Home control company Crestron has added intelligent occupancy sensors for its Green Light environmental controls. The new occupancy sensors have built-in microprocessors and photocells to shut off lights automatically to cut energy usage. Climate and device control can also be integrated. The sensors, which have 450-to-2,500-square-foot ranges, include wall- and ceiling-mount versions.
According to Crestron, the sensors continually analyze and adjust to changing conditions. Upon activation, each sensor initiates in “walk-through” mode for a two and a half minutes, during which lights turn off promptly when a person enters and exits the room. After the 2.5-minute period of occupancy, the sensor shifts into “occupied” mode.

There is also a “delayed off” set via the timer knob on the sensor, which turns lights off when no motion is detected after a specific time. While the sensor is in use, the sensor learns room occupancy patterns. The delayed off time will change as the sensor adapts to environmental conditions and occupancy patterns.
When enabled, the built-in photocell prevents lights from turning on when there is sufficient daylight in the room. Sensor behavior can be customized via the Crestron control system.
Dual-technology (ultrasonic and passive infrared) and passive infrared-only versions are available.

New Crestron occupancy sensor models:

• GLS-ODT-C-1000 Dual-technology ceiling mount, 1000-sq ft range
• GLS-ODT-C-2000 Dual-technology ceiling mount, 2000-sq ft range
• GLS-ODT-C-500 Dual-technology ceiling mount, 500-sq ft range
• GLS-ODT-W-1200 Dual-technology wall mount, 1200-sq ft range
• GLS-OIR-C-1500 Passive infrared ceiling mount, 1500-sq ft range
• GLS-OIR-C-450 Passive infrared ceiling mount, 450-sq ft range
• GLS-OIR-W-2500 Passive infrared wall mount, 2500-sq ft range

Steven Castle - Contributing Writer

Steven Castle is Electronic House's managing editor. he has been writing about consumer electronics, homes and energy efficiency topics for two decades. He is also the co-founder of GreenTech Advocates.