3.11 Projectile Resistant Controls

Unfortunately, some locations are prone to damage from vandalism. A large Florida utility actually developed a vandal shield for luminaires. Other companies offer them as accessories. Like luminaires, photocontrols get hit too. While there are no specific ANSI or IES standards for projectile resistance, it is an issue that utilities need to discuss with control manufacturers. Manufacturers can't make controls 100% bullet proof but DTL can offer, as an option, materials that may reduce failures from projectile impact.

3.12 Higher Light Levels

Some urban areas with lots of ambient light use a special control with high (usually 8 footcandles (86.0 lux)) turn-ON. The City of San Francisco's Chinatown section has some beautifully renovated/replaced decorative "Dragon Lights". These are close to storefronts with lighted signs which can turn street lights OFF, it the controls are set to normal turn-ON and turn-OFF levels. The city requires that these Dragon Lights will be ON whenever needed. An 8 footcandle (86.0 lux) turn-ON, close OFF/ON ratio control (with matching Dragon Red cover) keeps the City, the tourists and the store owners happy. Other utilities have recently approved special controls with high turn-ON for specific downtown or casino areas.

Auto sales lots pose a similar ambient light problem. A control with 8 ftc turn ON is recommended. Example: DTL's model DP124-8.0-TM.