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LUUM.IO

X-PoE DESIGN GUIDELINES#

D1 - INPUT AND OUTPUT POWER#

D1.1 - Input Power Range#

The X-PoE lighting controls system is powered by 48V - 57V DC power. This allows it to be compatible with many standard DC power supplies and systems. To determine the maximum current draw, multiply the number of ports on the X-PoE controllers by 2.3 (maximum current output per port).

D1.2 - Output Power Range#

The X-PoE lighting controller is capable of providing 2.3A maximum output per port. Each port is split among 2 separate channels with a 1.15A maximum output each. Each port has a maximum voltage matching that of the input voltage (D1.1 - Input Power Range), meaning the maximum wattage output is ~54W - 65W.

D2 - X-PoE LIGHTING CONTROLLERS#

D2.1 - System Design#

When planning the design of an X-PoE lighting system, careful consideration must be given to determining the required number of lighting controllers. It is crucial to note that X-PoE lighting controllers offer a range of port types, including one or two channel control, and not all of them may support network connectivity. To accurately assess the quantity of X-PoE lighting controllers, refer to the specific lighting controller's specifications, which outline the available X-PoE and network enabled ports.

D2.2 - Networking#

X-PoE lighting controllers must be connected to the same network in order to communicate. This ensures seamless data exchange and enables centralized management of the xpoe lighting system.

D2.3 - Layout#

X-PoE lighting controllers are typically arranged in either a centralized or distributed layout. Large AC/DC power supplies are used to power a cluster of centralized X-PoE controllers. Smaller AC/DC power supplies and high voltage DC distribution systems are used to power distributed X-PoE lighting installations.

D2.4 - Thermal Management#

When installing X-PoE lighting controllers in tight spaces or equipment racks, it is important to consider ventilation and air flow. X-PoE lighting controllers should not be directly stacked in equipment racks. A blank space is recommended for thermal management.

D3 - LOW VOLTAGE WIRING#

D3.1 Wire Selection#

Standard 23AWG Cat6 is recommended for most applications. It is best practice to minimize the length of the wire runs between the X-PoE lighting controller and the lighting loads. X-PoE supports distances up to 100m (328ft), in line with the Ethernet and PoE standards. If many of the X-PoE loads will be far away from the controllers, it is recommended to explore a distributed X-PoE installation or consider using 22AWG Cat6 cabling.

D4 - PDs (POWERED DEVICES)#

D5.1 - Overview#

The X-PoE PDs convert the RJ45 from the Cat6 infrastructure to pairs of conductors for connecting to an LED. These are small enough to fit into most places, and most fixture housings can be adapted to fit the panel mount PD model. Most PD models also pass through the X-PoE power so additional fixtures can be daisy chained. For more information, see XPD Overview.

D5.2 - Multi-Channel PDs#

Fixtures and loads greater than 1.15A will need to use a single channel port or a two channel port with a two channel PD. Both channels can be used to power a high wattage fixture, or share a load with several low wattage fixtures. However, it is not recommended to use two channels from a single X-PoE port to power two separately controlled loads (circuits)1.

D5.3 - IEEE PDs#

The X-Poe ports are compatible with IEEE802.3af/at/bt-type 4, up to 90W per port. Standard IEEE PoE splitters/PDs can be used to provide low voltage power to a variety of devices. All ports support IEEE power, but not all ports support data connectivity.

D5 - LED Light Fixtures#

D5.1 - Fixture Selection#

The X-PoE lighting controllers contain LED lighting drivers, capable of dimming constant current and constant voltage LED loads. This eliminates the need for an LED driver at each fixture. Each X-PoE port can support up to 2.3A maximum output (1.15A per channel on2 channel X-PoE ports). In order to connect an LED to an X-PoE channel, an adapter called a “PD” is used (D4 - PDs).

D6 - CONTROLS#

D6.1 - Integration#

The X-PoE lighting controls system is controls agnostic, meaning it can work with any IP based controls system. Standard IEEE PoE PDs can be used to power a variety of low voltage sensors, switches, and other controllers. MQTT and a REST API are available and can easily be integrated into many 3rd party control systems. We also offer an in-house controls system if one is not specified for your project.

D7 - EMERGENCY LIGHTING#

D7.1 - Distributed Lighting Inverters#

When using distributed lighting inverters, each inverter should be wired according to this diagram. The X-PoE switch is wired to the 0-10V interupt on the inverter such that the the two terminals of the Programming Override Input on the rear panel are "Open" when power has been lost, and "Closed" when building mains power is present. Upon loss of power, the X-PoE switch will set all outputs to a level of 20%, and prevent any control input until power is restored. This ensures that there is sufficient lighting to meet code requirements for egress and that nothing can turn the lights off while allowing for a smaller battery to be specified.

The lighting inverter must meet the following criteria:

  1. Must provide power to the X-PoE switch within 50ms of power being lost.
  2. Must be sized appropriately to provide power to 20% of the load connected to the X-PoE switch

D6.1 Design Image

This example is specific to the Myers ILLUMINATOR LVM but most UL924 emergency lighting devices have a contact closure that can be used to open and close the terminals of the Programming Override Input on the X-PoE Switch

D7.2 - Centralized Lighting Inverters or DC Backup#

When using a centralized lighting inverter or providing a backup on the DC input, a "loss of power signal" must be provided by a UL924 listed emergency lighting control device. The X-PoE switch is typically wired to the 0-10V interupt on the UL924 listed emergency lighting control device such that the input on the back of the switch is "Open" when power has been lost, and "Closed" when building mains power is present. Upon loss of power, all X-PoE switches connected to the "loss of power signal" will set all outputs to a level of 20%, and prevent any control input until power is restored. This ensures that there is sufficient lighting to meet code requirements for egress and that nothing can turn the lights off while allowing for a smaller battery to be specified.

The centralized back up solution must meet the following criteria:

  1. Must provide power to all connected X-PoE switches within 50ms of power being lost.
  2. Must be sized appropriately to provide power to 20% of the load connected to all connected X-PoE switches.
  3. Must include a UL924 listed device to open the Programming Override Input on the rear panel.

See D7.1 for wiring diagram


  1. This excludes individually controlled channels for features like warm dim or tunable white.