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saving money by switchng to motion sensor lights in stairwells

Started by JackS15 • 10 replies • 712 views

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JackS15 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 84
Posted:
So we own a 6 story condo building and there are 2 stairwells on either side of the building that no one uses. Does anyone know what those lights are called that stay on but very dim but if you walk near them turn bright? Thanks
MarkW18
Posts: 1,290
Posted:
Smart Lights
JackS15 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 84
Posted:
I don't think they are smart lights because you don't need to plug them into wifi for it to work. They are just dimmable lights that have motion sensors on them but they are the banister kind.
DouglasK1 (Florida)
Posts: 2,046
Posted:
Emergency exit stairwell lighting is typically regulated by state or local fire and building codes, and making changes that do no comply with those codes is not a good idea. Even though it will cost more than ordering something online, you should probably work with a company with expertise and certifications in that field. Included in this requirement is battery lighting in the event of a power loss.

A web search of "exit stairwell lighting" will return a lot of info, here is one example:
https://relightdepot.com/light-fixtures/wall-mounted-lights/stairwell-lighting.html
Escaped former treasurer and director of a self managed association.
DouglasK1 (Florida)
Posts: 2,046
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By DouglasK1 on 02/10/2020 10:21 AM
Emergency exit stairwell lighting is typically regulated by state or local fire and building codes, and making changes that do no comply with those codes is not a good idea. Even though it will cost more than ordering something online, you should probably work with a company with expertise and certifications in that field. Included in this requirement is battery lighting in the event of a power loss.

A web search of "exit stairwell lighting" will return a lot of info, here is one example:
https://relightdepot.com/light-fixtures/wall-mounted-lights/stairwell-lighting.html

Forgot to add work with a company familiar with local codes, and the motion sensing lights are towards the bottom of the web page above.
Escaped former treasurer and director of a self managed association.
MarkW18
Posts: 1,290
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By JackS15 on 02/10/2020 10:15 AM
I don't think they are smart lights because you don't need to plug them into wifi for it to work. They are just dimmable lights that have motion sensors on them but they are the banister kind.

OK
JackS15 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 84
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By MarkW18 on 02/10/2020 10:33 AM
Posted By JackS15 on 02/10/2020 10:15 AM
I don't think they are smart lights because you don't need to plug them into wifi for it to work. They are just dimmable lights that have motion sensors on them but they are the banister kind.


OK

Thank you for your informative post!
MarkW18
Posts: 1,290
Posted:
Most welcome.

BTW, Google is still operational.
JackS15 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 84
Posted:
Sorry I was responding to DouglasK1 who had the informative post. I wasn't trying to be sarcastic.

Anyway thanks again guys!
SteveM9 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 3,699
Posted:
https://up.codes/viewer/massachusetts/ibc-2009/chapter/10/means-of-egress#1006.4

LIGHTING
1006.2 Illumination Level
The means of egress illumination level shall not be less than 1 foot-candle (11 lux) at the walking surface.

EMERGENCY LIGHTING
Emergency lighting facilities shall be arranged to provide initial illumination that is at least an average of 1 foot-candle (11 lux) and a minimum at any point of 0.1 foot-candle (1 lux) measured along the path of egress at floor level. Illumination levels shall be permitted to decline to 0.6 foot-candle (6 lux) average and a minimum at any point of 0.06 foot-candle (0.6 lux) at the end of the emergency lighting time duration. A maximum-to-minimum illumination uniformity ratio of 40 to 1 shall not be exceeded.

----------------------

I'm no expert, but if legal, wouldn't it be cheaper to replace the big fluorescent tubes (guessing you have) with a single 60w LED which is 6 watts and simply leave them on all the time.

2 stairwells with 6 levels = 12 light bulbs at 6 watts each = 72 watts continuous

72 watts at 24 hours day, at 0.14 cents kilowatt = $7.25 month to run all the bulbs

MATH:
https://www.rapidtables.com/calc/electric/energy-cost-calculator.html
SteveM9 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 3,699
Posted:
Just tried Lux Meter app on my android phone and 11 lux is pretty dim. Shouldn't be too hard to meet that standard. Yes, I know its not an accurate light meter, but if its in the ballpark, it will be good.

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