Understanding and applying the new standard connectors for indoor & outdoor LED-based lighting
Luminaires take many forms and are available for a wide range of situations ranging from strictly functional outdoor street lighting to indoor office lighting, and even to “trendy” retail or home lighting. “Fixture” is not defined by the NEC and generally refers to whatever the user has in mind and may include some or all of the following elements: the lamp (bulb), perhaps with the lamp guard, the globe, the lens or diffuser, the support, the pole or fixture fitting, and other elements.
Figure 5: The DALI specification and Zhaga standard provide a complete cable and connector connectivity path for power and data from power source to illuminating LED in a variety of configurations. (Image source: Amphenol ICC)
The Zhaga specifications, which are formally called Books, address electrical,
mechanical, optical, thermal, and communication interfaces, and allow the interoperability of components. By adhering to the Zhaga specifications, designers can ensure that users have components that are interoperable and can be replaced or serviced, and that an LED luminaire can be upgraded after installation when new technology becomes available. Zhaga Book 18 and Book 20 are of special interest to designers working with LED-based luminaires; the former is focused on outdoor design while the latter is for indoor applications: Zhaga Book 18: “Smart interface between outdoor luminaires and sensing/communication modules” specifies power and
communication aspects, in addition to the mechanical fit and electrical pins for a connectivity system as defined in Edition 1.0. It simplifies the addition of application modules such as sensors and communication nodes to LED luminaires and assures plug-and-play interoperability. Zhaga Book 20: “Smart interface between indoor luminaires and sensing/communication modules” defines a smart interface between an indoor LED luminaire and a sensing/communication node. The node connects to the LED driver and control system, and typically can provide sensory inputs or enable communication between network components. Nodes can be installed and replaced in the field.
Connectors complete the circuit
Standards are critical, of course, and compatibility and interoperability begin with the physical interface and its connector (Figure 5). The use of the DALI specification and Zhaga standards is supported by a wide choice of connectors that meet (and exceed) their requirements while providing user flexibility for operation under different scenarios. For indoor use, Zhaga Book 20 defines a separable mating interface for sensors in intelligent building networks. The Amphenol ICC FLM Series complies with the DALI standard, and enables “plug and play” operability for indoor
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