Acuity Brands Launches Wall Switch Sensor with Convertible Neutral/Ground Connection for Meeting NEC 2011 Neutral Requirements
 
Allows contractors to have a universally code compliant solution regardless of job site wiring requirements

Acuity Brands, Inc., (NYSE: AYI; “Company”), a market leader in innovative energy-efficient lighting and control solutions, is pleased to introduce the new patent-pending WSD NGX (Neutral/Ground Exchangeable) wall switch sensor as an addition to its Sensor Switch® line of occupancy sensors.
 
This new sensor provides an innovative and contractor-friendly solution to meet the neutral/ground wiring requirements under the 2011 National Electric Code® (“NEC 2011”) without having to purchase a dedicated unit. The WSD NGX sensor can use either the neutral conductor required by NEC 2011 for new construction projects, or it can use the ground connection, which is a common wiring method for many retrofit applications. The sensor’s ability to use either wiring method enables distributors to stock and sell one unit without risk of returned material from jobs where the wrong type of sensor was supplied.
 
“Since its release, the new NEC 2011 code has been partially or fully adopted by more than 25 states,” said Ben Hahn, Acuity Brands Lighting Vice President and Value Stream Leader for Sensor Switch. “The WSD NGX sensor’s wiring feature allows contractors to have a universally code compliant solution regardless of job site wiring requirements.”
 
“With the growing adoption rate of NEC 2011 as an accelerant, this new universal sensor provides a level of simplicity to electrical contractors and distributors last seen with the introduction of multi-volt ballasts,” added Steve Lydecker, Acuity Brands Lighting Senior Vice President and General Manager, Controls and Systems. “The multi-volt ballast eliminated the need to stock dedicated ballast voltages and avoided the risk of getting the wrong unit to the jobsite. Now with the new WSD NGX the same is true of the wall switch sensor.”
 
The new patent-pending convertible neutral/ground exchangeable (NGX) feature joins Sensor Switch’s already patented reversible line and load wiring featured product line – continuing the Company’s rich history of developing contractor-friendly products. The WSD NGX is available in both Passive Infrared (PIR) and Dual Technology (PDT) versions and is now shipping.