PacSun, a leading mall-based retailer with more than 1,000 locations nationwide, faced a problem that retailers across the country face with state and local energy code-imposed limits on track lighting density. PacSun uses extensive track lighting to feature and accommodate ever-changing displays of its casual clothes for teens and young adults. New US energy codes place a mandatory limit on lighting density, with an automatic VA deduction per lineal foot of track lighting. PacSun’s lighting control requirements were similar to other major national retailers with a footprint under 5,000 square feet:
■ Scalability
■ Cost-effectiveness
■ Easy-to-use
■ Flexibility to accommodate changes
in hours and schedules
■ Control of both normal and
emergency power
■ Manual override capabilities
■ Relief from the cost of expensive
replacement bulbs in both overhead
and track lighting.
■ Cost savings in design, installation
and energy.
The Solution
The Silver Bullet ™, a Sub-Branch Circuit Current Limiter Panel, places a defi- nite current limit on the wattage (VA) of each track lighting circuit and allows lighting density to be calculated by the actual load size of each track and not by lineal track distance. PacSun no longer had to consider re-designing or rethinking their stores, particularly in California where Title 24 restricts retailers to 1.7 watts per square foot.
The System
LC&D’s GR 2400 network provides time control, photocells, digital and contact closure, interface with occupancy sensors, links to building automation and emergency power, graphical control and 24/7 technical support. The GR 2400 Relay Panel offers retailers advanced programming capabilities yet is easy-to-use. Alternatively, the SmartBreaker™ Panel combines over-current protection and lighting control in a single package. Indoor and Outdoor Photosensors with multiple trigger points provide control of multiple dimming or switching zones. The Chelsea Digital/ Switch™ controls any relay in any panel. The Intelligent Thermostat creates a small energy management system through local and remote monitoring and programming of multiple thermostats. SoftStart ™ relays for incandescent lamps reduces “hot-shock” and premature lamp failures. Unity ™ software bundles design, control, monitoring and management in one, free, easy-to-use system. Remote dial-up programming is free and available 24/7. Used in conjunction with the GR 2400 lighting control and HVAC control system, energy use for retailers such as PacSun can be reduced by 30% or more with ROI under 30 days in new construction or 6 months when retrofi tting an existing space.
The Follow-up
LC&D’s Tech Support team is available on a 24/7 basis to trouble shoot, problem solve and re-program on a moment’s notice, drastically reducing ongoing regular maintenance costs. LC&D design software can cut design time by 75% saving money and planning time; LC&D systems are completely monitored, programmed, adjusted and maintained with dialup programming for the life of the system with changes made while the client in on the phone with our support team.
How the SilverBullet™ Works
The Silver Bullet ™ is UL Listed to be placed in-line between the branch circuit breaker and the track mounted lighting. When doing energy calculations, use the ampere rating of the supplementary breaker in the Silver Bullet ™ as opposed to the linear footage of the track. For example California’s Title 24 mandate’s three track circuits with a total length 100 ft. to be calculated at a minimum of 4500 watts (45 watts/foot x 100 ft.). With the Silver Bullet ™ those three tracks could be limited to 8 amps each to reduce the lighting load calculation to 2880 ts (120v x 24 amps).
_____________________________________________________________
Final Words California Energy Commission
“This device meets the requirements of Section 130© 3 of the California Building Energy Effi ciency Standards, Title 24, Part 6 which includes, “The wattage of line-voltage lighting track and plug-in busway which allows the addition or relocation of luminaires without altering the wiring of the system shall be the volt ampere rating of the branch circuit feeding the luminaires...”
GARY FLAMM
Lighting Program Lead
Building and Appliances Office
California Energy Commission
7/12/2005
ASHRAE®
Proposed Addendum “e” to Standard 90.1-2004, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
“This addendum went through the public review process and has subsequently passed the full 90.1 standards committee approval for publication. With final approval, it will become part of the supplement to the 90.1- 2004 standards committee approval for publication. This change recognizes that track and busway lighting systems can be limited by circuit breakers and permanently installed current limiters below a below a standard of 30 W/lin ft. (98 W/lin m). This wording allows these limits to be used to calculate installed power for these installed lighting systems.
