John Lewis never knowingly overuses lighting

Sensors and detectors from CP Electronics are playing a key role in reducing lighting costs in this John Lewis distribution depot.

Energy costs for lighting at the new distribution depot of John Lewis in Milton Keynes are being kept under control by about 70 microwave detection and dimming sensors from CP Electronics.

They are mainly installed in mezzanine areas, where occupancy levels vary throughout the day. These ceiling-mounted Direct Dim sensors dim the T5 fluorescent when no-one is in the area and immediately restore full lighting when someone enters the space.

Microwave technology provides multi-presence detection. DSI or DALI protocols control the light output of luminaires fitted with dimming ballasts.

The two outputs can operate together or independently, enabling an output to be dimmed while the other is switched. Two switch inputs are also included to allow manual control — such as absence detection on either channel or dimming up/down or over-ride on/off.

These features enable John Lewis to control lighting very precisely to meet the needs of each space. The control strategy can easily be reconfigured in response to future changes in the use or layout of the space.