PoE Lighting Enhancements for Firefighter Operations

This technical report details the implementation of Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting at the Evendale Fire Department in Cincinnati, Ohio, aimed at improving firefighter preparedness and response. The report outlines the challenges faced by firefighters due to abrupt awakenings from emergency alarms and presents PoE lighting as a solution that integrates with existing emergency alert systems. The Evendale Fire Department utilized Igor's Nexos IoT smart building platform to connect PoE-enabled lighting fixtures, allowing for distinct color-coded alerts for different emergencies. The report describes the technical aspects of the installation, including the use of high-quality Category 6A UTP cables and the Z-PLUG termination tool for efficient deployment. It also highlights the cost-effectiveness of the PoE system compared to traditional AC power solutions, noting that the installation reduced costs significantly while enhancing the overall environment of the fire station. The report concludes with positive feedback from department leadership regarding the impact of the new system on operational efficiency.