Plug Load Controls for Sustainability

Go beyond lighting to other significant electrical loads, such as plug loads, to implement energy-efficient control solutions.

Plug-in products are a leading source of energy consumption. In fact, plug loads can account for up to 15 to 20% of the energy consumed by commercial buildings and homes. In fact, according to the EPA, "energy consumption by office equipment represents the fastest growing use of electricity in the country."

A single workspace can consume 1,500 kWh each year with an average cost of $175 (and growing)! Add up the cost of every workspace and the amount is staggering.

Fortunately, it's easy to eliminate almost half of this energy use by turning off unneeded outlets when spaces are unoccupied. This strategy not only turns off unused equipment, it also addresses the problem of “phantom loads.”

WattStopper offers both system and stand-alone solutions for controlling plug loads.

Building Codes

Building codes now address plug load control

ASHRAE 90.1 gives designers more flexibility with lighting if they use automatic control for some task lighting (a common plug load). The 2010 version also requires automatic control of some receptacles.

Plug Loads for Sustainability

Plug Load Controls for Sustainability

Automatic plug load controls are an integral part of strengthening performance for Energy and Atmosphere (EA) in the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED sustainable rating system.

Digital Lighting Management

Digital Lighting Management

Digital Lighting Management (DLM) offers plug load control that is integrated with the lighting control solution, so a single occupancy sensor is used for controlling both lighting and plug loads.

Isole

Isole IDP-3050

Isolé is ideal for controlling plug loads as a stand-alone solution. Because Isolé combines a personal occupancy sensor with a surge-suppressing power strip, it's ideal for any location where a multi-receptacle  power strip may be desired.