The Benefits of PoE Lighting

 To PoE or to not PoE is the issue! If the legendary English poet, playwright, and performer William Shakespeare were alive today, we’re sure that this would be the question he asked!

What is PoE mean, and what does PoE connect to lighting? PoE is a shorthand for Power over Ethernet. This technology can provide electrical power and network information to be transmitted concurrently over one twisted-pair Ethernet cable. The typical PoE configuration includes two significant products: powered equipment (PDs) and power equipment for sourcing (PSE). The most common PoE devices include VoIP phones (VoIP), IP security cameras, and Wireless Access Points (WAP). With the advent of PoE lighting fixtures, lighting fixtures that use the standard Ethernet cable draws energy through PoE switches and transmit data, eliminating the requirement for separate electrical wires. Each lighting fixture has an IP address, allowing two-way communication to your Building's Building Management System (BMS). PoE technology can provide control and networking capabilities to LED systems, which AC main power cannot provide.

Because the lighting PoE uses Ethernet cables, it could be a fantastic solution for indoor environments, including offices, hospitals, data centers, and even schools.

Below are several control and energy-saving solutions that PoE lighting could provide.

• They are controlling the fixtures on an individual basis.
• Eliminates all high voltage circuit alignments above the ceiling and any metal conduits necessary to run the high voltage wire.
• It eliminates the requirement for a certified electrician to install fixtures and run networking cables, as LEDs are lower-voltage devices for DC.
• Fixtures can be placed wherever required and then moved or replaced without turning off power to the area.
• Internet of Things (IoT) lets you collect information from devices and observe patterns to maximize energy efficiency while optimizing the space and increasing productivity. Sensors can also signal occupied areas during emergencies, allowing rescue workers to identify trapped occupants!
• Many fixtures are designed to work with PoE, enhancing the design possibilities.
• Set the lighting levels depending on the function of the room. For example, a space that was once a lab for science has now become a classroom. The science lab will require the equivalent of 100-foot candles at a school with a floor. However, the classroom needs 40-foot candles. A lighting system that uses PoE gives the ability to reduce the candles in feet to meet the latest lighting requirements of the room without the need for new lighting fixtures.
• In the event of an emergency, illuminate emergency pathways. The situation in the event of an emergency.
• Circadian rhythm optimization allows you to replicate natural lighting indoors by programming the fixture's lamp to adjust the color temperature while reducing blue light wavelengths in the evening.

Security Concerns

On the other hand, other factors should be considered when evaluating Led lighting control with PoE. Consider security concerns (network hacking) and the cost of equipment (proprietary systems) as well as training and certifications, equipment and cable distance maintenance, the maximum electrical load of a switch, space for IT, and the lumen requirement.

In the end, it's the customer we design for, so it is our responsibility to be attentive to their needs, comprehend the needs of their clients and assist in a light control solution that is more than the expectations of their clients.

Contact Cabsy if you require assistance with your next lighting Design. We can assist you with your AV/Technology system or Acoustical Design requirements!