SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Watt Stopper/Legrand has created what it calls the first vacancy and occupancy sensors designed for the home. The new Watt Stopper sensors give homeowners a simple way to save energy by automatically turning lights off in empty rooms, thus making ordinary home lighting more eco-friendly.
The sensors replace wall switches in bathrooms, bedrooms, hallways and other rooms. With vacancy sensors, users press the button to turn lights on; with occupancy sensors lights turn on automatically when someone enters the room. Then, after the room is vacant, lights automatically turn off, ending the typical pattern of hours of wasted energy. Homeowners will no longer need to run around the house turning lights off.
The product line offers options custom-created to accommodate the unique needs of homes:
- nightlight so users won't need to turn on bathroom lights during the night
- dual switching with one sensor for control of two loads (such as bathroom lights and exhaust fan)
- light level sensing for added savings in areas with daylight
- back-lit switch for easy location in the dark
- multi-way control for multiple switch locations in hallways
Watt Stopper/Legrand put careful thought and design into the appearance of the sensors, making them extremely slim and low profile. They protrude less than 3/16" from the plate - less than a decorator paddle switch. Also, they feature a lens color that matches the rest of the device giving a clean, streamlined appearance.
Because of their energy saving potential, the sensors comply with energy codes such as California's Title 24-2005. Title 24 mandates that lighting in homes be high efficacy or be controlled by a vacancy sensor or a dimmer. There is also a strong environmental impact: for every switch that is replaced by a vacancy sensor, CO2 emitted into the environment is reduced. If 100 million US households were to control one 60W bulb with one vacancy sensor, this would represent almost a half billion Kwh in energy savings and a reduction of almost one billion pounds of CO2.
Watt Stopper/Legrand is a leading manufacturer of energy efficient lighting controls for commercial and residential use. We help customers find convenient ways to save energy, meet green initiatives, and comply with energy codes with a comprehensive range of products, programs, and services. Legrand, located in Limoges, France, is the world specialist in products and systems for electrical installations and information networks.