Glossery

277V AC: Two Seventy-Seven Alternating Current, electrical service installed in commercial buildings specifically to power the lighting system.

3 Phase Power Meter: A device measuring electricity usage across three alternating current phases, commonly used in commercial buildings for accurate power monitoring.

4PPoE: A Power over Ethernet standard (IEEE 802.3bt Type 3) delivering up to 60 watts at the port, providing 51 watts to devices for enhanced power capacity.

Accent Light: A light fixture designed primarily for aesthetics, used to emphasize specific features, such as artwork, plants, or architectural elements, in indoor or outdoor spaces.

AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction): The official or entity (e.g., building inspector, fire marshal) responsible for enforcing codes and approving building plans.

API (Application Programming Interface): A set of rules allowing the Cinch controller and connected devices (e.g., Mighty Micro Drivers, Hubs) to share data with external applications or databases.

ASHRAE: A professional organization (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) focused on advancing HVAC and building system standards.

BACnet: A communication protocol for building automation, widely adopted in HVAC systems to enable device interoperability.

Beam Angle: The angular width of a light beam, expressed in degrees, indicating how broadly light disperses from its source.

Beaconing: The repetitive transmission of signals to indicate network errors on a local area network (LAN), aiding in diagnostics.

BICSI: Building Industry Consulting Service International, a professional association supporting the information and communications technology (ICT) industry through education, certification, and standards.

BMS (Building Management System): An integrated system that monitors and controls building operations (e.g., HVAC, lighting, security) to optimize performance and efficiency.

Bugeye Light: An emergency light fixture with adjustable heads, resembling “bug eyes,” designed to direct illumination as needed during power outages.

CA24 (California Title 24): California’s Title 24 building code, establishing minimum efficiency and performance standards for lighting and other systems.

Can Light: A recessed lighting fixture, also called a downlight, mounted into a ceiling cavity to provide downward illumination.

Canopy Light: A light fixture mounted under a canopy or overhang, commonly used in settings like gas stations for sheltered illumination.

CAT5 and CAT6: Categories of twisted-pair Ethernet cables designed for high-speed data transmission, with CAT6 offering improved performance over CAT5.

Central Emergency System: A system that monitors normal power supply and, upon failure, triggers backup-powered devices to activate an egress lighting scene until power is restored.

Class 2 Low Voltage: A low-voltage classification for devices (e.g., CAT5/6A cables) with limited power output, deemed safe per electrical standards.

CLI (Command Line Interface): A text-based interface for interacting with and managing devices or software through typed commands.

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide): A colorless gas (CO2) monitored in buildings to assess air quality, with high levels impacting occupant health and productivity.

Color Avatar: A colored light sequence guiding users to a specific location, used in wayfinding systems.

Color Temperature: A measure of light’s hue, ranging from warm (yellow, lower Kelvin) to cool (blue, higher Kelvin), quantified in degrees Kelvin (°K).

COMcheck: A U.S. Department of Energy tool for calculating and verifying compliance with energy codes for lighting and electrical loads in buildings.

Controller: The Cinch system’s central hub, distributing power and communication to 16 or 32 connected devices in a smart building.

CRI (Color Rendering Index): A scale (0-100) measuring how accurately a light source renders colors compared to a reference, with higher scores indicating better quality.

Cisco: A company that designs and sells networking and telecommunications equipment, known for its routers, switches, and other network infrastructure products.

data-collection water-shed: A metaphorical term for the point at which data from building systems is aggregated and directed into a centralized repository for analysis.

Data Lake: A centralized repository storing raw, unprocessed data from building systems (e.g., sensors) for analysis and management.

Data River: A continuous flow of real-time data from building systems, feeding into management platforms like a data lake.

Daylight Harvesting: A lighting control strategy that uses natural light to reduce the use of artificial lighting, thereby saving energy. It involves adjusting electric lights based on the amount of daylight available to maintain a desired light level.

Demand Charge: A utility fee based on a customer’s highest electricity demand within a billing cycle, typically measured in 15-minute intervals.

Demand Interval: A set timeframe (e.g., 15 minutes to 1 hour) during which electricity demand is tracked for billing or load management.

Demand Response: A program incentivizing customers to reduce power use during peak demand or grid stress, enhancing stability and cost savings.

Diffuser: A lens or material that softens and spreads light from an LED fixture to reduce glare and enhance uniformity.

Dimming: Adjusting a light’s brightness from full output (100%) to minimal (1%) using a control like a wall switch.

Direct Lighting: Illumination where most light travels straight from the source to the target area without reflection.

DLC (Design Light Consortium): A nonprofit promoting energy-efficient commercial lighting through a Qualified Products List (QPL) of tested LED products.

DMX: A protocol for managing advanced lighting systems and dimmers, short for DMX512-A, used in smart buildings.

DMX512-A: An Entertainment Services Technology Association standard governing the control of lighting fixtures and accessories in digital systems.

Down Light: A fixture positioned to direct light downward, often recessed or surface-mounted for focused illumination.

EC (Electrical Contractor): A professional or firm responsible for installing and maintaining a building’s electrical systems, including lighting and power.

Egress Scene: A pre-set lighting configuration that activates during power outages to meet minimum egress illumination requirements.

Emergency Lighting: Backup lighting that activates during power failures or emergencies to ensure safe evacuation.

EMI and EMF: Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Fields (EMF); EMI disrupts electronic devices, while EMF refers to the fields generated by electrical systems, both relevant to building design.

Energy Charge: The component of an electric bill reflecting the total energy (kWh) used during a billing period.

Ethernet Switch: A device that links network components (e.g., lights, sensors) by receiving and forwarding data packets to their destinations.

Fast Fourier Transform (FFT): A mathematical algorithm converting time-based signals (e.g., light flicker) into frequency components for analysis in lighting systems.

FCC (Federal Communications Commission): A U.S. agency regulating communications, including standards for smart building network devices.

Field Gateway: A device connecting two distinct networks with different protocols, facilitating data exchange in smart buildings.

Flicker: Rapid, repeated changes in light intensity, often imperceptible, that can affect comfort and health in lighting environments.

Flicker Index: A metric quantifying the cyclic variation in light output over time, used to assess flicker severity in lighting.

Flicker PST: A short-term flicker severity metric (Pst) measuring perceptible flicker over a 10-minute period, per IEEE standards.

FM (Facilities Management): The discipline of overseeing building operations, maintenance, and occupant services to ensure functionality and comfort.

Fluorescent (Electronic or Digital) Ballast: A device that controls current and supplies voltage to start and operate fluorescent lamps, preventing overheating.

Foot-Candle: A unit measuring light intensity on a surface, equivalent to one lumen per square foot, used in lighting design.

FPGA: Field-Programmable Gate Array, an integrated circuit that can be programmed and reprogrammed to perform various digital functions, making it highly versatile for different applications.

GC (General Contractor): The primary contractor overseeing a building project, coordinating subcontractors and construction activities.

Ground Loop Fault: An electrical issue where unintended current flows between grounding points, causing noise or interference in building systems.

GUI (Graphical User Interface): A visual interface allowing users to interact with systems (e.g., Cinch controller) via icons, buttons, and menus rather than text commands.

High Bay: A lighting fixture designed for commercial spaces with tall ceilings (e.g., warehouses), providing broad illumination.

High End Trimming: In lighting controls, setting the maximum output level of a dimmer to less than 100% to save energy while maintaining sufficient light levels for the task.

HVAC: A system (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) managing indoor climate, installed and maintained by specialized contractors.

IEEE PAR1789: An IEEE recommended practice addressing LED flicker, providing guidelines to minimize health and comfort issues in lighting.

IEEE PoE SUPER: An upcoming IEEE Power over Ethernet standard aiming to deliver up to 90 watts per port for advanced device power needs.

IES File: A digital file containing photometric data (e.g., light distribution) for designing and analyzing lighting systems.

IES Lighting Handbook: A comprehensive reference by the Illuminating Engineering Society, detailing lighting design principles and standards.

Indirect Lighting: Illumination where light is reflected off surfaces (e.g., ceilings) to create soft, diffuse lighting in a space.

Informatics: The process of gathering and synthesizing diverse data into useful insights for smart building management.

"Innervating the building": A metaphorical term for integrating smart systems (e.g., sensors, lighting) to animate and enhance a building’s functionality.

International Living Future Institute (ILFI): A nonprofit promoting sustainable building practices through certifications like the Living Building Challenge.

ILFI Living Building Challenge: A rigorous certification program by ILFI encouraging buildings to be regenerative, self-sufficient, and environmentally positive.

IoT: Internet of Things

IP Address (Internet Protocol Address): A unique numeric identifier for devices on a network, enabling data communication via the Internet Protocol.

IPV4: The fourth version of the Internet Protocol, using 32-bit addresses for network device identification.

IPV6: The sixth version of the Internet Protocol, using 128-bit addresses to support more devices than IPV4.

Interval Meter: A device recording electricity usage in set time intervals (e.g., 15 minutes), enabling detailed demand tracking and billing.

Kelvin: A temperature scale (K) used to measure light’s color, from warm (low Kelvin) to cool (high Kelvin).

LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design): A certification system by the USGBC promoting sustainable building practices and energy efficiency.

LED (Light Emitting Diode): A semiconductor device that emits light when powered, known for energy efficiency and longevity in smart buildings.

LIFI: A technology using visible light for high-speed, two-way wireless data transmission in networked environments.

Lighting Agent: A manufacturer’s rep who provides sales, support and design guidance for a suite of light types. They usually have 50+ manufacturers on their line card.

Lighting Designer: A professional specializing in creating lighting plans to enhance aesthetics, functionality, and efficiency in buildings.

Lighting Facts: A now-discontinued DOE program certifying LED product performance, ensuring manufacturers report accurate efficiency and quality data.

Lighting Panel: A control unit for managing lighting circuits, enabling on/off switching and adjustments in a building.

Light as a Service: A model where lighting is delivered via networked systems, integrating power, connectivity, and control for efficiency.

Light Schedule: A programmable timetable for controlling lighting states (on/off), brightness, and color in smart buildings.

Linear Pendant: An elongated, slim pendant light fixture suspended from the ceiling, often used in rows for linear illumination.

LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol): A protocol allowing network devices to share identity and capabilities with neighbors for simplified management.

Load Shedding: A utility strategy to lower peak demand by temporarily cutting power to specific areas, aiding grid stability.

Local Law 97: A New York City regulation mandating energy efficiency standards, including lighting, to reduce building emissions.

LP (Lighting Professional): An expert in lighting design or installation, often assisting with energy-efficient solutions and specifications.

Lumens: A unit measuring the total visible light output from a source, indicating brightness in lighting design.

Lumens per Watt: A measure of lighting efficiency, indicating light output (lumens) per unit of power consumed (watts).

Luminaire: A fully assembled lighting fixture, including the light source, housing, and electrical components.

Luminous Efficacy: The efficiency of a light source in converting power into visible light, expressed as lumens per watt.

MAC Address (Media Access Control Address): A distinct code assigned to network hardware for identification and communication on a physical network.

Maintained Emergency Lights: Lighting fixtures with built-in battery backups that activate during power outages to ensure continuous illumination.

Manufacturer's Rep: A representative or firm selling a manufacturer’s products (e.g., lighting) to wholesalers and retailers.

MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing): A consulting firm or contractor designing and integrating mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, sometimes including IT infrastructure.

MMDs (Cinch Mighty Micro Drivers): Compact Cinch devices that power and control individual light fixtures or sensors in a low-volt system.

MMHs (Cinch Mighty Micro Hubs): Cinch hubs supporting two-zone control, connecting multiple devices to the smart building network.

Mood Lighting: Lighting designed to create a specific emotional atmosphere or ambiance in a space.

MSI (Master System Integrator): A lead integrator coordinating hardware and software from multiple vendors to build cohesive smart building systems.

Mullion: A vertical or horizontal structural element dividing window panes or panels in a building facade.

NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association): A trade group representing electrical contractors, promoting standards and best practices in the industry.

NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association): An organization setting standards for electrical equipment, including lighting and power systems, in the U.S.

NFPA (National Fire Protection Association): A body establishing fire safety codes and standards, including for emergency lighting and building systems.

Occupancy Sensor: A device that activates lights upon detecting motion and deactivates them when no motion is sensed, saving energy.

OT (Operational Technology): Technologies and systems (e.g., HVAC, lighting) used by facility teams to manage building operations.

Owners' Rep: A professional acting on behalf of the building owner to oversee project design, construction, and compliance.

Parking Lot Lights: Outdoor lighting fixtures illuminating parking areas for safety and visibility.

Pathway Lighting: Lights marking routes or exits, aiding navigation or evacuation in a building or outdoor space.

Peak Load: The highest electricity demand a building places on the power system during a given period.

Pendant: A ceiling-suspended light fixture, often hung by a cord or rod, used singly or in rows for aesthetic appeal.

Percent Flicker: A measure of light intensity variation, expressed as a percentage, indicating flicker magnitude in lighting systems.

PIR (Passive Infrared Sensor): A sensor detecting motion via changes in infrared radiation, commonly used in occupancy controls.

PoE (Power over Ethernet): A technology supplying power and data over Ethernet cables to devices like lights and sensors, with various types: 15W, 30W, 60W, 90W. Cisco’s enhanced version is UPoE, delivering up to 60 watts per port (52 watts to devices).

Power Factor Correction: A technique improving electrical efficiency by aligning load current with voltage, reducing waste in power systems.

QOS (Quality of Service): A network metric ensuring reliable data delivery, critical for smart building communication systems.

Real-time Pricing: An electricity billing model where rates fluctuate based on current demand and supply, encouraging usage adjustments.

Reflected Ceiling Plan: A blueprint depicting ceiling elements as if mirrored from the floor, used in design planning.

RFI (Request for Information): A formal query for clarification or details during a project, often in design or construction phases.

RFP (Request for Proposal): A document soliciting bids from vendors for specific smart building products or services.

RGB Tunable: Lighting adjustable across red, green, and blue spectrums to produce any desired color output.

RMA (Return Materials Authorization): A process authorizing the return of defective or unwanted products to a manufacturer for replacement or refund.

RoHS: Restriction of Hazardous Substances; a directive limiting harmful materials in electrical equipment.

Router: A device directing data between separate networks, essential for smart building connectivity.

RS485: A protocol for reliable multi-point communication over long distances, used in building automation networks.

RCDD: Registered Communications Distribution Designer, a certification from BICSI that recognizes expertise in designing and implementing telecommunications and data communications technology systems.

SaaS: Software as a Service

Scene Control: A feature adjusting lighting to match specific activities or moods in a designated area.

Sconce: A wall-mounted light fixture directing light upward or outward, supported solely by the wall.

Shed-able Load: Electrical loads that can be temporarily disabled without disrupting critical operations, aiding demand response.

SI (System Integrator): A professional or firm assembling smart building systems by integrating components from various vendors.

SLA (Service Level Agreement): A contract defining performance standards (e.g., uptime, response time) for smart building services.

Specifier: A professional selecting energy-efficient lighting solutions and guiding recycling decisions, such as designers or engineers.

Spotlight: A fixture emitting a focused, intense beam to highlight specific objects or individuals.

Stroboscopic Visibility Measure (SVM): A metric assessing the visibility of stroboscopic effects caused by flickering lights.

Switch: A device connecting and directing data between devices within a single network, like an Ethernet switch in PoE systems.

TCO (Total Cost of Ownership): The full cost of acquiring and operating a building system over its lifecycle, including purchase, maintenance, and energy costs.

Temporal Light Artifact: Visual distortions caused by rapid changes in light output over time, such as flicker and stroboscopic effects.

Troffer Light: A rectangular lighting unit designed for recessed installation in drop ceilings, typically 2x2 or 2x4 feet.

UL (Underwriters Laboratories): A safety certification organization testing and approving electrical products for compliance.

UL924: A standard from Underwriters Laboratories covering emergency lighting and power equipment to ensure they function safely and reliably during power failures.

UPoE: Cisco’s enhanced Power over Ethernet standard delivering up to 60 watts per port (52 watts to devices) for advanced applications.

USB-C: A reversible connector for Universal Serial Bus that supports high-speed data transfer and power delivery.

USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council): A nonprofit promoting sustainable building practices, overseeing the LEED certification program.

Vacancy Sensor: A sensor requiring manual light activation but automatically turning lights off when no motion is detected.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): A technology transmitting voice calls over the internet, often powered by PoE in smart buildings.

Wafer: A thin semiconductor disc used in manufacturing LEDs and other microelectronic components for smart systems.

Wayfinding: Navigating complex spaces using visual cues, like color-coded lighting, in smart buildings.

White Tunable: Lighting adjustable in brightness and white color temperature for customized ambiance.

Z-wave: A wireless protocol for home automation, connecting devices like lights and locks in a low-power network.

Zone: A designated group of smart building devices controlled together for efficiency or function.