Building smarter security systems with intelligent LED lighting solutions

March 1, 2017
PoE-powered lighting extends the reach of security system networks

Although it is not  thought of in the same vein as video surveillance or access control, intelligent LED lighting can be a very important factor in extending the reach and capability of electronic security systems. Among the benefits the technology offers to facilities include:

  • Typical PoE-powered lighting reduces electrical energy costs by 60 to 80 percent or more
  • PoE-powered intelligent LED lighting projects provide a paid-for network path for security systems to connect to ceiling height devices, including cameras
  • Occupancy sensors in intelligent LED lighting fixtures can improve security and safety response
  • LED lighting network infrastructure can support other IoT and networked devices

Beyond Energy Cost Savings

Intelligent LED lighting cabling costs are lower because data and power share the same cable. Installation costs are lower because a licensed electrician is not required to install the network cable. Installation is also safer because the PoE DC voltage is less dangerous than 110 VAC (or 220 VAC). A PoE network enables better overall network power management and can also provide backup power during power outages. Obtaining data from occupancy sensors and other sensors in intelligent lighting fixtures is easy because the network path to such devices already exists. In facilities with PoE-powered lighting, PoE-powered ceiling speakers and microphones for strategic building locations have network infrastructure within a few feet or closer, eliminating what would otherwise be a significant expense.

Healthy Lighting

The intensity and color of intelligent LED lighting can be changed by manual control or scheduled adjustment, which can be used to counter the negative effects that traditional artificial lighting has been shown to have. Current lighting codes and guidelines provide illuminance recommendations for different room types, derived from usual lighting requirements for typical activities per room. These standards, created by technical groups such as the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), ensure good visual acuity in a variety of tasks to avoid eyestrain and to minimize productivity losses and headaches.

In addition to facilitating vision, light influences the human body in non-visual ways. Humans and animals have internal clocks that synchronize physiological functions on roughly a 24-hour cycle called the circadian rhythm. The body responds to a number of external cues that align physiological functions to the solar day in this cycle. Light is the most important of these cues, and helps keep the body’s internal clocks synchronized. The WELL building standard provides guidelines that minimize disruption to the body’s circadian system, enhance productivity, support good sleep quality and provide appropriate visual acuity. At least one major security operations center (SOC) is currently piloting intelligent LED lighting to optimize the SOC environment and maintain optimal, properly synchronized circadian rhythms for its SOC operators.

Not as Simple as It Sounds

Although the need to have licensed electricians install high-voltage power for ceiling lighting is eliminated with PoE lighting, a new need arises, which is to have network technicians who understand the ins and outs of the full range of PoE lighting and PoE backup power options, as well as the new PoE standards that are currently emerging to support the needs of commercial LED lighting. There are, for example, cable length constraints on PoE network segments. Computer and network security will be required for the lighting network infrastructure and the lighting controls, as well as integrations to facility building control systems and security systems. That need didn’t exist with traditional lighting.

There are a lot of benefits to be gained, but also a lot of knowledge that must be gained in order to obtain those benefits reliably. Fortunately, there is time to learn while early intelligent lighting project pave the way. Such intelligent lighting system designs will be utilized first with new buildings on the horizon, second with major building remodeling projects, and third with less-impactful ceiling remodeling projects. 

Learning More

Strategies in Light and The LED Show are two co-located events taking place on February 28 - March 2, 2017 in Anaheim, California. Conference sessions feature interactive workshops providing an in-depth look at advancements in lighting, especially intelligent lighting systems, and where the near future of lighting is headed. Consider attending if you are a facilities director or a security manager with responsibilities for facility electronic security systems.

About the Author: Arthur (Art) Arellanes is a SecurityInfoWatch contributor and a security industry veteran consultant with over 30 years of experience in the development of customer microcomputer products including controllers and interface products for security-system activation of lighting and elevator controls, and integration of a wide variety of sensors and systems with security applications. Reach Art at [email protected].