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Lighting Controls – Why Choose flex7
Up to 60% of the energy used by lighting can be saved if manual switching is replaced by automatic lighting control. Our hassle-free system can help you to achieve this with minimal disruption, and without the need for expensive commissioning. In keeping with all our products our lighting controls range simply plugs into our lighting connection products to create a fully automated system.
We offer on/off, daylight linking/dimming, integrated emergency test, corridor hold, last man out switch, networking across circuits/phases and plug-in switches which all operate at protected extra low voltage (PELV). This not only means that the install is intrinsically safer, with controls and associated cabling reduced to just 5V or 12V, but also allows for multiple circuits, or even multiple phases, to be switched at these extra low voltages to too; no need for additional contactors or the potential of 415V at devices the general public might be required to operate – wall switches for example.
Smallest sensor head of its type
At a mere 40mm dia. (32mmØ cutout) our standard flush mounted PIR sensor head is the smallest of its type. In addition we offer Tamper-Resistant and IP66 variants if needed, finished in white or black. Our microwave sensor is available wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted and there’s a hard-wired, stand-alone 230V option for retrofit applications.
flex7 plug-in switches
To complete your installation use a flex7 switch. Unlike traditional hard-wired switches, our switches are unique, incorporating RJ connectivity, meaning termination takes a second and requires no screwdrivers or strippers. Snapping into a Euromod 50 x 50 plate means flex7 switches and scene set plates can always match the rest of the specified electrical accessories on an installation.
What do our lighting controls offer?
Protected Extra Low Voltage
Flex7 lighting controls all operate at protected extra low voltage. This mean that cable for switch drops can be set at any depth in the wall, will not require extra protection, and will not need to be enclosed within an earthed metallic covering. It is a cost-effective and simple way of complying with IET Wiring Regulations 17th Edition BS7671: 2008.
Integrated Emergency Test
Our lighting controls are available with integrated emergency test. This version of the control pack has an additional relay to facilitate emergency test. You simply need to connect one of the cores of the switch drop to a suitable key switch.
Cold Store PIR Sensors
Our cold store sensor has undergone testing, is rated to IP66, and suitable for use in cold stores.
Tamper Resistant PIR Sensors
Our Tamper Resistant Sensor Head is ideal for use in prisons, secure units etc. where resilience to unsolicited attempts to remove or tamper with is paramount.
Corridor Hold Control
Our corridor hold unit is self-powered and can be linked to 8 rooms. It will hold lights on in a corridor if any of the rooms it is linked to are occupied. This is often a health and safety or security requirement in public buildings.
Last Man Out Switch
Network your lighting controls so all lights in the building can be turned off with a single switch as you leave the building.
High In-rush Relay
We have included a high in-rush relay in our control devices, which make them ideal for use with LEDs that characteristically have a higer inrush than traditional fluorescent loads.
No Commissioning
Unlike other systems, flex7 does not require expensive commissioning.
What type of lighting control should you choose?
Up to 70% of the energy used by lighting can be saved if manual switching is replaced by automatic lighting control. Using flex7 make it easy to select and install the controls you need to achieve these savings. You have a variety of choices when selecting the right control for your project. The first thing to consider is whether you want occupancy or absence sensing:
Occupancy Sensing
Lights turn on automatically when someone enters a room, and turn off again once the room has been empty for a set period of time.
Occupancy sensor kit (consists of Lighting control pack, link lead and sensor head) : fns1200
Absence Sensing
Lights need to be switched on manually at the switch when entering a room, but will turn off automatically once the room has been empty, for a set period of time. This option gives users a higher level of control, and has extra potential for energy saving, as the user will only turn lights on if they need them.
Absence (if used with retractive switch) and occupancy (if used with latched switch) sensor kit (consists of Lighting control pack, link lead, switch drop lead and sensor head) : fns1200/u
Once you’ve decided which option is most appropriate for your lighting project, you then need to decide if daylight dependent or daylight dimming options can be added. These two options will further increase the energy efficiency of your building, but are only appropriate where natural daylight levels are sufficient:
Daylight Dependent control
Daylight Dependent Control: Additionally to absence or occupancy sensing, these controls will turn luminaires off in response to natural light. This extra functionality results in further reductions in energy consumption, by harvesting daylight whenever possible. If ambient light is sufficient, lights will not turn on. The desired constant light level in a room can be programmed to user preference.
Absence (if used with retractive switch) and occupancy (if used with latched switch) sensor kit with daylight linking: (consists of Lighting control pack, link lead, switch drop lead and sensor head): fns1400/u
Occupancy sensor kit with daylight linking: (consists of Lighting control pack, link lead and sensor head) : fns1400
Daylight Linking Control
Daylight Linking Control: Additionally to absence or occupancy sensing, these controls will also dim luminaires down in response to natural light. This extra functionality results in further reductions in energy consumption, by harvesting daylight whenever possible. If ambient light is sufficient, lights will not turn on at all. The desired constant light level in a room can be programmed to user preference.
Absence (if used with retractive switch) and occupancy (if used with latched switch) sensor kit with daylight linking: (consists of Lighting control pack, link lead, switch drop lead and sensor head): fns3400/u
Occupancy sensor kit with daylight linking: (consists of Lighting control pack, link lead and sensor head) : fns3400
Lighting Control Scenarios
A corridor hold unit can also be used to ensure that lights are always held on when any room adjacent to the space is in use.
Flex7 lighting controls can be specially programmed to your requirements. For example, on a recent healthcare project flex7 controllers were used that dim down luminaires to 15% brightness when occupancy was not detected, rather than turning off completely in circulation areas.
Our timer management unit is designed to hold lights on for pre-set time periods during the day. They are often used in corridor or circulation areas, to hold lights on during normal working hours, and revert back to occupancy control at all other times.
Alternatively, absence control can be used to ensure that lights are never turned on if not needed during daylight hours. This type of control requires lights to be turned on at a switch upon entering a room. A sensor head will then monitor presence in the room, and turn lights off once the space has been empty for a set period of time.
Lights along window rows of the office can be daylight linked to ensure that they only turn on when there is not sufficient natural daylight.
The flex7 ZoneLite for offices and commercial use was specially developed designed to be used in single offices, multiple offices, open plan offices, and retail environments. The ZoneLite provides plug-in connection for your lighting circuit, with integrated lighting control options. It provides options for absence/presence/daylight linking/graduated daylight dimming lighting controls, emergency test, corridor hold, last man out switch and scene setting.
Lights along window rows of the room can be daylight linked to ensure that they only turn on when there is not sufficient natural light.
A common requirement in modern classrooms, is the ability to have various different lighting switch circuits, at the same time as reducing energy consumption by including Daylight linking. We can offer connection for, a master on/off switch by the classroom door, a separate on/off switch for the lights directly above the whiteboard/projector etc. and daylight linking, for the lighting adjacent to the window. Flex Connectors can achieve this with one controller unit, and therefore keep the cost of the required components very low.
Our ZoneLite for education has been specially developed with 15 pre-programmed lighting control scenarios common to schools and educational environments. The ZoneLite will provide power to your lighting circuit, with the addition of integrated lighting control options. It provides options for absence/presence/daylight linking/graduated daylight dimming lighting controls, independent switching of whiteboard or projector lights, emergency test, corridor hold, last man out switch and scene setting.
Our eZeBox Dual Supply box meets the demands of essential/non-essential supply, in environments such as hospitals. The Dual Supply connection box allows you to control two groups of luminaires, each supplied by its own independent protective device at the distribution board.
Flex7 lighting controls can be specially programmed to your requirements. For example, on a recent healthcare project flex7 controllers were used that dim down luminaires to 15% brightness when occupancy was not detected, rather than turning off completely in circulation areas
Flex7 Market Sectors
For information on specific market sector applications: