Occupancy Sensors

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danelectro

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Can occupancy sensors be used as the sole means of lighting control within a room? For instance, we are reviewing a job that has been designed for a ceiling mounted occupancy sensor controlling two fluorescent strip lights within public storage closets. When you walk in - lights go on; when you walk out - lights go off after a preset time. There is no way to de-energize the line side of the occupancy sensor locally. You have to go to the branch OCPD at the service panel which may be on a different floor.
 
The NEC doesn't really address lighting control in other than dwelling units, this is a design issue.

With that being said, there are other codes that will address this issue as well, such as the building codes and the energy codes. The Internation Energy Conservation Code section 505.2.1 states:

505.2.1 Interior lighting controls. Each area enclosed by
walls or floor-to-ceiling partitions shall have at least one
manual control for the lighting serving that area. The
required controls shall be located within the area served by
the controls or be a remote switch that identifies the lights
served and indicates their status.
Exceptions:
1. Areas designated as security or emergency areas
that must be continuously lighted.
2. Lighting in stairways or corridors that are elements
of the means of egress.
Click to expand...

Chris
 
Yes, except for 110.26(D) working spaces about Electrical equipment. other wise ok per 210.70(C) and I do not see a problem with the location of OCPD unless I overlooked an Article. As Chris noted......
 
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You need to have a wall switch or a manual override for the sensor at the customary switch location per Article 210.70(A)(1) (2002 NEC and 2004 CEC).
But for hallways and stairways and outdoor entrances, remote, central, or automatic control of lighting shall be permitted per Article 210.70(A)(2) Exception.
 
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Here in CA you get energy credits if you use occupancy sensors instead of switches.

In CA the Energy Code says "Independent lighting controls are required for each area enclosed by ceiling height partitions. In the simplest case, this means that each room must have its own switching; gang switching of several rooms is not allowed. The switch may be manually operated or automatically controlled by an occupant-sensing device that meets the requirements of XXXX."
 
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earshavewalls said:
You need to have a wall switch or a manual override for the sensor at the customary switch location per Article 210.70(A)(1) (2002 NEC and 2004 CEC).
But for hallways and stairways and outdoor entrances, remote, central, or automatic control of lighting shall be permitted per Article 210.70(A)(2) Exception.
Click to expand...

The sections that you quoted are for dwelling units, the OP was talking about lights in "public storage closets". Section 210.70(C) deals with other than dwelling units, and only requires attics and underfloor spaces containing equipment requiring servicing to have at least one lighting outlet containing a switch or controlled by a wall switch.

Chris
 
If I'm reading the Original Post correctly, the question is whether there is a requirement to electrically disconnect the branch circuit other than with the OCPD.

Why would this have any installation requirements different from a wall switch? You turn the power off to work on the lights.

The commercial wall switch sensors here (Cal title 24) have a switch which can be used to shut the lights out when you leave the room. This is a state energy rule. Dan, is this the function you're asking about? By the way, welcome to the forum
 
Raider, I stand corrected. Looks like it's just the same Article 210.70, but it's in (C) which states it can be a lighting outlet containing a switch or controlled by a wall switch. Doesn't look like automatic occupancy sensors by themselves or the OCPD (unless it's at the 'usual point of entry to those spaces') are allowed unless accompanied by the local switch.
I would think that the occupancy sensor manual override at the switch location would serve the same purpose.
 
My understanding was that the OP was asking if a ceiling mounted occupancy sensor could be used as the sole means to control the lights in the room without a manual override.

Chris
 
I think the answer is clearly stated. No.

I agree that nothing in the code directly addresses this issue. As was stated, the above mentioned articles either apply to dwelling units or equipment spaces. I still believe that, without specific code direction, you need to apply the intent or the basic directions that the code DOES provide for other locations, whether dwelling unit or equipment space, in order to be consistant.
The concern of the OP, I feel is justified. A local control should be in place for this type of space.

JMHO

Have a great weekend everybody!!!
 
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earshavewalls said:
Raider, I stand corrected. Looks like it's just the same Article 210.70, but it's in (C) which states it can be a lighting outlet containing a switch or controlled by a wall switch. Doesn't look like automatic occupancy sensors by themselves or the OCPD (unless it's at the 'usual point of entry to those spaces') are allowed unless accompanied by the local switch.
I would think that the occupancy sensor manual override at the switch location would serve the same purpose.
Click to expand...

Part C is talking about attics and underfloor spaces not public storage areas as the op has stated. And those space must have equip req. servicing. How is this related to the op's question--- I don't get it.
 
Good question.....but think about other locations that do not have any switching at all, like stairwells for instance.
 
I often see automatic lighting control without manual override (either on or off) in public bathrooms in restaurants.
 
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