way to carry electricity to a lighting luminaire is by a twin & earth copper core PVC covered cable carrying 230 volt mains electricity.
Well this is no longer the case, with PoE enabled devices, electrical current and control data passes through the Ethernet data cable, thereby eliminating the traditional 230 volt mains cable, this revolution is brought about by the fact PoE type LED luminaires require small amounts of power to operate.
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Features |
Benefits |
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Tunable white technology |
Drive wellness initiatives through human centric lighting. Using the right balance of warm and cool lighting can help boost productivity, optimise shopping environments, enhance learning environments and improve patient outcomes in Hospitals. |
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Workspace App for employees |
Improve employee engagement with a personalised tool that supports identification of points of interest, amenities, finds colleagues, allows for real time reservations, lighting & temperature adjustments. |
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Environmental sensors |
Ensure occupant comfort and wellness |
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IoT Apps for space management and visitor experience |
Enhance employee and visitor experience through digital check in services, real time room/desk reservations capabilities and realise occupant time savings through lighting based way finding. |
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Central power source distributes DC power to individual luminaires |
A net energy saving scheme compared to having AC/DC conversion in each luminaire. |
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Emergency situations |
When say Fire is detected, direction signs can illuminate, to show a safe exit route, this can be varied by the Fire Marshal if necessary during the emergency. |
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Emergency lighting |
Emergency lighting can be powered and automatically tested via the PoE system. |
In addition to PoE lighting, Ethernet cables can be used to power devices such as:
CCTV Security cameras
Door lock systems
Digital displays
Telephones
Occupancy sensors
Designs are still evolving, so more connectable devices will be introduced
The system requires CAT6 data cable, which is freely available and from a Construction point of view minimises the number of trades on site at any one time, because both the lighting wiring and data / IT network is installed by the same operatives who can be a semi-skilled trade.
The intelligent lighting system can incorporate sensors to provide encrypted occupancy and climate data for more efficient facility management and energy savings. At the same time, in for example an Office scheme, it gives office workers more control of their open-plan environment, by changing lighting levels, boosting comfort and productivity. In a Retail environment, the system can monitor how many Customers are in the Store and how long a Customer dwells in a particular part of an isle. All the lighting control, environmental information and occupant control interaction is carried out via the same CAT6 data cable, powering the lighting luminaire.
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Owner advantage |
Reason |
Cost Savings |
One of the biggest advantages of PoE technology is cost savings. PoE installation is cheaper than traditional electrical work |
Easy, Low-Voltage Installation |
Because PoE is a low-voltage power option, typically less than 55 volts, installations don’t require conduit or metal cladding. This makes installations faster, decreases the hazards associated with typical electrical work and dramatically reduces the overall cost of installation |
Enhanced Flexibility and Control |
Once installed, PoE controlled devices can be disconnected, moved and reconnected, they have their own IP address, so can be programmed to be associated with other devices in the same area. No downtime, as disconnection & reconnection can be carried out live |
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Data Analytics |
It's possible to collect information and make intelligent optimisations, since data travels both ways through an Ethernet cable, PoE software not only sends data and commands to devices, but it also collects data from devices to provide helpful insights, further cost savings and opportunities to enhance occupants’ quality of life |
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Robust, Secure and Reliable |
Unlike devices reliant on wireless technology, Ethernet data cable connections allows for significant flexibility while maintaining a reliably connected system. PoE eliminates the risk of wireless disruptions and allows users to enable additional security features |
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And for those who really want to know, is this technology just invented and could it damage my IT / Computer network |
Well the technology has been around a few years and the PoE equipment will not damage your Buildings IT equipment providing its IEEE 802.3af/at/bt compliant, PoE injectors and switches will not damage any equipment, even if the equipment is not designed for PoE applications, this built-in feature of all IEEE 802.3af/at/bt - compliant devices that makes PoE technology inherently safe |
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