PoE in NYC THE NEXT BROADWAY HIT?

Compliments of HEW

By CHUCK CAMERON, OLENA ZAVRAGINA, ALAN LEE of SDA Lighting & Controls

WHAT IS PoE?

PoE, or Power over Ethernet, has become increasingly prevalent in the lighting industry, but what exactly is PoE? And how is it relevant to lighting? PoE allows a single Ethernet cord to provide both data and DC Power to a device rather than using numerous cords, outlets, and extension cables. PoE has long been used to power phones, IT devices, cameras and in many places security systems. IS IT USEFUL FOR LIGHTING?

In short, yes. PoE is able to perform all of the functions of current networked lighting control systems. It allows for user and sensor inputs, timeclock functionality and other advanced scheduling features. The granular control offered via PoE provides the flexibility needed to remain compliant with local codes, regardless of location. This is particularly useful as energy codes continue to get stricter over time.

As an added benefit, the interconnected topology allows for added potential in terms of energy savings and site specific calibration. It does so by providing detailed data it has collected from all its devices. Furthermore, because PoE is digital, it is far more easily integrated with other systems. As such, it is not reliant on protocols such as BACNet.

PoE Lighting is also low voltage in nature, allowing projects to greatly limit the need for licensed electrical contractors that handle line voltage. This remains true when fixtures are added or replaced following project completion. Particularly with larger projects, there is potential for cost savings and this frees up the electrical contractor to handle other parts of the project.

PoE holds many benefits, including time and cost savings. Money is saved on hiring an electrician to install complex systems of electrical cablings; the network of ethernet cables used in an office or building is much simpler and uses lower voltage—reducing hazards—making it easy for anyone to install.

Finally, PoE allows for flexibility. Devices can be placed almost anywhere and can easily be moved around, because the single ethernet cord can be easily disconnected and reconnected.

The great promise of PoE lighting is gathering more data about our buildings. This data can be shared and aggregated with other data. This is the core tenet of what is generally referred to as smart buildings. The term smart building does not have a defined feature set and so the design team needs to tease out during the design process, which features will add value for the project’s owner and tenants. In New York City, the vast majority of PoE lighting systems have been specified for medium to large professional office fit outs. The reasons owners and tenants seek out PoE systems varies but there are some typical ones. When we posed this question to Glenn Buchholz, EVP, Controls & Technology of Chelsea Lighting, he replied, “Building owners and tenants are interested in a combination of reducing the line voltage wire running through their walls and ceilings and also building an intelligent sensor network that is the foundation for collecting data from within the space.”

The switch away from line voltage wiring and the associated conduits to structured data cabling will make installation a bit faster and easier. More importantly, this low voltage infrastructure and the increased control granularity make the system more flexible to reflect the real daily use of the space, adapt to the changes in an organization's space needs over time and respond to the unexpected, like our current pandemic.

Some owners are integrating their PoE lighting systems to share data with other systems. This can be a two-way street with the lighting system providing information like temperature and CO2 concentrations to the HVAC system as

well as receiving information from security and scheduling software. Additionally, new software tools for efficient building operations and real estate optimization, generally called PropTech, are growing in use.

We also see owners and tenants who want to future proof their space. They believe that they will find new uses for the technology as time goes on. It is true that the smart building space will grow greatly in the coming decade (typical length of a commercial lease) and so the likelihood that they will find new ways to use the data available from a PoE lighting system is high. So now that the client has asked for this, what does it mean for the lighting.

The Infrastructure of a PoE system is surprisingly simple and consists of only a handful of components.

The heart of the system is a ‘server’ that hosts software used for set up, system operation and data collection from the PoE network. The Primary function of the PoE switch is communication, more specifically receiving and forwarding data between software and Low Voltage (LV) devices on the network. Also, it is important to note that the conversion from AC to DC power takes place inside the PoE switch. There are many manufacturers of the network switches; the most well known being Cisco. However, there are plenty of others that are also widely used in the industry. These switches don’t go in the electrical room as our other controls do. As you might guess, the PoE switches are typically located in the IT room. Alternatively, there are PoE ethernet switches that are plenum rated and can be distributed in the ceiling.

The next component is a PoE node. A node is an intelligent device, which can be integrated in the fixture or located remotely, and provides means of control and communication with the luminaire. Nodes often include an integrated sensor. This sensor is a digital device that provides occupancy and light level information to the system. Depending on the POE manufacturer, sensors can also monitor temperature, humidity, CO2 level, sound and more. Alternatively, remote sensors can be connected to the nodes.

Another component of the system is a keypad or touchscreen(s) to provide user inputs. There are many different flavors starting from simple on/off switches, to more sophisticated scene selectors and touchscreens. They are sometimes native PoE devices but often we are connecting legacy low voltage devices.

The last, but not least, in the list of components of the POE system is a hub for connections to 3rd party sensors, nonPOE fixtures, plug load control and other devices.

If a client directs us to design a PoE lighting system, it is possible for the client to still use her favorite fixtures, especially if they are specification-grade. To convert to PoE, the LED board and the optics are not affected so the output and distribution of light will be just the same as with traditional power. Coordination with the particular system vendor will be required, as there are no standards like traditional drivers. First, does the PoE system have a node that drives the correct power to the LED board? All systems have nodes for constant current LEDs but constant voltage options are still developing. The next consideration is deciding whether the node fits in the fixture or is remote. More often than not, it’s still remote. The PoE providers are working to develop nodes that fit into the driver compartment in existing fixtures. There are several ways to connect the luminaire to the node. Some nodes accept bare wires while most use some type of low voltage connector. Moreover, if PoE lighting continues to grow, standardization will almost certainly occur and fixtures will be adapted to better accommodate the integral nodes.

Emergency control devices are crucial in ensuring proper operation of PoE lighting in the event of an emergency. This requires coordination much like it does with traditional lighting controls. The difference is in the execution, which is often dictated by local code requirements. The most straightforward method in traditional lighting incorporates battery backups into the fixtures themselves to provide temporary power following a loss of power. Some PoE solutions also offer such a battery option in PoE form factor. Keep in mind that the battery unit often requires an additional PoE feed.

Centralized backup from an inverter or generator is the other main method for powering the emergency lighting. There are now UL approved methods for doing this with PoE. This method has the network switch receiving power from an emergency power source which usually consists of a UPS backed up with an inverter or generator. In this use case, the server may also be connected to a UPS in order to ensure that the lighting control system does not reset in the event of a power loss. Sometimes, the network equipment connected to We recently received a request from a lighting design consultant who had been asked to explore options for PoE and dynamic -- color tuning -- lighting for a project. While there are some additional details to coordinate such as matching the right PoE node to the fixture, the color tuning request makes it a great application for PoE lighting. Most of the PoE vendors have multi-channel nodes that can be used for the that switch is powered by a normal power source. This allows for the system to sense when power has been lost.

Here in New York City, these methods are not yet approved by the Department of Buildings. In order to comply with code, emergency fixtures have to be connected to line voltage equipment that is controlled by the PoE Lighting System and a UL924 certified shunt relay or battery. Work is ongoing to update the building codes and allow for native PoE solutions, though the agencies involved tend to move slowly. There may be scenarios in which a mix of solutions are implemented in different parts of a project, as dictated by site conditions and as allowed by local code. It is always important to check the local requirements.

Compliments of Smart Engine (Human Centric Lighting) fixture control in this application. Since each fixture is already getting a data connection, there is less additional wiring. Additionally, most PoE systems have white tuning functions built into their software suite. Therefore, PoE systems do not become more complex when adding dynamic lighting features. PoE lighting systems are also being used for more chromatic -- full color changing -- installations.

Like any new technology, there are growing pains. While in the past, lighting designers did not necessarily need to communicate with client IT departments, PoE requires coordination between the two. Often they need to get onboard early. Many of the PoE lighting system manufacturers have come from other industries and would benefit from gaining a better understanding of the various players in the architectural lighting channel. Going to PoE also changes how the project is purchased and built. We asked Mr. Buchholz about the role of the distributor and how it’s different for a PoE project. He said, “A lighting distributor needs to get involved earlier in the project in order to coordinate every light fixture with the PoE drivers that will power them. Drivers need to be matched to the LED boards used in each light fixture to ensure proper performance and dimmability.”

The installation phase of a project also looks different because the electrician and the IT contractor must work together. Oftentimes, the two may hold different opinions as to who should be responsible for which aspects of a project. Because, each project is so different, there is no one way to address this. Bucholz noted, “Our contractors’ biggest concerns are making sure that PoE lighting does not add unanticipated costs to a project or jeopardize a project’s schedule.” Another tool in making the implementation of the project go well is a new kind of system integrator with the combined knowledge of lighting and computer networking to help smooth out this process. This integrator coordinates the equipment from multiple vendors, creates final detailed installation drawings and then assists the contractors on site in addition to configuring the system. WHAT ARE THE FUTURE POSSIBILITIES?

In time, integration possibilities are certain to grow. Much like we have seen with the web and mobile revolutions, new features and integrations we didn’t know we needed will keep being developed. All of these possibilities can make the space perform better for the users while keeping the electric bill as low as possible. Oh... wait, that has always been our goal for the lighting system. 

As the number of projects implementing PoE lighting systems grows, the growing pains of this new technology are still being sorted out. Once this methodology to power and control lighting is more common, lighting designers can begin to explore new possibilities for PoE systems.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for more flexible workplaces, as well as urged an accelerated evolution of smart buildings. Many buildings are beginning to see room schedule integration, indoor location services, and asset tracking. Furthermore, new developments are arising in terms of enhanced communication for emergency situations.

In time, integration possibilities are certain to grow. Much like we have seen with the web and mobile revolutions, new features and integrations we didn’t know we needed will keep being developed. All of these possibilities can make the space perform better for the users while keeping the electric bill as low as possible. Oh... wait, that has always been our goal for the lighting system. •

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