Smart lighting  NEMA vs ZHAGA

 

Smart lighting : NEMA vs ZHAGA

1. Introduction

This article discusses two common lighting control sockets used in modern LED fixtures: ANSI C136.41 (NEMA) and Zhaga Book 18. Choosing the right socket is important for future-proofing lighting systems as LED technology advances. Standardized sockets allow for easy upgrades to control units without replacing the entire fixture.

2. NEMA and Zhaga: Standards for Lighting Control Sockets

NEMA and Zhaga are two organizations that set standards for lighting control sockets. These sockets allow for the connection of light fixtures to control systems.

2.1 NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association)

Is a North American standard that uses high-voltage AC power. It supports dimming via various protocols, including RF Mesh, 0-10V, PWM, and DALI. The most common NEMA sockets are 3-pin, 5-pin, and 7-pin. The 7-pin socket (ANSI C136.41) is the latest standard and includes additional pins for future dimming and control features.

2.2 Zhaga 

Is an global consortium that promotes interoperability between LED luminaires and their additives. Their consciousness is on verbal exchange modules (sockets) that connect LED modules and drivers. Zhaga Book 18 defines a wellknown for out of doors luminaires and sensor/verbal exchange modules. It makes use of low-voltage DC power and helps Dali2.Zero verbal exchange. This trendy is gaining recognition in Europe and is predicted to emerge as the destiny mainstream.

Feature                                NEMA                                                           Zhaga                         

Region                              North America                                             International              

Power                              High-voltage AC                                           Low-voltage DC          

Communication              RF Mesh, 0-10V, PWM, DALI                     Dali2.0                          

3 Mechanical specifications of NEMA and Zhaga

Here's a breakdown of the key differences between NEMA (ANSI C136.41) and Zhaga Book 18 sockets for streetlights:

Pins:

• NEMA: 7 pins (3 for AC power, 4 for low-voltage signaling)

Electrical connections of NEMA CONTROLLER

• Zhaga: 4 pins (all for low-voltage signaling)

Electrical connections of Zhaga controller

Power:

• NEMA: High-voltage AC
• Zhaga: Low-voltage DC

Communication:

• NEMA: Supports various protocols like LoRaWAN, 0-10V, PWM, and DALI
• Zhaga: Primarily Dali2.0

Size:

• NEMA: Larger and bulkier
• Zhaga: More compact, suitable for slim fixtures

Applications:

• NEMA: Common in North America
• Zhaga: Gaining popularity in Europe, expected to be the future standard

Additional Features (both offer):

• Plug-and-play installation
• LoRaWAN support
• Scheduling, light level sensing, and adaptive lighting
• Data monitoring and communication
• Over-the-air firmware updates

4. Benefits of each socket:

4.1 NEMA (ANSI C136.41)

Pros: Widely used, easy to add sensors to existing fixtures, supports various city applications (including high-power ones).

Cons: Bulky controllers can be unsightly.

4.2 Zhaga Book 18

Pros: Potentially lower cost due to power from the LED driver, smaller size improves aesthetics, better for low-power sensors.

Cons: Complex for high-power sensor applications, potentially higher initial cost due to DALI cabling.

Smart lighting  NEMA vs ZHAGA

5. Why We Need NEMA and Zhaga Sockets

Both NEMA and Zhaga sockets offer ways to control and improve outdoor lighting, especially streetlights. Here's a breakdown of their key purposes:

5.1 NEMA (ANSI C136.41)

Original Function: Turning streetlights on/off using photocell sensors based on ambient light levels.

Expanded Functionality: Enables dimming compatible LED fixtures for energy savings (e.g., reducing brightness after midnight).

Future Potential: Pins 6 & 7 of the 7-pin socket offer a way to connect additional sensors for smart city applications (air quality, traffic monitoring) as needed.

Benefit: Millions of existing fixtures can be easily upgraded with sensors using the NEMA standard.

5.2 Zhaga Book 18:

Focus: Simplifies smart street lighting in Europe by using the LED driver's power supply, resulting in:

• Lower costs
• Smaller controller size
• Increased reliability

Sensor Integration: Allows adding a second Zhaga socket for sensors, but power consumption needs to be low.

Standardization: Zhaga promotes interoperability between components from various manufacturers, fostering:

• Innovation
• Competition
• Lower costs for consumers

Certification: Zhaga offers a certification process to ensure product compatibility and prevent misuse.

6. Conclusion

In short:

NEMA is the traditional standard, using AC power and offering flexibility in communication protocols.

Zhaga is a newer, more compact option focused on low-voltage DC and Dali2.0 communication, making it ideal for future-proof installations.

Both NEMA and Zhaga sockets play a function in advancing clever and efficient out of doors lighting fixtures structures. NEMA leverages existing infrastructure for primary control and future expansion, at the same time as Zhaga offers a more streamlined approach for brand new installations with an emphasis on standardization and interoperability.