Blog | PoE Lighting

PoE Lighting: A

Guide

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for intelligent buildings alongside an increasing emphasis on meeting sustainability and energy efficiency targets. Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting offers a solution to these.

What is Power over Ethernet Lighting?

A Power over Ethernet (PoE) system uses low voltage cabling to power and control lighting. Sensors are embedded within the lighting which collect data relating to aspects including temperature, movement and energy consumption. For example, motion sensors identify the presence of individuals and can signal networks to switch off when a building is vacant. Data gathered can later be reviewed and analysed.

This lighting system removes the need for traditional AC wiring within individual lighting fixtures, thereby reducing costs and improving overall building efficiency.

Power over Ethernet vs 'Traditional' Lighting

Given lighting accounts for approximately 19% of global energy use, the need for energy efficient lighting solutions is obvious.

The benefits of LED lighting are readily recognised, with LEDS being widely utilised by many buildings. LEDs deliver high optical performance with low energy consumption. Many LEDS have a 50,000-hour expected lifespan, which in some instances can extend to 120,000-hours with dimming in the right environment. With a long lifetime, LED lighting is a low-maintenance and sustainable option.

Despite the abundance of benefits associated with LED lighting, installations commonly still use high voltage cables to supply the lights with power. Additionally, there are issues with the driver reliability. Each light has an individual driver which requires regular replacement and maintenance, and this can be expensive.

Power over Ethernet offers a low voltage alternative to current LED lighting installation and control issues. These remove the need for a driver at every LED light, instead replacing it with centralised drivers and power is supplied via a single voltage cable.

What are the Advantages?

Given the wide range of benefits of using PoE, it is no surprise why these lighting systems are increasingly being used in commercial buildings. Some advantages include:

Energy Efficient – Traditional electrical wiring is replaced with more efficient centralised DC drivers. As a result, energy savings can be as much as between 30-40%.
Reliable - PoE has fewer points than traditional lighting, therefore this massively lowers the opportunity for driver failure and associated operational costs.
Flexible - This smart lighting system enhances control over light quality and offers a variety of control strategy options to optimise energy usage.
Safety - Installation and operation is much safer with luminaries connected via low voltage cabling.

Is PoE Lighting Cost-Effective?

Power over Ethernet lighting is an inexpensive system. While initial driver costs can be large, these are offset by low installation costs and operational savings. The large number of lights required within a commercial building means this lighting solution can achieve significant cost savings compared to traditional electrical lighting installation and has been estimated to result in capital expenditure savings of £15 per square meter.

Low voltage cables can be installed in the early stages of a project, preventing costly delays occurring. Additionally, the low energy use of PoE systems using LED lights results in significant cost savings.

Summary

PoE lighting offers a solution to the growing demand for intelligent, energy efficient buildings. This cost-effective and reliable lighting solution helps businesses meet sustainability targets and lower a building's energy consumption while its low voltage cabling makes it highly popular for commercial buildings. Centralised drivers can result in large savings and provide a basis for future smart building upgrades.

Contact DARe-me Consulting Engineers today to find out how our team can design a Power over Ethernet lighting system for your building.

Current Job Vacancies

Our Current Vacancies ... to apply email your CV to jobs@dare-me.co.uk

Position: Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Glasgow

Employment Type: Full time / Permanent

Experience: Minimum 5 years relevant design experience

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: Excellent / Dependant on experience

Qualifications: Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) degree in Building Services or Mechanical Engineering.

Chartered status: IMECHE/CIBSE is preferred or progression towards chartership.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Proficiency in AutoCAD with a working knowledge of Revit.

2. Technical proficiency, strong communication skills, effective time management, and a collaborative team approach.

3. Demonstrated ability to exercise financial control and project management skills would be advantageous.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct mechanical design and consulting tasks encompassing systems design, production, specifications, and scheduling.

2. Provide comprehensive reports and guidance to clients.

3. Coordinate with internal and external design team members, representing the company in meetings.

4. Serve as the primary contact for clients, ensuring their needs are met efficiently by leading or assisting consultants.

5. Foster effective collaboration with all stakeholders impacted by your work.

6. Demonstrate accountability in project management and actively mentor junior staff through training initiatives.

7. Monitor and adjust personal and team workload schedules regularly. Establish and update task priority lists accordingly.

8. Review the accuracy and completeness of documentation produced by colleagues.

9. Uphold adherence to all Quality System protocols.

10. Fulfill administrative duties including tracking project-related man-hour commitments and providing monthly reports on project fee details.

11. Oversee project management activities, including the coordination of junior staff and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

12. Adhere to security protocols and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive commercial information.

13. Fulfill any additional responsibilities required to support the company's core objectives as directed by the Directors.

14. Contribute to compliance with relevant ISO standards and national regulations in all operational activities.

Our Current Vacancies ... to apply email your CV to jobs@dare-me.co.uk

Position: Associate Electrical Design Engineer

Location: Glasgow

Employment Type: Full time / Permanent

Experience: 10+ years relevant design experience

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: Excellent / Dependant on experience

Qualifications: Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) degree in Building Services or Electrical Engineering.

Chartered status: IET/CIBSE is preferred or progression towards chartership.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Generate electrical design drawings, conduct calculations using software such as Amtech, Hevacomp, IES, Relux, and Dialux, and prepare reports, specifications, and schedules.

2. Play a role in achieving BREEAM or equivalent regulatory compliance.

3. Contribute to compliance with Building Regulations Part F, Part L, or Section 6 through modeling efforts.

4. Participate in witnessing tests for the proving and commissioning of final installations.

5. Aid in the training and development of junior engineers.

6. Adhere to internal and external project timelines efficiently.

7. Adhere to the company's Quality Assurance management systems.

8. Provide support to Directors.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct mechanical design and consulting tasks encompassing systems design, production, specifications, and scheduling.

2. Provide comprehensive reports and guidance to clients.

3. Coordinate with internal and external design team members, representing the company in meetings.

4. Serve as the primary contact for clients, ensuring their needs are met efficiently by leading or assisting consultants.

5. Foster effective collaboration with all stakeholders impacted by your work.

6. Demonstrate accountability in project management and actively mentor junior staff through training initiatives.

7. Monitor and adjust personal and team workload schedules regularly. Establish and update task priority lists accordingly.

8. Review the accuracy and completeness of documentation produced by colleagues.

9. Uphold adherence to all Quality System protocols.

10. Fulfill administrative duties including tracking project-related man-hour commitments and providing monthly reports on project fee details.

11. Oversee project management activities, including the coordination of junior staff and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

12. Adhere to security protocols and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive commercial information.

13. Fulfill any additional responsibilities required to support the company's core objectives as directed by the Directors.

14. Contribute to compliance with relevant ISO standards and national regulations in all operational activities.

DARe-me Consulting Engineers

Core Values

Technical Excellence

Our commitment to quality service extends beyond external interactions with clients, designers, contractors, and industry stakeholders. Internally, we foster a collaborative environment where teamwork is paramount. Our aim is to be the dependable choice for clients and fellow team members alike. Upholding a consistently high level of service is essential in maintaining our reputation as trusted partners.

Excellence in Deliverables

Renowned for delivering superior end-products, we prioritise the continuous development of our workforce. We meticulously review and refine our methodologies, processes, and outputs to ensure unparalleled quality. Our focus on people development drives our relentless pursuit of excellence. We embrace innovation and adaptability to remain at the forefront of our industry, consistently exceeding expectations as the consultant of choice.

Innovation

Innovation lies at the heart of our operations, and we leverage advanced technologies such as the latest computer software and even drones for surveying to enhance our services. By integrating drones into our surveying process, we achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, and safety standards. This innovative approach not only sets us apart but also ensures that we deliver exceptional results to our clients, reinforcing our position as industry leaders.

Empowerment and Growth

Central to our values is the empowerment and growth of our staff. We invest in their professional development through robust technical support and training programs, instilling confidence in their abilities. Additionally, we prioritise streamlining processes to promote a healthy work-life balance, enabling our team members to thrive personally and professionally. Our comprehensive benefits package underscores our commitment to their wellbeing, health, and financial security.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

We are dedicated to sustainability and social responsibility in all aspects of our operations. From minimising our environmental footprint to actively contributing to community and charitable initiatives, we strive to make a positive impact. Our sustainable practices not only align with our core values but also reflect our commitment to creating a better future for generations to come.

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Get in Touch

83 Old Castle Road, Glasgow, G44 5TG

Glasgow: 0141 374 2965

Edinburgh: 0131 235 2965

London: 0208 087 2965

enquiries@dare-me.co.uk

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Photo By: John Doe
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