This article explains how to determine and set the Target Ambient Light Level. We recommend that you use this procedure under the direction of Enlighted Support.
Overview
You will need to determine and set the Target Ambient Light Level during the initial set up of the Daylight Group or Daylight Harvesting. The sensor attempts to achieve the Target Ambient Light Level by adjusting its light level. The Target Ambient Light Level is also called the Ambient Threshold or Daylight Harvesting Target.
The Target Ambient Light Level of the individual sensors in the group is used to calculate the group target ambient light level, which is then compared with the group ambient reading to calculate the Group Light Level.
You can set the Target Ambient Light Level either
Automatic calibration is preferred, but if you would like to fine-tune the lights' behavior, choose the manual method. If you are using the automatic calibration method, perform this at night and set the fixtures to a light level of 100%. Refer to the steps in Set Target Ambient Light Level.
In spaces where the ambient readings vary widely at 100% light levels, the lighting designer may want to manually set the Target Ambient Light Level constant for all sensors in the Daylight group, especially when the Minimum or Maximum Daylight calculation is used.
For example, suppose a particular sensor has the lowest ambient reading in the group both at night at 100% light levels and during the day. With the Minimum Daylight method, this sensor’s low target and low ambient reading will be used for the Daylight group. The result is that there will be minimal daylight harvesting for the group.
Set Target Ambient Light Level
The Target Ambient Light Level is the light level that the sensor attempts to achieve by adjusting its light level to determine energy savings. Energy savings are maximized by reducing the length of time a light is on, and the light's level (intensity). The procedure to obtain the best value is to perform this command when there is no ambient light (such as at night) with all lights set to full-on.
To set the Target Ambient Light level, follow the steps shown below.
- Select Facilities > Floor.
- Select all sensors or a group of sensors on the floor plan.
- Set the Override Light Level to ON. This turns all lights to full.
- With the sensors selected, right-click to display a pop-up window. In the window, select the Set Target Ambient Light Level.
Automatic Calibration:
Perform this at night and set the fixtures to a light level of 100% before clicking the Submit button. Wait for a minute after you click the Submit button. Do not change the lights immediately to Auto mode.
Manual Calibration:
The selected sensors average, maximum, and minimum ambient readings are displayed in the Set Target Ambient Light Level window. Typically, you would choose the average ambient reading, but if you prefer darker or lighter light levels, choose maximum or minimum values, respectively. Enter the Target Ambient Light Level and click Submit.
Wait for five minutes for the data to be sent to the sensors. The sensors dim the fixtures to maintain an ambient light level reading at the set target.
The Target Ambient Light Level may be set before or after creating a Daylight Group and may be changed at any time. Note that the targets for Act Only sensors are not used.
