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LCA Publishes Education Video Covering Occupancy and Vacancy Sensors

William Attardi on June 4, 2026

The Lighting Controls Academy has published a video version of EE102A: Occupancy and Vacancy Sensors, a free course available at YouTube. Occupancy and vacancy sensors are devices that detect when a space is unoccupied and accordingly automatically turn Off (or dim) the lights, thereby saving energy. Due to their relative simplicity and high energy-savings potential, these sensors are a staple in new construction and a feature of many retrofit projects. By the end of this course, you will be able to: 1) select an appropriate sensor technology based on a given application’s characteristics, 2) select appropriate features for the sensor to optimize performance in the given application, and 3) apply sensors to spaces based on their characteristics. . Lighting Controls Academy Publishes Education Video Covering Occupancy and Vacancy Sensors

LiteTrace Introduces Bluetooth Wall Switch with Integrated Occupancy Sensor and Dimming

William Attardi on April 8, 2026

The Keilton+autani IWS102/DWS102 by LiteTrace Brands transforms standard wall switches into intelligent control hubs that manage both hardwired lighting and networked devices based on occupancy, without requiring ceiling-mounted sensors or fixture modifications. Unlike typical occupancy sensors that only control their hardwired load, the IWS102/DWS102 offers dual control architecture: hardwired occupancy-based switching for connected lighting plus wireless Bluetooth control of additional networked loads. The integrated 4-button interface provides manual dimming and On/Off control while occupancy functions operate independently. A single wall-mounted sensor orchestrates lighting and equipment control across an entire room through the Keilton+autani Bluetooth network, including plug load controllers (WF20R) for appliances and equipment. Ideal for conference rooms, private offices, lunch rooms, storage areas, copy rooms, and restrooms where coordinated lighting and equipment control maximizes energy savings. SPEC-IWS102.B1.pdf SPEC-DWS102.pdf

Improving Building Operations with Cloud-Based Applications by Rahul Chillar

William Attardi on April 28, 2025

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the integration of internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and further smart building technologies is transforming the operational management of real estate. With an increasing need for data-driven decision making, the implementation of building operation systems gains momentum. Since 75% of commercial buildings are not managed as efficiently as they could be, there is huge potential to build on. Cloud-based building operation applications can be viewed as indispensable for future-proof facilities management. As the number of connected devices is expected to exceed 75 billion by 2025, data collection in commercial buildings is becoming more relevant than ever. Now buildings can be operated remotely and conveniently from anywhere. This transformation was possible as technology, such as sensors, have been integrated into building equipment, providing essential data. Strategically deployed throughout the property, sensors are monitoring critical areas such as Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), lighting, water management, fire safety, or security. Once the sensors have collected the data, they can display it in a cloud-based building operations application. Improving Operations: Cloud-Based Building Operation Systems

Remembering the Solemn Purpose of Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the last Monday in May to honor and mourn U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces. The holiday traces its roots to the years immediately following the American Civil War (1861–1865), which caused massive casualties—roughly 620,000 soldiers dead, about 2% of the U.S. population at the time. Communities across the North and South began spontaneously decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, wreaths, and flags, a practice that gave rise to the original name: Decoration Day. On May 5, 1868, Major General John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR)—a powerful Union veterans’ organization—issued General Order No. 11. This proclaimed May 30, 1868, as a nationwide “Decoration Day” to honor those who died in the Civil War. After World War I, the holiday expanded to honor all American service members who died in any war, not just the Civil War.  In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act to create more three-day weekends for federal employees. This moved Memorial Day to the last Monday in May, effective in 1971, when it was also officially named “Memorial Day.” As one 1868 quote put it: “That Nation which respects and honors its dead, shall ever be respected and honored itself.”