A fiber optic controlled switch has been identified as a potentially promising alternative to the conventional wall mounted light switch which uses copper wire normally run inside conduit.The article paper describes the considerations prior to the switch design and the problems met during fabrication and design, as part of the lighting energy conservation research program hosted by the National Research Council of Canada.
The Fiber Optical Switch which is outlined below is schematically illustrated.The entire switch system is made up of three separate subsystems: the control module, the fiber, as well as the wall switch.The control module is truly a three terminal devices connecting in the electrical line.The module houses the triac switch. Could be much longer, as the attenuation properties of the fiber were minor in comparison to the other system losses.The wall switch is a simple mechanical devices; the two fibers entering are close and aligned together so that light is referred from one to the other.Sliding path, thereby triggering the control module, even though the light -emitting diode source and the photo -duplication detector.The light-emitting diode remains on whether the triac switch is placed on or off.The light from the light-emitting diode is delivered to the wall switch through one of the Fiber Optic Cable Products .The same light is passed back from the wall switch to the control module interfaces with the photo-darlington trigger the triac inside the control module.The optical fiber used was 300 micron core plastics clad silica fiber with a nylon jacket but could easily have been a twin type fiber with adhesive backing to permit easy installation on wall surfaces.The length of each of the two fiber links was 13 meters.
Are attractive because the switch assembly could then be factory packaged without the necessity for a tradesman to make fiber connections at the job site.As the wall switch requires no switch box and is no larger than a cigarette packer, there is greater flexibility in both its design and location, installation of the fiber optic control system requires connecting the control module in the lamp circuit in the ceiling plenum to the wall switch by a dual fiber.Both the optic fiber and the wall switch can be fitted to the surface of the wall switch can be installed on the surface of the wall since both are completely isolated elecrically.The length of optic fiber can be adjusted either by cutting G on site or by coiling extra fiber lengths in the ceiling plenum.The latter lengths.
Some great benefits of the Optical Bypass Switch include: Damp,or generally hostile environments,and flexibility ,as office spaces often undergo changes in work station layout the fiber optic switch can be covered over or relocated very easily, low installation costs because “control wires” and the wall switch can be surface mounted;the switches can be installed on external walls without puncturing vapour barriers;the switches can be installed close to or at work stations;there is increased safety since the switch is completely isolated from the power circuit the electrical isolation means that the switch can be installed safely in explosive.
