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Hybrid Smart Wall Switch & Bathroom Vanity Luminaire

Bathroom lights generally operate between five to eight hours per day in dormitories and six to twelve hours per day in hotels. Guests either leave the light on as a nightlight or simply forget to shut the lights off when they leave the bathroom. Not only does this waste electricity, it also means maintenance must replace the lamps more often.

To address these issues, California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) researchers partnered with MetalOptics (Acuity Brands) and The Watt Stopper/Legrand to develop a bathroom-specific luminaire that integrates a low-wattage light emitting diode (LED) nightlight and a vacancy sensor that saves energy while improving occupant satisfaction. As a complete bathroom lighting package, it includes an emergency battery backup for the LED nightlight array. CLTC researchers also partnered with Watt Stopper/Legrand to develop a wall switch that performs the same task using an existing fixture. Though LEDs and motion sensors are not new, these companies have integrated them into innovative systems which save electricity and decrease maintenance costs.

Hybrid Smart Wall Switch   Hybrid Smart Vanity Luminaire standby mode   Hybrid Smart Vanity Luminaire high mode
Hybrid Smart Wall Switch   Hybrid Smart Vanity Luminaire standby mode   Hybrid Smart Vanity Luminaire high mode

OBJECTIVE:

To prove energy savings and payback of the Hybrid Smart Wall Switch & Bathroom Vanity Luminaire to control lighting system for highly unoccupied environments

APPLICATIONS:
  • Hotel
  • Dormitory
  • Assisted living bathrooms
DESCRIPTION / FEATURES:
  • Energy savings: Typically reduces total main lamp use by 40%
  • Includes a light switch for bathrooms that turn lights off when the bathroom is unoccupied and provides a low level of ambient light at night
 
Sonoma State University, Hybrid Smart Wall Switch & Bathroom Vanity Luminaire pre-retrofit
Pre-retrofit
Sonoma State University, Hybrid Smart Wall Switch & Bathroom Vanity Luminaire post-retrofit
Post-retrofit
  DEMONSTRATION LOCATION:
Sonoma State University,
Alsace Dormitory

Performance results/energy savings:
25% savings compared to standard T8
~1,500 kWh savings per year

Date of Install: Fall 2005

Timeframe of testing/evaluation: Winter / Spring 2006

Partners: California State University, MetalOptics (Acuity Brands Company), University of California

Sponsors: California Energy Commission
     
     
University of California, Davis, Hybrid Smart Wall Switch & Bathroom Vanity Luminaire pre-retrofit
Pre-retrofit
University of California, Davis, Hybrid Smart Wall Switch & Bathroom Vanity Luminaire post-retrofit
Post-retrofit
  DEMONSTRATION LOCATION:
University of California, Davis,
Webster Dormitory

Performance results/energy savings:
51% savings compared to T12
~5,620 kWh savings per year

Date of Install: Winter 2005

Timeframe of testing/evaluation: Winter / Spring 2006

Partners: California State University, MetalOptics (Acuity Brands Company), University of California

Sponsors: California Energy Commission
     

RESULTS:
  • The Bathroom Vanity Luminaire is most cost-effective when used in new construction and renovation projects
  • The Hybrid Smart Wall Switch is best for retrofit applications given its relatively low unit price
  • Potential for significant energy savings, lower maintenance costs, increased user satisfaction
STATUS:

The University of California/California State University (UC/CSU) and Investor-Owned Utility (IOU) Partnership Program has identified incentives for this technology that range from $10 to $30 per fixture.

The MBV Fluorescent Bathroom Vanity Wall Mount is currently available through MetalOptics at approximately $175 for the four-foot version. Other sizes and diffuser options are also available. The WN-100 wall switch, is currently available from Watt Stopper/Legrand at approximately $35 per unit depending on order size. This also comes with various color options for the faceplate and LEDs. Watt Stopper/Legrand also makes a retrofit kit, the HN-200/300, that includes an LED nightlight, PIR sensor, and control unit.

REFERENCE:

California Energy Commission logo   University of California Website   California State University Website   Metal Optics