LED lighting is a fundamental component of modern smart buildings, and PoE connected lighting systems offer numerous financial and non-financial benefits beyond those of a standard LED system. 

PoE LED connected lighting systems utilize Ethernet cables to transfer power and data. Intelligent hardware and software, such as our nLUMINAIRE suite, can bring lighting into the future. The nLUMINAIRE suite can be deployed using any star topology network infrastructure. It is also compatible with any third-party LED lighting fixture. Its interoperability, easy installation, and seamless connection make the nLUMINAIRE suite the lighting solution of the future. The benefits of a PoE connected lighting system using nLUMINAIRE products range from undeniable financial savings to lower energy consumption and less environmental impact. 

What are the Financial Benefits?

Financial savings stem from the efficiency of LED lighting, as energy consumption is substantially lower than non-LED lighting options. PoE connected lighting systems offer additional efficiencies, including decreased energy waste due to using IoT platforms for monitoring room occupancy and collecting data regarding building space use. Since PoE LEDs are direct DC-powered, there is no need for AC-to-DC converters. Since the converter is unnecessary, PoE-connected LEDS consume even less energy. 

Reducing energy use noticeably lowers the operating cost for PoE connected lighting compared to a standard LED lighting system. In a recent realistic scenario, we estimated an annual cost savings of 30%. The difference in the maintenance and service costs for a PoE connected lighting system compared to a standard LED lighting system is substantial. In our scenario, which focused on a one-floor office building in Dubai, UAE, the maintenance and service cost for a standard LED lighting system approach 13,100.00 USD, while the PoE LED connected lighting system would cost 0.00 USD. This annual difference would certainly add up quickly!

What are the non-financial benefits of PoE LED connected lighting?

Let’s explore our top six non-financial benefits:

1. Increased Safety and Security

In dangerous situations such as an intruder, fire, natural disaster, or another type of physical threat, the PoE lighting system can illuminate pathways to safety. Lighted pathways can direct employees or others in the building to exits or designated safe areas. Together with alarm and security systems, PoE lighting systems can be essential components in buildings with smart technology that ensure the highest level of safety and security. 

2. Safe and Easy Installation 

PoE lighting allows for the transfer of power and data on the same low-voltage cable. Due to the use of Ethernet cables, the PoE system eliminates the risk of fire danger or electrical shock. This makes the PoE connected lighting system far safer than those using electrical wiring. No electrical wiring typically means no need for a licensed electrician. Yet seamless installation does require installation professionals to acquire updated skills and to understand how the PoE system operates. Creating a single-layer infrastructure using twisted-pair cables simplifies the installation procedure, making PoE connected lighting system installation more manageable than multi-layer infrastructure with electrical wiring. 

3. Advanced Data Analytics

A PoE lighting system offers a centralized platform for recording energy use and determining areas for potential energy savings. Data analytics can provide insight into how the building space is used and how best to provide accurate, customized lighting. It can provide real-time feedback, allowing users to troubleshoot potential problem areas or gather information about operational efficiency. Valuable feedback allows the system to adjust energy use based on occupancy and daylight sensors. PoE connected systems can optimize lighting for an entire floor, room, or even an individual fixture by reporting patterned room use or adjusting for natural lighting. The nLUMINAIRE manager, our software platform, provides a single, web-based dashboard to track energy use, estimate future costs, and show lighting schedules. Allowing for remote monitoring, control, and maintenance, the nManager provides an optimal overview of the PoE LED lighting system. 

4. Uniquely Customizable

A PoE LED lighting system can be as unique as the business or organization that uses it. Users have complete control over the lighting, which increases efficiency and energy savings. nLUMINAIRE’s nManager software offers full control of the lighting system off-site. Simple configurations, such as schedule changes, can be handled remotely using the nManager software. 

The light fixtures can be scheduled to turn off, dim, or change color automatically. Occupancy sensors can adjust lighting when the office is in use or empty or if only specific areas should be lighted. The customizable aspect of PoE LED lighting enhances the work environment, increases workplace productivity, and maximizes the comfort of employees and building visitors. In addition, since each fixture has its own IP address, faulty LED fixtures can be found and fixed quickly, and only the one fixture is turned off for maintenance, not the entire area. 

The wiring scheme must be reworked entirely during a space reconfiguration in a traditional or standard lighting system. PoE connected lighting systems take this obstacle away. In a PoE system, the on-site lighting is easily configurable. Whether creating a new office space or resectioning an open space, complete control of the lighting configuration is as easy as reassigning the sensors. 

5. Smart Building Integration

The PoE LED connected lighting system can be an essential component of a fully integrated smart building solution. The relationship between lighting and building automation is evolving quickly, and well-designed, fully integrated solutions are on the horizon. Historically, luminaires were tasked with one function: lighting the space. Their placement, however, positions them to host a variety of other smart-building functions. Now digitized as part of a PoE LED connected lighting system, they can integrate with other IoT applications in the workspace. A multifunctional sensor, such as the nLUMINAIRE Sensor, is vital in seamless smart building integrations. Smart sensors can relay data such as occupancy, temperature, air quality, etc., to automation systems, creating functional, fully integrated smart buildings. 

6. Sustainability and Lower Environmental Impact

One of the most apparent non-financial benefits of PoE LED connected lighting systems is the reduction in overall energy consumption. This alone makes a significant impact on the environment and environmental sustainability. Traditional or standard lighting systems create an abundance of energy waste; lights are on in unoccupied buildings, or larger than necessary areas are lighted. This energy waste adds up and has a negative impact on our environment. PoE LED lighting systems can coordinate with additional building systems, such as HVAC, to use only the necessary energy for lighting, heating, cooling, etc. Management software such as nLUMINAIRE’s nManager can track and control energy efficiency. Monitoring energy use and building use patterns via the dashboard allows complete system customization and optimization of energy use. LED lights also have a markedly smaller carbon footprint than conventional incandescent or fluorescent lights. LEDs emit far fewer greenhouse gases and are free of hazardous chemicals such as mercury. PoE connected LEDs are the best choice for optimized lighting and minimizing environmental impact. 

Conclusion

As smart technology evolves, more and more buildings across sectors will be able to reap the benefits of PoE applications. PoE LED lighting systems using nLUMINAIRE products are the future of lighting. From smart building integrations to customizable lighting optimized for efficiency and quality, the nLUMINAIRE suite provides the hardware and software to propel your business or organization into the future.

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