Automatic Lighting Controls vs. NEC 110.26 (E) 2

[deedo1124]

Recently upgraded a large manufacturing facilities lighting from 400W HID to high bay flourescents with integral occupancy sensors. Everything went well and the areas looked great upon completion. Project will pay for itself in 2 years with energy savings since old lights burned 24/7/365. There were some grumblings from the union but we worked with supervisors and operators to move and/or add fixtures as needed to meet their concerns. Yesterday however an email from the local union safety rep stated that we are in violation of the 2011 NEC 110.26(E). Their arguement is that the areas must have manual overide controls since they are served by bus duct, there are local panelbouards, and the manufacturing machines have control panels which periodically require maintenance. This section of the code was changed in 2011 as before it only required the manual overides in electrical equipment rooms. Since the 2011 code has not been adopted by our state I tried the card that we were working with the 2008 NEC, needless to say this argument didn't win. Anyone have any opinions on this? Is an occupancy sensor considered automatic controls? It does require movement of an person to activate the light. I think the main reason for the complaint is that the fixtures were installed by an outside contracter and not the UAW skilled trades.

Thanks for your input.

 

[burnt2x]

Are you sure they said 2011 Art 110.26(E)? I tried looking but that section is deleted in the latest edition! Perhaps, they are talking about Section D [110.26(D)] Illumination, where it says indoor illumination for service equipment must not be controlled by automatic means only. The purpose of having this provision if for those persons who work on those critical service equipment to be properly illuminated while working on them, hence assured to be safely working. However, if you have provisions for specific lighting on these panels (not included with the high bay lighting circuit), and you are not compromising those who work on those indoor service equipment, those high bay lighting controls doesn't make you violate the purpose of this provision, IMHO.

But, wait till others who are very good at NEC regs can react on your post.

 

[jraef]

Well if we look at the likely INTENT of the provision, it would have been to make sure that if someone were working on equipment they have adequate light, otherwise you have created a potential working hazard. So if by "automatic controls" they meant some system where the LOCAL worker had no control of the lighting, then I would interpret occupancy sensors as NOT violating that provision. If the local worker is there, the lights are on. What's the problem?

But I also suppose it will matter what TYPE of occupancy sensor you are using. If it's only PIR, then any person (ostensibly living) in the area will set it off but it is subject to the "cone" effect of the sensors, so you can have blind spots. If it is strictly ultrasonic, then a lack of adequate movement may allow for the lights to go off while a worker is engaged in something dangerous but not requiring a lot of movement. If you are using a combination type of sensor system, it may behoove you to arrange for a demonstration of it's effectiveness and that it will not turn the lights off during a "reasonable" period of low activity. If you can't prove it to their satisfaction, an override switch may be in order.

"Dear future generations: Please accept our apologies. We were rolling drunk on petroleum."
— Kilgore Trout (via Kurt Vonnegut)
For the best use of Eng-Tips, please click here -> faq731-376

 

[davidbeach]

PIR sensors also rely on motion. They look for a change in the local heat pattern.

 

[jraef]

Yes, but less so than Ultrasonic. A PIR can pick up a waving hand if it's in it's cone, we have an Ultrasonic sensor in the bathroom here at the office, it makes you get up and do a waltz with your pants down to turn the damned light back on...

"Dear future generations: Please accept our apologies. We were rolling drunk on petroleum."
— Kilgore Trout (via Kurt Vonnegut)
For the best use of Eng-Tips, please click here -> faq731-376

 

[deedo1124]

Burt2x you are correct it is section D. The sensors are dual technology with the off time delay set at 20 minutes. I have walked the plant during first shift and have rarely seen any of them off. Their safety procedures do not allow maintenance on energized equipment so the only task they perform while energized would be taking measurements. I have proposed adding pull string switches to any fixtures they want manual control of by wiring it in parallel to the integral sensor.

We previously added sensors in the restrooms but most have been disabled due to the fact they claimed they were often left in the dark. I told them that if it takes longer that 20 minutes to take a dump then you may need to see doctor.

 

[davidbeach]

I told them that if it takes longer that 20 minutes to take a dump then you may need to see doctor.

And you wonder why you're having a problem with them now?

 

[waross]

I told them that if it takes longer that 20 minutes to take a dump then you may need to see doctor.

Some truths are better left unspoken.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[FreddyNurk]

I knew of one rather old building in Darwin that had been retrofitted with sensor based lighting in the toilets. I'd been to a couple of functions there (it was an old Admiralty building that had been turned into a restaurant) and it was most disconcerting after a few beverages to enter the toilets with no lights on and a couple of seconds before the light would strike.

I'd probably verify the claims about being left in the dark, at least before being dismissive of it. You might have a point, but they might too.

 

[deedo1124]

Jraef is on to something.

A collegue sent me this link:

http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/pdf/codesstandards/glossary_a09.pdf

From the NFPA's definition of automatic it would appear that an occupancy sensor requires human intervention and would not be considered automatic.