Why Current Sensors Are Important for Building Automation

Sensing some “current events” ahead? And no, we don’t mean tuning into your local news outlet. Bad puns aside, current sensors are an essential part of commercial Building Automation Systems (BAS), playing a key role in improving and maintaining energy efficiency and smart building technology.

As a quick refresher, a BAS is a network of different devices and software that work together through automation to monitor and control various functions in a building (e.g., lighting controls, HVAC, security, etc.). The BAS will rely on current sensors to act as an electricity translator. In this post, we explore what current sensors are, their application, and the critical role they play in emerging technologies.

Consider optimizing your monitoring and control systems with Functional Devices’ comprehensive selection of current sensors. With our innovative “Relay In a Box®” design, you’ll get the best of both worlds: tailored engineering and convenient pre-assembled components. Save time and money while meeting your facility’s specific needs.

Now, let’s jump into the current discussion (that’s the last one; we promise).

What Are Current Sensors & How Do They Work?

A current sensor detects and measures electricity that flows through a conductor, “translating” that electricity into measurable outputs such as voltages, digital signals, or currents. 

We won't get into the specific types of current sensors here because several different methods exist for sensing and measuring a current inside a circuit or conductor. However, it is essential to know that the various types of current sensors use different scientific principles (and materials) for detecting electrical currents. Each has advantages and disadvantages; talking with a manufacturer or engineer will help determine which current sensor is right for your specific application.

Why Are Current Sensors Important in Building Automation Systems?

We’ve written before about the importance of monitoring commercial energy usage, and current sensors do much of the heavy lifting, providing real-time data on a building’s electrical power consumption. 

A current sensor constantly detects and measures energy, generating real-time data, that facility managers can use to precisely monitor and track how energy is dispersed, consumed, and wasted and respond with informed decisions. 

This data can help improve:

• Energy efficiency through implemented energy-saving strategies targeted at high-consuming systems
• Load balancing and power distribution, optimizing performance, and preventing overloads
• Equipment protection and predictive/preventative maintenance through detected abnormalities
• Demand monitoring and response to fluctuating grid conditions, reducing peak energy usage
• Integration with BAS for real-time data and optimized automation

What Are the Applications of Current Sensors in BAS?

Now that you know generally what current sensors can do, here are some specific places you might see them in a BAS:

• HVAC. Monitor energy consumption of motors, air handling units, chillers, fan coils, cooling towers, and compressors
• Lighting controls. Monitor and integrate with other components to control adaptive dimming, demand and response programs, fault detection, and occupancy optimization
• Motor-driven industrial equipment. Ensure safe operation and prevent overloads
• Renewable energy systems. Monitor and manage solar panel and battery storage performance

Remember, the end goal of integrating current sensors into the BAS is to provide the real-time data necessary to identify potential or developing issues and optimize energy usage to improve efficiency.

The Role of Current Sensors in Energy Efficiency & Smart Building Technology

We’ve already alluded to ways that current sensors play a role in emerging technologies like sustainable building innovations and smart building devices, but let’s call it out more explicitly. These technologies will likely become integral to your BAS in the future if they aren’t already.

Current sensors play a key role in energy efficiency for sustainability and smart building technology, including:

• Carbon footprint reduction. By optimizing energy usage, current sensors help lower greenhouse gas emissions.
• Demand response and grid integration. Smart buildings can adjust power consumption based on grid demand, reducing peak loads and improving sustainability.
• Enhanced occupant comfort. Integration with smart lighting, HVAC, and other systems ensures optimal interior conditions while minimizing energy draw.
• Compliance with green building standards. Real-time data generation supports LEED, WELL, and other sustainability certifications by tracking and improving energy performance.
• Integration with Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. Digitized sensor signals transmitted to a cloud platform provide feedback and data to smart devices for enhanced automation and performance.

Optimize Performance With Functional Devices’ Current Sensors

Current sensors are necessary for a well-functioning BAS. They constantly detect and measure the electrical current passing through a conductor, providing the real-time data needed to optimize performance, tweak settings, and forecast issues. The informed decisions a facility manager makes based on current sensor readings improve energy efficiency, occupancy comfort, green initiatives, and smart building implementation.

But what kind of current sensor do you need, and what if you need to retrofit one on an existing conductor? That’s where a skilled manufacturing partner comes in. Here at Functional Devices, our engineers are happy to dive into the specifics with you, like whether you need a split-core vs. solid-core or internal vs. remote. Contact us today to explore our line of current sensors!

About Functional Devices, Inc.

Leaders in the Industry

The world was a very different place in 1969, when Functional Devices, Inc. was founded by engineer and electronics enthusiast Albert Rittmann, but our commitment to evolution and versatility has allowed us to remain a key player in the building automation and lighting controls industry for over 55 years.

Today, as we embrace emerging technology and lean into the future of building automation, our products are still manufactured in the USA with global materials, and we are still committed to our mission of enhancing lives in buildings and beyond. Back in 1969, Albert could never have predicted the technological advances we live with today, but with the groundwork he laid and the vision of his successors, Functional Devices has adapted and grown into a company that can handle anything.