Technical Bulletin

Technical Article
Leviton Mfg. Co., Inc. Lighting & Energy Solutions
20497 SW Teton Avenue, Tualatin, OR 97062 1-800-736-6682 Tech Line: 1-800-959-6004 Fax: [phone] www.leviton.com/les
© 2012 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Subject to change without notice.
PL-PD-F007 Rev. 2 04/06/2009
Occupancy Sensors and Fluorescent Lamp Life
Product: Occupancy Sensors and
Fluorescent Lamp Life
A
rticle ID: 02102012-JS/TB-01
Date: February 22, 2012
Summary:
This document describes the recent studies which prove that time-delay occupancy sensors
do not negatively affect T8/T5 fluorescent light fixture life.
Information:
According to a whitepaper by the NEMA Lighting Systems Division, “Compatibility of
Fluorescent Lamps and Electronic Ballasts in Frequently Switched Applications”, a
recommended15-minute time delay setting on occupancy sensors used in conjunction with
the switching OFF of fluorescent lamps whenever a room is unoccupied saves energy but
does not shorten lamp life by cycling lamps every time someone steps out of the room
momentarily. Leviton occupancy sensors are programmed with a factory default time-delay
of 15 minutes from the last motion sensed to turning OFF, reducing the effects of frequent
ON/OFF cycles while still providing significant energy savings.
By keeping the lights on longer with delays to account for departures and returns, switch
cycles of the ballasts are significantly reduced. The NEMA whitepaper recommends several
guidelines for the user to consider in order to achieve an acceptable lamp life:
 Switching Scenarios
 Minimum lighting “on time” be no less than 15 minutes
 Ballast Type
 Instant-Start Ballasts are recommended for application with switching
frequencies of less than five cycles per day or where energy is considered more
important than lamp life
 Rapid Start Ballasts are recommended for applications with switching
frequencies of less than five cycles per day
 Programmed Start Ballasts are recommended in applications with frequent
starts where extended lamp life is a primary concern – these ballasts provide
the best lamp ignition and longest lamp life
Balancing lamp life concerns with time delays results in the best of both worlds: reductions
in energy use and extended lamp life.
 Calibrating occupancy sensors to a minimum 15-minute delay setting
 Using ballasts that meet ANSI requirements for lamp ignition
 Using Programmed Start Ballasts in areas where a high number of switching cycles
per day are regularly expected
For more information, please consult the following resources:
http://www.nema.org/stds/LSD18.cfm
Contact: If you have any questions or concerns, please call LES technical support at [phone].