OCCUPANCY SENSOR AND CONTROLLABLE PHOTOSENSOR

Abstract

An occupancy sensor is provided with a separable override unit to selectively override the operation of the occupancy sensor at designated times and for selected time intervals. The occupancy sensor includes a light sensor for actuating the occupancy sensor and a light assembly when the ambient light is below a predetermined level and to deactivate the occupancy sensor when the ambient light is above a threshold level. The override unit having a light source is removably attached to the occupancy sensor. The override unit is coupled to the occupancy sensor to emit light to actuate the light sensor of the occupancy sensor, thereby preventing the occupancy sensor from being actuated regardless of the light level in the surrounding areas. A control unit is operatively connected to one or more override units for selectively controlling the normal operation of the occupancy sensor.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an occupancy sensor for sensing the presence of a person in a designated area and for actuating an electrical system. More particularly, the invention is directed to an occupancy sensor having a photosensor for controlling the operation of the occupancy sensor and an override system removably attached to the occupancy sensor for actuating the photosensor of the occupancy sensor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Occupancy sensor systems are known for sensing the occupancy and the vacancy within a designated area and for activating an electrical system in response to sensing a person within the designated area. The occupancy sensor can be connected to a lighting system, ventilation system or other electrical system that is intended to be activated only when needed. The sensor device within the occupancy sensor can be an infrared system or an ultrasonic system that is capable of detecting when the designated area is occupied by a person or object. The occupancy sensor is typically mounted on a wall or ceiling and positioned so that the field of view of the occupancy sensor covers the designated area.

Occupancy sensors are typically used to reduce the energy consumption for illuminating a target area. The occupancy sensors require reliable activation when the target area is occupied and to prevent false activation when the area is vacant. Various occupancy sensors have been developed with an attempt to improve the reliability of the sensors. One example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,411,489 to Elwell et al. which discloses an occupancy sensor that is able to maintain activation when sensing continuing occupancy. The occupancy sensor also includes component settings to enable self-adjusting of the settings. The occupancy sensor is activated upon sensing continuing occupancy and enables separate processing of the settings. An ultrasonic sensor is included to actively sense occupancy and to enable separate processing of the settings. The occupancy sensor is activated when the infrared sensor section senses occupancy and maintains activation when either the infrared sensor or the ultrasonic sensor senses continuing occupancy.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0229297 to Leonard et al. relates to an occupancy sensor powerbase with a housing in a low voltage wiring terminating unit terminal block. A power pack is connected to the low voltage terminal block with upper lower portions combined to form an integral power stand alone sensor unit.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,205 to Myron et al. relates to ultrasonic infrared sensors used to produce first and second occupancy estimator signals. The estimator signal is used to switch electrical loads when the estimator signals are above a predetermined threshold. The occupancy sensor is intended to provide high probability of occupancy detection and low probability of false tripping.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,215,398 to Platner et al. discloses an occupancy sensor with flat lenses for focusing detecting beams into narrow long range beams. The sensing circuit generates a detecting beam that is substantially perpendicular to the lens. The lens has a plurality of lens segments to provide long, intermediate and short range sensing beams. An override timer circuit is provided which upon activation sets the occupancy sensor in occupancy mode for a predetermined period of time.

The prior occupancy sensors have generally been useful for their intended purpose. However, there is a continuing need in the industry for an occupancy sensor to provide reliable activation of an electrical system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an occupancy sensor for sensing the presence of a person or object within a designated area for actuating an electrical system. The invention is particularly directed to an occupancy sensor that includes an override system to prevent the occupancy sensor from activating the electrical system at selected times. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the override system is an independent unit that can be selectively coupled to one or more occupancy sensor.

The occupancy sensor of the invention includes a sensor for detecting the presence or motion of a person or object within a target area for activating an electrical system such as lighting, ventilation, heating or air conditioning systems. An override system is removably coupled to the occupancy sensor to control and/or override the normal operation of the occupancy sensor. The override system can include a controller for actuating the override system at selected times and for selected periods of time to control the occupancy sensor.

One aspect of the invention is to provide an occupancy sensor having a photosensor for detecting daylight or background ambient light which is able to turn off or deactivate the occupancy sensor when the light level within the target area is above a predetermined threshold level. A removable override system can be attached to the occupancy sensor to provide a light source directed toward the photosensor. The override system actuates the light source to project the light source to the light sensor thereby preventing the occupancy sensor from activating the electrical system at predetermined times.

One aspect of the invention is to provide an occupancy sensor having a recessed area with an open end facing away from the target area of the occupancy sensor. A removable override unit is fitted into the recess. The override unit is connected to a control unit for actuating a light source in the override unit to project light to a light sensor in the occupancy sensor to inactivate the occupancy sensor.

A further aspect of the invention is to provide an occupancy sensor having a photosensor for detecting ambient light and a removable override unit overlying the photosensor of the occupancy sensor. The override unit is connected to a control unit which can include a second photosensor positioned at a different location such as a window or skylight for detecting daylight. The photosensor connected to the control unit actuates the override unit when the light level in the area of the second photosensor is above a predetermined level. In one embodiment, the light sensor and the control unit can be connected to several override units associated with a respective occupancy sensor.

The various aspects of the invention are basically obtained by providing and occupancy sensor having a housing with a front wall with a sensor for detecting the presence of an object and adapted for actuating an electrical system, a side wall and a rear wall having a recess. A light sensor is provided in the recess of the rear wall for sensing ambient light directed toward the rear wall. The light sensor is connected to the occupancy sensor for overriding the occupancy sensor when a predetermined level of ambient light is detected.

The aspects of the invention are also obtained by providing an occupancy sensor assembly comprising a housing having a front wall, a rear wall and a side wall extending between the front wall and the rear wall and an occupancy sensor unit associated with a front wall for sensing the presence of an object and actuating an electrical device in response to a detected object. A light sensor is spaced from the front wall and the occupancy sensor unit. The light sensor is operatively connected to the occupancy sensor unit for detecting ambient light and adapted for controlling the operation of and deactivating the occupancy sensor unit when the ambient light level is above a predetermined level. A control unit is removably coupled to the housing and has a light source for directing light to the light sensor to simulate ambient light to control the light sensor and the occupancy sensor unit.

The various aspects of the invention are further obtained by providing an occupancy sensor assembly having a housing with a front wall, rear wall and a side wall extending between the front and rear wall where the housing is coupled to a luminaire. An occupancy sensor unit is associated with the front wall and adapted for sensing the presence of an object and actuating the luminaire in response to the object being detected. A recess is formed in the rear wall of the housing where the recess has a bottom wall, side wall and an open end facing outwardly from the bottom wall of the housing. A light sensor is positioned in the housing and associated with the side wall of the recess and adapted for detecting ambient light. The light sensor is operatively connected to the occupancy sensor unit and adapted for controlling the occupancy sensor unit. An override unit has a first end received in the recess of the rear wall of the housing and is removably coupled to the housing. The override unit has a light source for directing light to the light sensor to actuate the light sensor and deactivate the occupancy sensor unit.

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the annexed drawings which disclose one embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following is a brief description of the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the occupancy sensor and lamp assembly in one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the occupancy sensor and lamp assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded elevational side view of the occupancy sensor and lamp assembly;

FIG. 4 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the occupancy sensor and lamp assembly;

FIG. 5 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the occupancy sensor;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the occupancy sensor with the lens removed;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the occupancy sensor showing the override unit;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the occupancy sensor with the override unit removed;

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the occupancy sensor;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the override unit;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the override unit;

FIG. 12 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the override unit;

FIG. 13 is a schematic wiring diagram of the occupancy sensor; and

FIG. 14 is a schematic wiring diagram of the override unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an occupancy sensor which can be used alone to control and/or override the operation of an electrical system or with an override unit to control the operation of the occupancy sensor. The occupancy sensor of the invention is provided with an external port for connecting to the override unit to the occupancy sensor. The override unit can be connected to the occupancy sensor when desired depending on the requirements for the specific environment. The occupancy sensor of the invention is operatively connected to an electrical system such as a light assembly, fan, alarm system, heating system or air conditioning system. The occupancy sensor is able to detect the presence of a person or object in the target area and to activate the electrical system for a selected period of time after the person or object is detected. Typically the occupancy sensor is programmed to operate the electrical system for selected period of time after which the occupancy sensor deactivates the electrical system.

Referring to the drawings, the occupancy sensor 10 of the invention in one embodiment is connected to an electrical light assembly 12 to actuate light assembly 12. In one preferred embodiment, the occupancy sensor 10 is coupled directly to the light assembly 12 by a mechanical connection so as to be fixed to the light assembly 12. In other embodiments, the occupancy sensor 12 can be separate from the light assembly and connected by wires, cables or an electrical conduit.

In the embodiment shown in the Figures, light assembly 12 has a housing 14 supporting two lamps 16. Lamps 16 can be fluorescent lamps as shown, high intensity lamps or other suitable lamp designs. Housing 14 in the embodiment illustrated has a rectangular shape with a reflector 18 corresponding to each lamp 16. Lamps 16 are connected to lamp bases 20 for supplying electrical power to the lamps. As shown, lamps 16 are straight fluorescent tubes although other shapes and sizes can be used. Housing 14 has opening at one end (not shown) for coupling to the occupancy sensor 10 and for receiving control wires from occupancy sensor 10. Light assembly 12 is connected to a suitable power source in a conventional manner.

Occupancy sensor 10 includes an override unit 70 that is removably coupled to occupancy sensor 10 as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Occupancy sensor 10 includes a housing 22 having a rear wall 24, a front wall 26 and a side wall 28. In the embodiment illustrated, the front wall 26 defines a front side that typically faces the target area and is visible to the occupants. The rear wall 24 defines a top side that typically faces away from the target area. Side wall 28 extends from rear wall 24 to front wall 26. In the embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings, the top wall 24 is preferably oriented to face upwardly toward the ceiling of a room and the bottom wall 26 is oriented to face in a generally downward direction toward the room and the area to be occupied and illuminated by the light assembly.

As shown in FIG. 1, rear wall 24 and side wall 28 of housing 22 have a substantially circular portion 30 and straight portion 32. Straight portion 32 has threaded coupling 34 for coupling with housing 14 of light assembly 12. A threaded lock nut 36 is threaded on to the threaded coupling 34 for locking the occupancy sensor 12 to the light assembly 14. In one embodiment shown, the threaded coupling 34 is inserted through an opening in the housing 14 of light assembly 12 and threaded nut (not shown) is threaded on to the end of threaded coupling 34 inside the housing 14. Lock nut 36 is then tightened against the outer surface of the housing 14 to secure the occupancy sensor 10 to the light assembly 12. Threaded coupling 34 defines a conduit for supplying electrical wires 38 from occupancy sensor 10 to the light assembly 12 for operating the light assembly 12 as discussed hereinafter in greater detail. In one embodiment, coupling 34 has strain relief member extending transversely across the passage of the coupling to prevent damage to the wires and electrical components in the occupancy sensor.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, front wall 26 of occupancy sensor 10 has a substantially frustoconical shaped recess 40. A sensor unit 42 is positioned in the bottom of recess 40 in substantially the center of the circular portion 30 of housing 22. Sensor unit 42 can be an infrared sensor for passively detecting the presence of a person or object, an ultrasonic sensor or other sensing device as known in the art to continuously detect the presence of a person or object or movement of a person or object within a field of view of the sensor unit 42. Occupancy sensor 10 can include more than one type of sensor depending on the requirements for the assembly and the intended environment of use. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, frustoconical recessed portion 40 has a pocket area 44 for supporting a plurality of DIP switches 45 which can be set manually to control the operation of the occupancy sensor 10. DIP switches are provided for setting the time period for activating the light 12 after the occupancy sensor 10 detects a person the target area, a delay for turning the electrical system on or off, and other functions of the occupancy sensor 10 as known in the art.

Housing 22 of occupancy sensor 10 has a lens 46 and a diffuser cover 48. Lens 46 and diffuser 48 have a semi-spherical shape forming a dome extending outwardly from the face of front wall 26. As shown in FIG. 2, lens 46 and diffuser 48 face in a downward direction toward the target area of the occupancy sensor 10. Lens 46 includes tabs 50 which are inserted under tabs 52 on bottom wall 26 to couple and position the lens 46 in a position aligned with the sensor unit 42 and oriented to focus the sensing beam to a target area. Diffuser 48 includes tabs 54 that are inserted into open slots 56 for coupling diffuser in a selected position aligned with the lens 46 and sensor unit 42.

A snap ring 58 is provided to fit over the planar portion of the diffuser 48. Snap ring 58 has a plurality of prongs 60 extending perpendicular to the plane of ring 58 which are inserted into slots 62 in the bottom wall of housing 22. Prongs 60 preferably have an inclined or angle outer end for inserting into the respective slot and a hook portion for coupling with an inner edge of the slot to couple the ring to the housing and hold the lens and diffuser in position on the housing 22. In the embodiment shown, front wall 26 of housing 22 has a flat recessed area surrounding the frustoconical recess 44 to enable ring 58 to fit neatly onto housing and lie flush with the surface of front wall 26 of housing 22.

Housing 22 of occupancy sensor 10 encloses the electrical components for detecting the presence of a person or object and/or detecting motion of a person or object within a target area. The electrical components include a printed circuit board 64 as shown in FIG. 5 which supports the sensor unit 42 and other circuit components as known in the art. Rear wall 24 is attached to side wall 28 and typically supports circuit board 64. In the embodiment shown, front wall 26 and side wall 28 are integrally formed as a one-piece unit of housing 22. Side wall 28 has an open end 66 which is closed by rear wall 24. Rear wall 24 has a substantially flat planar configuration with a shape and dimension corresponding to the shape and dimension of side wall 28. In the embodiment shown, rear wall 24 has outwardly extending tabs 68 which are received in a respective recess formed on the inner face of side wall 28 so that rear wall 24 snaps into side wall 28.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, rear wall 24 has a recessed area 68 defining an open cavity or port for receiving an occupancy sensor override unit 70. Cavity 68 is positioned in the circular portion 30 of housing 22 opposite the threaded coupling 34. Cavity 68 opens outwardly with respect to rear wall 24 in a substantially upward direction with respect to the normal orientation of the occupancy sensor 10 and light assembly 12 during use. Cavity 68 includes an inner wall 72, an outer wall 74 and a bottom wall 76. Outer wall 74 is defined by side wall 28 of housing 22. Outer wall 74 has a notched portion 78 aligned with cavity 68. As shown in FIG. 7, inner wall 72 of cavity 68 has an opening 80 aligned with a light sensor 82 mounted within housing 22. Light sensor 82 is connected to circuit board 64 for sensing light levels in the target area and operating and/or deactivating the occupancy sensor according to the measured light level. In the embodiment shown, the light sensor 82 is positioned in the cavity and faces outwardly toward side wall 28 with respect to housing 22. Light sensor 82 is oriented to be able to detect light levels above occupancy sensor 10 in the direction in which daylight or ambient light is normally directed toward the target area.

Occupancy sensor 10 and light assembly 12 are mounted in a selected position above a target area to be illuminated by light assembly 12. Typically, the target area is directly below the occupancy detector and light assembly. Occupancy sensor 10 has a field of view that is adjusted to a desired position or location that can overlap with the target area or be different from the target area. As shown in FIG. 2, light assembly 12 is mounted to the ceiling 84 or other structure by supports 86. Occupancy sensor 10 is attached directly to and supported by light assembly 12. A power supply cord 87 is connected to light assembly 12 for operating the lamps and the occupancy sensor 10.

Occupancy sensor 10 is focused downwardly by suitable adjusting means as known in the art to detect motion and/or the presence of a person or object in the target area and/or in the field of view of the occupancy sensor 10. In normal operation, occupancy sensor 10 is connected to light assembly 12 to activate the light assembly when a person is detected in the target area and to maintain the activation of the light assembly for a predetermined period of time. DIP switches 45 in occupancy sensor 10 are able to adjust the time the light assembly remains activated.

Light sensor 82 detects the ambient light level in the area and deactivates occupancy sensor 10 when the light level is above a predetermined level. When the light level in the target area falls below a threshold level, occupancy sensor 10 is activated to control the operation of and activate the light assembly 12 or other electrical system when the sensor unit 42 is actuated. Occupancy sensor 10 is typically oriented to direct light sensor 82 in an upward direction toward a skylight or window or other source of ambient light. In this manner, light sensor 42 is able to detect the light level and deactivate the occupancy sensor 10 when the light level is sufficient to avoid the need to active the light assembly 12.

Override unit 70 as shown in FIGS. 10-12 includes a body 88 with a bottom end 90 and an open top end 92. Body 88 can be made of a clear plastic material to allow ambient light to pass through to light sensor 82. In this manner, override unit 70 can be coupled to occupancy sensor 10 with light sensor 82 still being able to detect ambient light in the area. Alternatively, body 88 can be made of an opaque plastic material that does not allow light to pass through. Body 88 of override unit 70 has a shape complementing the cavity 68 of occupancy sensor housing 22. An end wall 94 snaps into the open end 92 of body 88 to close body 88. A circuit board 96 is positioned within body 88. Circuit board 96 includes an LED 98 or other light source and is connected to a control unit 100 by wires 102.

Bottom end 90 of override unit 70 has a substantially flat inner face 104 with a stepped portion 106. Inner face 98 has a window 108 aligned with LED 98 on circuit board 96 so that LED 98 is able to project light outwardly through window 108. The stepped portion 106 has a notched portion defining a window 110 for wires 102. Override unit 70 has an outer face 112 with a curved shaped corresponding substantially to the curvature of side wall 28 of housing 22. Outer face 112 has a stepped portion 114 spaced from the bottom end. End wall 94 has a curved edge 116 corresponding to the shape of the outer face 112 with a hook member 118 and a straight edge 120 corresponding to the shape of inner face 98 of body 88 of override unit 70. A pair of hooks 122 extends from the face of end wall 94 for coupling with a respective aperture 124 in stepped portion 106 of inner face 98 for coupling end wall 94 to body 88.

Override unit 70 is connected to control unit 100 by wires 102 for supplying electrical power to LED 98 and for actuating LED 98 at selected times and for selected periods of time. Override unit 70 is inserted into cavity 68 in bottom wall 26 of housing 22 with window 108 and LED 98 aligned with aperture 80 and light sensor 84. As shown in FIG. 7, inner face 104 and outer face 112 of body 88 have a shape and dimension complementing the shape and dimensions of cavity 68. Inner face 104 of body is provided with a coupling member for coupling override unit 70 to housing 22. In the embodiment shown, the coupling member is a detent 126 extending outwardly from the inner face 104 which is received in a complementing recess 126 in inner wall 72 of cavity 68. Preferably outer face 112 of body 88 includes a detent 127 which is received in a corresponding recess 129 in outer wall 74 of cavity. In this manner, override unit 70 can be attached to occupancy sensor 10 as desired and removed if not needed.

Override unit 70 is operated by control unit 100 which is programmed to activate an illuminate LED 98 at selected times and for selected lengths of time according to the working environment. Control unit 100 in one embodiment is connected to a light sensor 130 which can be positioned a location spaced from occupancy sensor 10 to detect ambient light. In one embodiment, light sensor 130 is positioned near a sky light to provide an accurate measurement of the light available in the target area. Light sensor 130 is connected to control unit 100 to indicate that a sufficient threshold light level is present. When a threshold light level is detected by light sensor 130, control unit 100 actuates LED 98 to direct light to the light sensor 82 of occupancy sensor 10. Light sensor 82 of occupancy sensor 10 then produces a signal to prevent occupancy sensor 10 from activating light assembly 12. Control unit 100 can be programmed to activate LED 98 at selected periods of time and for specified lengths of time to override normal the operation and normal function of occupancy sensor 10.

In the embodiment shown, control unit 100 is operatively connected to one override unit 70 for overriding the operation of a single occupancy sensor. In other embodiments, control unit 100 is operatively connected to a plurality of override units for controlling the operation of a plurality of occupancy sensors. The control unit can operate each of the override units individually to selectively override the operation of one or more occupancy sensors and the associated light assembly. Preferably, override units 70 and control unit 100 are separate from the occupancy sensor to provide versatile use of the occupancy sensor without the need to program the occupancy sensor for each use. The override units can be coupled to the occupancy sensors as needed and are connected to the control unit 100.

A single control unit 100 is able to be programmed to operate one or more occupancy sensors simultaneously without the need to program each of the occupancy sensors. In addition, control unit 100 is able to control the LED individually for several occupancy sensors and light assemblies. In one embodiment of the invention, control unit 100 selectively activates the LED of several override units 70 at selected times to control the operation of each light assembly independently of each other. In this manner, the control unit 100 is able to control and override the operation of various light assemblies in different locations independently of each other. The control unit 100 can include a timer so that when the target area no longer senses an object being present, the timer can maintain the light in a working mode for a selected period of time to allow the person to exit the target area. In one embodiment, the control unit can deactivate one of more of the light assemblies when the presence of a person in no longer detected and maintain one or more of the light assemblies in a working mode for a selected period of time. The control unit is able to determine which of the light assemblies remained on during the previous cycle and switch the operation of the light assemblies to ensure that each of the lamps the light assemblies exhibit a similar burn time, thereby preventing one or more lamps from burning out prematurely.

While various embodiments and features of the invention have been disclosed herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An occupancy sensor assembly comprising: a load control device having an occupancy sensor for sensing the presence of an object within a field view, a light sensor for sensing ambient light and a first control device for operating a load in response to the light sensor and occupancy sensor; andan override unit operatively associated with said load control device, said override unit comprising a light source adapted to be detected by said light sensor, and a second control device adapted to control actuation of said light source.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said load control device has a housing with a recess therein, said light sensor being positioned in said recess, and said override unit is detachably received in said recess where said light source is in communication with said light sensor.

3. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a remote control device located remotely with respect to said override unit, said remote control device being configured to communicate with said second control device to control said light source in accordance with an output signal.

4. The assembly of claim 4, further comprising a remote ambient light sensor operatively connected to said remote control device for producing said output signal to control said remote control device.

5. The assembly of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of said override units and load control devices; andsaid remote control device being in communication with said plurality of override units to control the light source of the respective override units independently of each other.

6. An occupancy sensor assembly comprising: a housing having an occupancy sensor adapted for detecting the presence of an object within a field of view and for actuating at least one electrical system in response to detecting the object, said housing having a recess; anda light sensor in said recess for sensing ambient light, said light sensor being connected to said occupancy sensor for preventing said occupancy sensor from actuating said at least one electrical system when a predetermined level of ambient light is detected.

7. The occupancy sensor assembly of claim 6, wherein said recess is provided in a rear wall of said housing, said recess having a bottom wall, a side wall and an open end facing outwardly from said rear wall and where said light sensor is positioned in said side wall of said recess and facing outwardly toward said side wall of said housing.

8. The occupancy sensor assembly of claim 6, wherein said recess has a dimension to receive a separable override unit and includes a coupling member to removably couple said override unit to said housing, said override unit having a light source to be detected by the light sensor in the recess and preventing said occupancy sensor from actuating said at least one electrical system.

9. The occupancy sensor assembly of claim 8, further comprising a first control device operatively connected to said occupancy sensor and light sensor for actuating said at least one electrical system in response to a signal from said occupancy sensor, and said override unit includes a second control device to control actuation of said light source.

10. The occupancy sensor assembly of claim 7, further comprising an override unit having an end removably received in said recess of said rear wall of said housing, said override unit having a light source for directing light to said light sensor to activate said light sensor and deactivate said occupancy sensor.

11. The occupancy sensor assembly of claim 10, wherein said light source is an LED aligned with said light sensor.

12. The occupancy sensor assembly of claim 10, wherein said override unit is connected to a control unit for actuating said light source at predetermined times and for a predetermined period of time.

13. The occupancy sensor assembly of claim 12, wherein said override unit has a detent on an outer surface for coupling with a corresponding coupling member in said recess of said rear wall of said housing.

14. The occupancy sensor assembly of claim 10, wherein the at least one electrical system is a lighting fixture load comprising a plurality of lamps, and said occupancy sensor is configured to not fully energize at least one of the lamps when said light source directs light to said light sensor and activates said occupancy sensor.

15. An occupancy sensor assembly comprising: a housing having a front wall, a rear wall and a side wall extending between said front wall and rear wall and having a first control unit to actuate an electrical device;an occupancy sensor unit associated with said housing and adapted for sensing the presence of an object within a field of view, said occupancy sensor operatively connected to said first control unit;a light sensor for detecting light and being operatively connected to said first control unit; andan override unit removably coupled to said housing and having a light source for directing light to said light sensor to actuate said light sensor.

16. The occupancy sensor assembly of claim 15, wherein said light sensor is operatively connected to said occupancy sensor to deactivate said occupancy sensor when said light sensor detects light above a predetermined level.

17. The occupancy sensor assembly of claim 15, wherein said first control unit actuates said electrical device when said light sensor detects light below a threshold level and said occupancy sensor senses an object in a field of view.

18. The occupancy sensor assembly of claim 17, wherein said override unit includes a second control device to actuate said light source.

19. The assembly of claim 15, wherein said rear wall of said housing has a recess and where said light sensor has a light receiving member positioned in said recess, and where said override unit is removably coupled to said recess.

20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein said override unit has a first end received in said recess and where said light source is aligned with said light receiving member for actuating said light sensor.

21. The assembly of claim 15, wherein said override unit is operatively connected to a controller to actuate said light source at a predetermined time and for a predetermined period of time.

22. The assembly of claim 15, wherein said electrical device is a luminaire.

23. The assembly of claim 22, wherein said occupancy sensor unit is configured to not fully energize the luminaire when said light source directs light to said light sensor and activates said light sensor.

24. The assembly of claim 15, further comprising a remote control device located remotely from said override unit, said remote control device being in communication with said override unit to actuate said override unit and light source at predetermined times.

25. The assembly of claim 24, wherein said remote control device is operatively connected to a light sensor positioned remotely from said override unit to detect a light level in a location remote from said override unit for actuating said override unit based on the light level at said remote location.

26. The assembly of claim 24, further comprising a plurality of housings, occupancy sensors, light sensors and override units, and where said remote control device is in communication with each of said override units to operate said override units independently of each other.