How does PoE lighting work?
Power over Ethernet is a lighting protocol; in other words, it is one of the many ways of connecting and installing smart lighting. Global standard Cat 5/6 cables provide both power and control by transferring data. They can send and receive data allowing lights to react to prompts and external cues by integrating sensors as well as providing valuable analytics for building managers. Most offices and other commercial buildings will already use power over ethernet to power office phones and increase security and HVAC systems. Therefore a retrofit is simple; historic caballing can be utilised, plugged into, and extend, allowing for an efficient install. PoE cables can now deliver 90W of power for cable lengths of up to 100m. This allows for daisy-chaining of several luminaires, which can simplify the installation process. Hence PoE led lighting control is very cost-effective. Cabling costs are lower because data and power share the same cable. An electrician is not required for the installation; therefore, costs are saved - the process is also safer due to the lower voltages of PoE DC. Having a more energy-efficient building and gaining additional insights that have not been available until now also saves costs as facility managers understand more about how their building is being used.
Each fixture has a unique address; this gives the user the ability to send commands and changes via the control software without rewiring the lighting. This allows the user to control each light, a group of lights, or all of the lights seamlessly - controlling dimming, timing, sensors, lighting colours, daylight harvesting, and much more to maximise efficiency and occupant experience. All that is required is a software solution such as SmartCore that acts as the brains of the solution.
The SmartCore interface allows users to view all of the data collected and keep an eye on energy usage, life expectancy of devices, and any maintenance required on any of the fixtures.
To understand more about PoE lighting, check out our case study of Powerhouse Brattørkaia, based in Norway. This building of the future won most sustainable in the 2020 Innovation by Design Awards and is a great example of the potential PoE lighting holds.
