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Motion Sensor Policy Reform

Brief review of Motion Sensor Policy History

Key Regulator Requirements

Potential for conflict with Fire Code

Case studies

Discussion

Background: Motion Sensor Policies

• Ontario Building Code (OBC) revised to allow use of motion sensor lighting (2007)

• OBC revision created conflict with Toronto Municipal Code (TMC) – Property Standards

• TMC Property Standards revised in August 2010 to allow motion sensor lighting

Where are motion sensors allowed?

Previously Allowed

Currently Allowed

Laundry roomsStorage roomsHallwaysParking GaragesStairwellsLobbies

Key Safety Regulations

1. Not For Emergency Lighting

2. Fail Safe3. Fire Safety4. Maintain 10 lux min at all

times5. Two Second rule6. No “null zones”

Fire Safety

The Motion sensor system “must not be impaired by the presence of smoke”

• One way to achieve this criteria is to wire it into the fire alarm system, so that full lighting is automatically restored when the fire alarm goes off.

Standby lighting

In an “access to exit”, the system must “maintain an average level of illumination of 10 lux at all times”

• In many cases, this can be achieved via the emergency lighting circuit

• Dimmable or bi-level fixtures can also be used

• Powerline or wireless communication can also be used to leave some fixtures on

Two second rule

In corridors, the system must “activate all lighting within the space within two seconds of any movement”.

• This includes the opening of a door adjoining the hallway

• This can be achieved by using ultrasonic motion sensors in hallways

• With a PIR sensor, would require a sensor above each door

Conflict with the Fire Code?

Several provisions in the fire code deal with the lighting of corridors:

• “9.5.3.8. Public corridors … shall be adequately illuminated to allow for the safe evacuation of occupants.”– The 10 lux standby level is the same as emergency lighting levels,

and is therefore adequate to provide for safe evacuation.

• “9.9.3.13. Every exit and access to exit shall be equipped to provide illumination to an average level of at least 50 lx”– This regulation does not imply that 50 lux must be provided at all

times, solely that the lighting system must retain the capability to provide 50 lux when the corridor is occupied.

Case Studies

Direct Energy Centre

• 50% reduction in electricity• $20K annual electricity savings• 7 year payback• Positive feedback

Case Studies

Toronto Community Housing• Used Bi-level T8 fixtures and LEDs• 30% energy savings compared to w/out sensors• 75% savings compared to previous HPS lighting

system• 3.7 year payback (T8s)• Positive feedback

Summary

• Motion sensor lighting is now allowed

• Make sure your contractors are aware of the relevant regulations

• Best way to do it is in combination with an upgrade to the lighting source

• TAF will continue working to ensure technology can be rolled out in a safe and cost effective manner