With more building management and control systems being implemented wirelessly and integrated into the building network, the future for networked lighting control systems is wireless. Wireless technology offers a solution to mounting installation costs since it requires no additional control wiring to implement. Developed by leading lighting control experts CP Electronics, An-10 has been specifically created to allow the user to embrace the advantages of wireless technology, while at the same time offering all of the features and functionality demanded by advanced lighting control systems.
Wireless radio frequency (RF) devices are often perceived to be less reliable than their wired counterparts – not so with CP Electronics An-10. An-10 uses a unique ‘hybrid mesh’ network topology, together with a communication protocol, that has been specifically designed to meet the needs of lighting control. Control messages are routed only to specific devices according to the needs of the system. Compared to other wireless systems, An-10 significantly reduces the amount of data traffic generated, resulting in faster and more efficient operation. Furthermore, unlike other systems, An-10 makes multiple attempts to deliver a control message. The ability to redirect control messages in different ways around the network gives An-10 exceptional flexibility and reliability.
By offering flexibility in positioning and repositioning sensors, wireless systems can maximise energy savings now and save on future remodels. An-10 wireless technology allows you to install a fully featured lighting control system easily and with minimal disruption.
It is always important with any wireless system to give consideration to both the application requirements and also the installation conditions. For example, when project configuring a wireless system it is important to carry out a spectrographic analysis of a retrofit project to ascertain if there is any saturation on the wireless frequency from existing networks. The other important consideration is positioning of devices. Whilst wireless signals can pass through walls, floors and ceilings communication may be influenced by the building fabric and substrates so positioning of devices is crucial to ensure good system communication.
Every An-10 device within a system uses a number of different address codes that identify its place within that system and how it interacts with other devices. A Building Code is used to identify devices that form part of the same overall system. This allows An-10 systems in adjacent buildings to be completely independent and prevents cross-system interference. A Local Code typically defines all devices in a specific location. For example, the switch plates, sensors and dimmers in one room may all share the same Local Code so that only the devices in that room are controlled and do not affect, or are affected by, devices in other rooms. An optional Sub Local Code can also be used to further subdivide devices within a room if required. One or more Area Codes will allow common control across multiple locations. Typical applications of Area Codes include ‘corridor hold’ schemes.
System functionality is achieved by programming, making it incredibly easy to design the operation of your lighting control system. Scene selection allows the recall of pre-programmed lighting levels to create different moods or to suit different uses within an environment. A scene is a selection of circuits that are set to individual lighting levels and stored. They can then be invoked by a switch connected to the An-10 input unit or the presence detector detecting a person. For example, in a meeting room you may want one scene that sets all lights at maximum level for meetings, but another scene that sets the individual circuits to different levels for presentations. An-10 allows up to 20 local scenes and up to 120 area scenes that can be easily programmed via the commissioning handset.
As well as being competitively priced, the An-10 system offers considerable savings over other wireless lighting control systems, whilst providing a very cost effective alternative to conventional wired systems. It reduces installation times and minimises disruption, making the system an ideal solution for retrofit, new builds, historic and listed buildings where disturbing the fabric is difficult or impossible. An-10 also allows for a system to be expanded simply and cost effectively. Living or working space can be reorganised by simply moving and/or reprogramming devices for the new layout, which is particularly useful for open plan environments. Adding extra devices is simple as there is no additional control wiring is required; simply install the extra device, it is just programmed into the system and ready to function.
Wireless technology is already in common usage around the home and in the workplace, such as in alarm systems and computer networks. The An-10 product range is fully compliant with European Regulations [ETSI EN 300 220-1 V2.1.1 (2006-04)] making it completely safe to use in sensitive environments like schools.
For more information on the An-10 system see CP’s website http://www.cpelectronics.co.uk
