Watt Stopper/Legrand Retools Occupancy Sensor Manufacturing for RoHS Compliance
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SANTA CLARA, CA June 2008 - Watt Stopper/Legrand announces the launch of RoHS-compliant occupancy sensors as part of the company's ongoing commitment to the environment. Specifiers, building owners and contractors who select these lighting controls can be assured that they are helping reduce the amount of hazardous waste that will enter the environment, in addition to achieving energy savings.
RoHS is the European Union's (EU) directive on the restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment sold in the EU market. It addresses the use of four heavy metals and two flame retardants used in plastics. RoHS compliance requires the design, or redesign, of products and manufacturing processes using components and materials with agreed maximum amounts of these substances. As an example, lead in solder must be replaced by a lead-free material, typically silver. Numerous electronic components must be carefully selected, and redesigned products must be resubmitted to UL. Compliant practices have multiple benefits, including preventing hazardous waste as a result of manufacturing operations, protecting the health of workers and facilitating the recycling of products at the end of their life cycles.
Currently, the U.S. has no similarly broad restriction, and so American manufacturers wishing to voluntarily reduce the use of hazardous materials in their products typically turn to RoHS for guidance. Watt Stopper/Legrand has invested in costlier RoHS-compliant manufacturing to further its tradition of caring from the environment.
Beginning in May 2008, the majority of commercial occupancy sensors from Watt Stopper/Legrand, including CI-300, UT-300, and DT-300 series ceiling sensors; PW, UW and DW series wallbox sensors; and BZ-50 and BZ-150 power packs, will meet RoHS requirements. These newest-generation sensors use passive infrared, ultrasonic and dual technology to turn lights on and off based on occupancy, and they facilitate manual-on operation for maximum energy savings. A manual on control strategy best reduces carbon emissions during the life of the sensor.
Watt Stopper/Legrand (www.wattstopper.com) is a leading manufacturer of energy efficient lighting controls for commercial and residential use. We help customers find convenient ways to save energy, meet green initiatives, and comply with energy codes with our comprehensive range of products, programs, and services. Legrand (www.legrandelectric.com), located in Limoges, France, is the world specialist in products and systems for electrical installations and information networks, offering solutions for use in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
