Hallway occupancy sensors

[goldstar]

I received a call from my local ambulance corps. It seems that one of the members decided to install occupancy sensors to turn on/off hallway lighting. A fireman came in and told them that this was a violation and that occupancy sensors are not permitted to be used in hallways, especially where they have a multi-purpose room that they rent. In addition, they were informed that members are not permitted to do any electrical work at this building unless they have an electrical license. I agree with part two but I'm not sure about the hallway occupancy sensors. Any ideas or code references ?

 

[tw1156]

IECC 2015

IECC 2015

I cannot comment on any of your local amendments, but New Jersey appears to have adopted the IECC 2015. In IECC 2015, C405.2 Lighting Controls states Lighting systems shall be provided with controls as specified in SEctions C405.2.1, C405.2.2, C405.2.3, C405.2.4, and C405.2.5...but there are exceptions: Lighting Controls are not required for the following:

1) Areas designated as security or emergency areas that are required to be continuously lighted
2) Interior exit stairways, interior exit ramps and exit passageways
3) Emergency Egress lighting that is normally off

This doesn't mean you still cannot use Occupancy sensors for paths of egress though, it just notes that it permits you to not use them. If you do use Occupancy Sensor controls, you are permitted to do the following per IECC C405.2.1.1 which states," Occupant sensor controls in spaces other than warehouses specified in SEction C405.2.1 shall comply with the following: ...(2) Be manual on or controlled to automatically turn the lighting on to not more than 50 percent power. Exception: -Full automatic-on controls shall be permitted to control lighting in public corridors, stairways, restrooms, primary building entrance areas and lobbies, and areas where manual-on operation would endanger the safety or security of the room or building occupants"

Basically, per IECC 2015, you are permitted to use Occupancy Controls and have them turn the lights on to 100% with no problems. You will also want to double check what your local municipality has adopted in addition to what's noted above.

 

[goldstar]

I cannot comment on any of your local amendments, but New Jersey appears to have adopted the IECC 2015. In IECC 2015, C405.2 Lighting Controls states Lighting systems shall be provided with controls as specified in SEctions C405.2.1, C405.2.2, C405.2.3, C405.2.4, and C405.2.5...but there are exceptions: Lighting Controls are not required for the following:

1) Areas designated as security or emergency areas that are required to be continuously lighted
2) Interior exit stairways, interior exit ramps and exit passageways
3) Emergency Egress lighting that is normally off

This doesn't mean you still cannot use Occupancy sensors for paths of egress though, it just notes that it permits you to not use them. If you do use Occupancy Sensor controls, you are permitted to do the following per IECC C405.2.1.1 which states," Occupant sensor controls in spaces other than warehouses specified in SEction C405.2.1 shall comply with the following: ...(2) Be manual on or controlled to automatically turn the lighting on to not more than 50 percent power. Exception: -Full automatic-on controls shall be permitted to control lighting in public corridors, stairways, restrooms, primary building entrance areas and lobbies, and areas where manual-on operation would endanger the safety or security of the room or building occupants"

Basically, per IECC 2015, you are permitted to use Occupancy Controls and have them turn the lights on to 100% with no problems. You will also want to double check what your local municipality has adopted in addition to what's noted above.

Thanks. I'll check with the local fire inspector.

 

[goldstar]

As it turned out the occupancy sensor was a 3-way and was located only at one entry door. The lighting was for a hallway and the hallway was about 60' long. That means if you were at a meeting in a room at the far end or middle of the hallway and walked out into the hall you would have to walk all the way to the front of the hall to turn on the lights or to the far end to flip on the 3-way switch. I changed that one back to a 3-way switch.

The second occupancy sensor was at the top of a stairway that led into a storage area. This was a s/p sensor located at the top of the stairs that turned on the lights inside the storage area. That would mean that if you were in the storage area searching for something and went beyond the time limit the lights would shut off.

I changed that one out as well.

Sometimes people have good ideas but are poorly implemented.

 

[Fulthrotl]

As it turned out the occupancy sensor was a 3-way and was located only at one entry door. The lighting was for a hallway and the hallway was about 60' long. That means if you were at a meeting in a room at the far end or middle of the hallway and walked out into the hall you would have to walk all the way to the front of the hall to turn on the lights or to the far end to flip on the 3-way switch. I changed that one back to a 3-way switch.

The second occupancy sensor was at the top of a stairway that led into a storage area. This was a s/p sensor located at the top of the stairs that turned on the lights inside the storage area. That would mean that if you were in the storage area searching for something and went beyond the time limit the lights would shut off.

I changed that one out as well.

Sometimes people have good ideas but are poorly implemented.

what is done here is ceiling mounted sensors, driving a controller.
after 15 minutes, they dim to 50%. after 30 min. they go off.
if it's a hotel or 24/365 thing, they dim to 50%, never go off.
instant full brightness automatically.

fire marshals are good with it. saves electricity, doesn't' affect
security or visibility in areas down the hallway.

 

[goldstar]

what is done here is ceiling mounted sensors, driving a controller.
after 15 minutes, they dim to 50%. after 30 min. they go off.
if it's a hotel or 24/365 thing, they dim to 50%, never go off.
instant full brightness automatically.

fire marshals are good with it. saves electricity, doesn't' affect
security or visibility in areas down the hallway.

Yes, but those are done by professionals. In my case it was done by a novice who was trying to save the ambulance corps a few $$$.