Manufacturer of electrical equipment, cable management systems and wiring accessories, Legrand, has developed energy saving occupancy sensors known as the Wattstopper system. The product is based on passive infrared and ultrasonic technologies, are designed to monitor and control lighting and temperature levels in domestic, commercial and industrial applications.

“Recently launched Wattstopper switches and sensors turn lighting and air-conditioning off in unoccupied areas,” says Legrand South Africa national sales manager Timothy Mountjoy. “This saves users hours of wasted energy each day, thereby ensuring substantial energy savings at a crucial time in this country,” he says.

Wattstopper low temperature sensors are designed for installation in cold storage facilities and freezers, and operate on the basis of passive infrared technology that senses occupancy by detecting the difference between heat emitted from the human body in motion and the background space. Passive infrared sensors rely on a clear line-of-site view that makes 100% coverage cut off possible.

These watertight enclosures, which prevent moisture and dust from affecting detection, have a Fresnel lens that divides the coverage into zones, increasing detection of small movement, without false activation. Low temperature sensors are available with three coverage patterns and have an isolated relay contact for use with heating, ventilation and air conditioning or other control systems.

Automatic wall switches for cold storage facilities have wiring terminals which enables easier installation. Dual inline package switches enable automatic adjustments for sensitivity and time delays, between 15 seconds and 10 minutes, based on usage patterns.

Low temperature sensors have a voltage of 24 V direct current and a current of 20 mA. These units have a standard dense wide angle lens.

Legrand’s Wattstopper occupancy sensors, which have been designed and manufactured to meet safety and energy efficiency needs, besides others, are available nationally from the company’s distributor network. A technical advisory and back-up service is also offered.

The company opened its South African subsidiary in 1985.

The company offers switches and sockets, home automation solutions and in cable management, carries a system of trunking, columns and technical flooring. Legrand also provides electrical products used for protection, distribution, electricity control systems, as well as integrated systems and management of electrical installations and information networks in homes, offices and industries.