Patent Publication Number: US-2020289686-A1

Title: Using Light Fixtures For Disinfection

Description:
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/816,673, titled “Using Light Fixtures For Disinfection” and filed on Mar. 11, 2019, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments described herein relate generally to light fixtures, and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices for using light fixtures for disinfection. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In a number of environments (e.g., hospitals, doctor offices, certain laboratories, school classrooms, buses, urgent care clinics), bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens can linger and spread, even if diligent efforts are made to disinfect those areas. An effective means of killing these bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens is important for the health and safety of people who occupy these environments, but the way in which these bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens are killed must also be safe for the people who occupy those environments. 
     SUMMARY 
     In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to an electrical device that includes a sensor module that measures at least one parameter, where the at least one parameter is associated with determining the presence of a living being in a volume of space. The electrical device can also include a controller coupled to the sensor module, where the controller receives a measurement of the at least one parameter to determine whether the living being is in the volume of space. The electrical device can further include at least one ultraviolet (UV) light source coupled to the controller, where the controller, upon determining that the living being is not in the volume of space, operates the at least one UV light source to emit UV light into the volume of space, and where the controller, upon determining that the living being is in the volume of space, prevents the at least one UV light source from emitting the UV light into the volume of space. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a system that includes an electrical device disposed in a volume of space. The electrical device can include a sensor module that measures at least one parameter, where the at least one parameter is associated with determining the presence of a living being in a volume of space. The electrical device can also include a controller coupled to the sensor module and the at least one UV light source, where the controller receives a measurement of the at least one parameter to determine whether the living being is in the volume of space. The electrical device can further include at least one ultraviolet (UV) light source coupled to the controller, where the controller, upon determining that the living being is not in the volume of space, operates the at least one UV light source to emit UV light into the volume of space, and where the controller, upon determining that the living being is in the volume of space, instructs the at least one UV light source to stop emitting the UV light into the volume of space. 
     These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings illustrate only example embodiments of using light fixtures for disinfection and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, as using light fixtures for disinfection may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or positions may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements. 
         FIG. 1  shows a chart of the electromagnetic spectrum. 
         FIG. 2  shows a diagram of a lighting system that includes a light fixture in accordance with certain example embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  shows a computing device in accordance with certain example embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of a light fixture that can be used with certain example embodiments described herein. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  show a graph and a table, respectively, as to the effectiveness of UV radiation exposure to  E. coli  bacteria using example embodiments. 
         FIGS. 6 through 9  show examples in accordance with example embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     The example embodiments discussed herein are directed to systems, methods, and devices for disinfection using light fixtures. Example embodiments can be used with one or more of a number of other electrical devices in addition to, or as an alternative to, light fixtures. Such other electrical devices include one or more light sources. Examples of such other electrical devices can include, but are not limited to, a light switch, a control panel, a smoke detector, a tanning bed, a CO 2  monitor, a motion detector, a broken glass sensor, and a camera. Example embodiments can be used for a volume of space (described below with respect to  FIG. 2 ) having any size and/or located in any environment (e.g., indoor, outdoor, hazardous, non-hazardous, high humidity, low temperature, corrosive, sterile, high vibration). 
     Light fixtures (or other electrical devices that use one or more light sources) described herein can use one or more of a number of different types of light sources that emit visible light that is not ultraviolet (UV), including but not limited to light-emitting diode (LED) light sources, fluorescent light sources, organic LED light sources, incandescent light sources, and halogen light sources. Such light sources are called non-UV light sources herein. Additionally, example light fixtures or other electrical devices have at least one light source capable of emitting true ultraviolet (UV) rays (e.g., 250 nm-280 nm) and/or near UV rays (e.g., 380 nm-400 nm). Such light sources are called UV light sources herein and can use any of a number of lighting technologies that are capable of emitting UV rays. 
     Therefore, light fixtures described herein, even in hazardous locations, should not be considered limited to a particular type of light source, both for non-UV light sources and for UV light sources. Further, example embodiments can be used in any of a number of types of light fixtures. Examples of such types of light fixtures can include, but are not limited to, a down can light, a pendant light, a street light, a Hi-Bay light, a floodlight, a beacon, a desk lamp, an under cabinet fixture, an emergency egress light, and a light integrated with a ceiling fan. Light fixtures described herein are electrical devices that can provide general illumination to a volume of space (e.g., a room, a floor, an outdoor area, a parking lot, a walkway, a stadium). 
     As defined herein, the term “disinfection” can have a broad meaning. Traditionally, disinfection is defined as cleaning something in order to destroy harmful microorganisms. Often, disinfection is performed using one or more chemicals. While example embodiments can be configured to disinfect in certain applications, example embodiments can also perform other similar functions, such as sanitization (defined as making something clean and hygenic) and sterilization (defined as making something free from all bacteria or other living microorganisms). As used herein, the term “disinfection” can be applied to all of these other similar functions. 
     In certain example embodiments, light fixtures (or other electrical devices that include light sources) are subject to meeting certain standards and/or requirements. Examples of entities that create such standards and regulations include, but are not limited to, the National Electric Code (NEC), Underwriters Laboratory (UL), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), the California Energy Commission, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). For example, the NEC sets standards as to electrical enclosures (e.g., light fixtures), wiring, and electrical connections. Use of example embodiments described herein meet such standards when required. In some (e.g., medical) applications, additional standards particular to that application may be met by the light fixtures or other electrical devices described herein. 
     If a component of a figure is described but not expressly shown or labeled in that figure, the label used for a corresponding component in another figure can be inferred to that component. Conversely, if a component in a figure is labeled but not described, the description for such component can be substantially the same as the description for the corresponding component in another figure. The numbering scheme for the various components in the figures herein is such that each component is a three-digit number and corresponding components in other figures have the identical last two digits. For any figure shown and described herein, one or more of the components may be omitted, added, repeated, and/or substituted. Accordingly, embodiments shown in a particular figure should not be considered limited to the specific arrangements of components shown in such figure. 
     Further, a statement that a particular embodiment (e.g., as shown in a figure herein) does not have a particular feature or component does not mean, unless expressly stated, that such embodiment is not capable of having such feature or component. For example, for purposes of present or future claims herein, a feature or component that is described as not being included in an example embodiment shown in one or more particular drawings is capable of being included in one or more claims that correspond to such one or more particular drawings herein. 
     Example embodiments of using light fixtures for disinfection will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of using light fixtures for disinfection are shown. Using light fixtures for disinfection may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of using light fixtures for disinfection to those of ordinary skill in the art. Like, but not necessarily the same, elements (also sometimes called components) in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency. 
     Terms such as “first”, “second”, “on”, “upon”, “outer”, “inner”, “top”, “bottom”, and “within” are used merely to distinguish one component (or part of a component or state of a component) from another. Such terms are not meant to denote a preference or a particular orientation. Such terms are not meant to limit embodiments of using light fixtures for disinfection. In the following detailed description of the example embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. 
       FIG. 1  shows a chart  199  of the electromagnetic spectrum  190 . As discussed above, example embodiments can use both UV light sources and non-UV light sources. The chart  199  of  FIG. 1  helps define the types of light in the electromagnetic spectrum  190  that can be emitted by light sources described herein. Specifically, UV rays  195  have a wavelength of between 100 nm and 400 nm. Also, UV rays  195  have a photon energy between roughly 5 eV and 100 eV. Further, as Table 1 below shows, UV rays have a frequency between approximately 750 THz and 3000 THz. 
     The UVA rays are also known as “near UV”. Fixtures currently in the art directed to disinfection use violet visible light and/or near UV (UVA) radiation. Exposure to UVA rays can have disinfecting results, but this usually requires an extended and continuous period of exposure for the disinfection to be effective. However, over-exposure of humans to UVA can be harmful, causing damage to DNA (for example, by the formation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species) and can cause cancer. The products currently emitting UVA radiation for disinfection largely give underwhelming results. Exposure to violet visible light is even less effective in terms of disinfection. 
     UVB rays can be harmful to the DNA of humans and can cause sunburn in humans. However, UVB rays are also essential for the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin of humans. General exposure of UVC rays are very harmful to human cells, but UVC rays have excellent germicidal properties. Example embodiments are designed to utilize UV light sources that emit UVC rays for disinfection. 
     By contrast, the rays within the visible light spectrum  197  have a wavelength between 380 nm (for violet light) and 740 nm (for red light). The photon energy for these rays in the visible light spectrum  197  is between 1.65 eV (for red light) and 3.10 eV (for violet light). Also, the wavelength of rays within the visible light spectrum is between 405 THz (for red light) and 790 THz (for violet light). These ranges are also included in Table 1 below. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Category 
                 Subcategory 
                 Wavelength 
                 Frequency 
                 Photon Energy 
               
               
                 of Rays 
                 of Rays 
                 (nm) 
                 (THz) 
                 (eV) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 UV 
                 C 
                 100-280 
                 1070-2997 
                 4.43-12.4 
               
               
                 UV 
                 B 
                 280-315 
                  952-1070 
                 3.94-4.43 
               
               
                 UV 
                 A 
                 315-380 
                 790-952 
                 3.10-3.94 
               
               
                 Visible Light 
                 Violet 
                 380-450 
                 680-790 
                 2.95-3.10 
               
               
                 Visible Light 
                 Blue 
                 450-485 
                 620-680 
                 2.64-2.75 
               
               
                 Visible Light 
                 Cyan 
                 485-500 
                 600-620 
                 2.48-2.52 
               
               
                 Visible Light 
                 Green 
                 500-565 
                 530-600 
                 2.25-2.34 
               
               
                 Visible Light 
                 Yellow 
                 565-590 
                 510-530 
                 2.10-2.17 
               
               
                 Visible Light 
                 Orange 
                 590-625 
                 480-510 
                 2.00-2.10 
               
               
                 Visible Light 
                 Red 
                 625-740 
                 405-480 
                 1.65-2.00 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIG. 2  shows a system diagram of an electrical system  200  (e.g., a lighting system) disposed in a volume of space  219 , where the system  200  includes one or more sensor modules  260  (also called sensor devices  260  herein) for an electrical device  202  (e.g., a light fixture) in accordance with certain example embodiments. The electrical system  200  can include a power source  295 , one or more users  250 , a network manager  280 , and at least one electrical device  202 . In addition to the one or more sensor modules  260 , the electrical device  202  can include a controller  204 , one or more optional energy storage devices  279 , one or more optional antenna assemblies  239  (also sometimes more simply called an antenna  239  herein), at least one power supply  240 , at least one non-UV light source  242 , and at least one UV light source  243 . 
     The controller  204  can include one or more of a number of components. As shown in  FIG. 2 , such components can include, but are not limited to, a control engine  206 , a communication module  208 , a timer  210 , an energy metering module  211 , a power module  212 , a storage repository  230 , a hardware processor  220 , a memory  222 , a transceiver  224 , an application interface  226 , and, optionally, a security module  228 . The components shown in  FIG. 2  are not exhaustive, and in some embodiments, one or more of the components shown in  FIG. 2  may not be included in an example light fixture. Any component of the example electrical device  202  can be discrete or combined with one or more other components of the electrical device  202 . For example, a sensor device  260  can be remotely located from the electrical device  202 , but the two can be in communication with each other. 
     A user  250  can be any person that interacts with electrical devices  202  (e.g., light fixtures) or components thereof (e.g., an antenna assembly  239 , a sensor module  260 ). A user  250  can also be someone who is trying to disinfect one or more things (e.g., a room, a surface, an object). Examples of a user  250  may include, but are not limited to, a physician, a nurse, a lab technician, an engineer, an electrician, an instrumentation and controls technician, an animal (e.g., a cat, a dog, a hamster), a mechanic, an operator, a consultant, an inventory management system, an inventory manager, a foreman, a labor scheduling system, a contractor, and a manufacturer&#39;s representative. 
     As sometimes described herein, a user  250  can be a human or other living being. A user  250  can use one or more of a number of user systems  255  (sometimes also called user devices  255 ), which may include a display (e.g., a GUI). A user system  255  can be active or passive. Examples of a user system  255  can include, but are not limited to, a cell phone, a beacon, a bar code, a QR code, an identification badge, a laptop computer, an electronic tablet, and a tile. A user system  255  can broadcast communication signals using the communication links  205 . In some cases, a user system  255  can also receive communication signals using the communication links  205 . 
     A user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ) can interact with (e.g., send data to, receive data from) the controller  204  of the electrical device  202  via the application interface  226  (described below). A user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ) can also interact with the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , and/or one or more of the sensor modules  260 . If there are multiple electrical devices  202 , a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ) can also interact with the controller (substantially similar to the controller  204 ) of those other electrical devices. 
     Interaction between a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ) and the electrical device  202 , the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , and the sensor modules  260  is conducted using communication links  205 . Each communication link  205  can include wired (e.g., Class 1 electrical cables, Class 2 electrical cables, electrical connectors, power line carrier, DALI, RS485) and/or wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, visible light communication, cellular networking, Bluetooth, WirelessHART, ISA100) technology. For example, a communication link  205  can be (or include) one or more electrical conductors that are coupled to the housing  203  of the electrical device  202  and to a sensor module  260 . The communication link  205  can transmit signals (e.g., power signals, communication signals, control signals, data) between the electrical device  202  and a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , and/or one or more of the sensor modules  260 . 
     The network manager  280  is a device or component that controls all or a portion of a communication network that includes the controller  204  of the electrical device  202 , additional electrical devices (e.g., light fixtures), the power source  295 , and the sensor modules  260  that are communicably coupled to the controller  204 . The network manager  280  can also directly or indirectly control one or more components (e.g., electrical device  202 ) of the system  200 , or portions (e.g., UV light sources  243 ) thereof, using the communication network. The network manager  280  can be substantially similar to the controller  204 . Alternatively, the network manager  280  can include one or more of a number of features in addition to, or altered from, the features of the controller  204  described below. 
     As described herein, communication with the network manager  280  can include communicating with one or more other components (e.g., another electrical device) of the system  200 . In such a case, the network manager  280  can facilitate such communication. In some cases, the network manager  280  can be called by a number of other names known in the art, including but not limited to an insight manager, a master controller, and a network controller. 
     The power source  295  of the system  200  provides AC mains or some other form of power to the electrical device  202 , as well as to one or more other components (e.g., the network manager  280 , other electrical devices) of the system  200 . The power source  295  can include one or more of a number of components. Examples of such components can include, but are not limited to, an electrical conductor, a coupling feature (e.g., an electrical connector), a transformer, an inductor, a resistor, a capacitor, a diode, a transistor, and a fuse. The power source  295  can be, or include, for example, a wall outlet, an energy storage device (e.g. a battery, a supercapacitor), a circuit breaker, and/or an independent source of generation (e.g., a photovoltaic solar generation system). The power source  295  can also include one or more components (e.g., a switch, a relay, a controller) that allow the power source  295  to communicate with and/or follow instructions from a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), the controller  204 , one or more sensor devices  260 , and/or the network manager  280 . 
     An optional energy storage device  279  can be any of a number of rechargeable batteries or similar storage devices that are configured to charge using some source of power (e.g., the primary power provided to the electrical device  202  by the power source  295 ). The energy storage device  279  can use one or more of any of a number of types of storage technology, including but not limited to a battery, a flywheel, an ultracapacitor, and a supercapacitor. If the energy storage device  279  includes a battery, the battery technology can vary, including but not limited to lithium ion, nickel-cadmium, lead/acid, solid state, graphite anode, titanium dioxide, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, nickel iron, alkaline, and lithium polymer. 
     In some cases, one or more of the energy storage devices  279  charge using a different level and/or type of power relative to the level and type of power of the primary power. In such a case, the power supply  279  can convert, invert, transform, and/or otherwise manipulate the primary power to the level and type of power used to charge the energy storage devices  279 . There can be any number of energy storage devices  279 . 
     The optional antenna assembly  239  can be any assembly of components that is used to improve the ability of the electrical device  202  (or portion thereof, such as the transceiver  224  or a sensor module  260 ) to send and/or receive signals with the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), another electrical device, a remote sensor module  260 , and/or some other device within the electrical system  200 . The antenna assembly  239  can be used to convert electrical power into radio waves and/or convert radio waves into electrical power. An antenna assembly  239  can be used with a single component (e.g., only a sensor module  260 ) of the electrical device  202 . Alternatively, an antenna assembly  239  can be used with multiple components (e.g., a sensor module  260 , the controller  204 ) of the electrical device  202 . 
     In certain example embodiments, the antenna assembly  239  includes one or more of a number of components. Such components can include, but are not limited to, a receiver, a transmitter, a switch, a balun, a block upconverter, a cable (e.g., a coaxial cable or other form of communication link  205 ), a counterpoise (a type of ground system), a feed, a passive radiator, a feed line, a rotator, a tuner, a low-noise block downconverter, and a twin lead. Portions of the antenna assembly  239  can be in direct communication with, or can be shared with, one or more components (e.g., the communications module  208 ) of the controller  204  and/or a sensor module  260 . For example, the transceiver  224  of the controller  204  and/or a sensor module  260  can be in direct communication with the antenna assembly  239 . 
     The one or more example sensor modules  260  can include one or more sensors that measure one or more parameters. Examples of types of a sensor of a sensor module  260  can include, but are not limited to, a passive infrared sensor, a photocell, a pressure sensor, an air flow monitor, a gas detector, and a resistance temperature detector. With respect to operation of a UV light source  243 , examples of a parameter measured by a sensor of a sensor module  260  can include, but are not limited to, occupancy in the volume of space  219 , motion in the volume of space  219 , opening of a door that leads to the volume of space  219 , motion in a space (e.g., a hallway) adjacent to the volume of space  219 , and clearance of security access into the volume of space  219 . 
     With respect to operation of a non-UV light source  242 , examples of a parameter measured by a sensor of a sensor module  260  can include, but are not limited to, an amount of ambient light, a temperature within the housing  203  of the electrical device  202 , air quality, vibration, pressure, air flow, an open door, bacteria levels, smoke (as from a fire), temperature (e.g., excessive heat, excessive cold, an ambient temperature) outside the housing  203  of the electrical device  202 , detection of a gas, and humidity in the volume of space  219 . In some cases, the parameter or parameters measured by a sensor of a sensor module  260  can be used to operate one or more non-UV light sources  242  and/or one or more UV light sources  243  of the electrical device  202 . 
     A sensor device  260  can be integrated. An integrated sensor device  260  has the ability to sense and measure at least one parameter, and also the ability to directly communicate with another component (e.g., the controller  204 , the network manager  280 , a user system  255 ). The communication capability of an integrated sensor device  260  can include one or more communication devices that are configured to communicate with, for example, the controller  204  of the electrical device  202 , a controller (substantially similar to the controller  204  described herein) of another electrical device, and/or the network manager  280 . In some cases, an integrated sensor device  260  can be considered to be an electrical device. 
     Each integrated sensor device  260  can use one or more of a number of communication protocols. This allows an integrated sensor device  260  to communicate with one or more components (e.g., the controller  204 , a user system  255 , one or more other integrated sensor devices  260 ) of the system  200 . The communication capability of an integrated sensor device  260  can be dedicated to the sensor device  260  and/or shared with the controller  204  of the electrical device  202 . When the system  200  includes multiple integrated sensor devices  260 , one integrated sensor device  260  can communicate, directly or indirectly, with one or more of the other integrated sensor devices  260  in the system  200 . 
     If the communication capability of an integrated sensor device  260  is dedicated to the sensor device  260 , then the integrated sensor device  260  can include one or more components (e.g., a transceiver  224 , a communication module  208 , antenna assembly  239 ), or portions thereof, that are substantially similar to the corresponding components described above with respect to the controller  204  or other portions of the electrical device  202 . A sensor device  260 , whether integrated or not, can be associated with the electrical device  202  and/or another electrical device in the system  200 . A sensor device  260  can be located within the housing  203  of the electrical device  202 , disposed on the housing  203  of the electrical device  202 , or located outside the housing  203  of the electrical device  202 . 
     In certain example embodiments, a sensor module  260  can include an energy storage device (e.g., a battery) that is used to provide power, at least in part, to some or all of the sensor module  260 . In such a case, the energy storage device can be the same as, or independent of, the energy storage device  279 , described above, of the electrical device  202 . The energy storage device of the sensor module  260  can operate at all times or only when a primary source of power to the electrical device  202  is interrupted. In some cases, a sensor module  260  can utilize or include one or more components (e.g., memory  222 , storage repository  230 , transceiver  224 ) found in the controller  204 . In such a case, the controller  204  can provide the functionality of these components used by the sensor module  260 . Alternatively, as with an intergrated sensor module  260 , a sensor module  260  can include, either on its own or in shared responsibility with the controller  204 , one or more of the components of the controller  204 . In such a case, the sensor module  260  can correspond to a computer system as described below with regard to  FIG. 3 . 
     A sensor module  260  in example embodiments can be at least partially disposed within the housing  203  of the electrical device  202 . As another example, an entire sensor module  260  (or portions thereof) can be disposed on (integrated with) the housing  203  of the electrical device  202 . Example sensor modules  260  (or portions thereof) described herein can be printed on an outer surface of the housing  203  of the electrical device  202  or printed on an information medium (e.g., a warning label, a nameplate) that is adhered or otherwise coupled to the outer surface of the housing  203  of the electrical device  202 . 
     A user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , one or more other electrical devices, and/or the sensor modules  260  can interact with the controller  204  of the electrical device  202  using the application interface  226  in accordance with one or more example embodiments. Specifically, the application interface  226  of the controller  204  receives data (e.g., information, communications, instructions, updates to firmware) from and sends data (e.g., information, communications, instructions) to a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), one or more other electrical devices, the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , and/or each sensor module  260 . 
     A user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), one or more other electrical devices, the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , and/or each sensor module  260  can include an interface to receive data from and send data to the controller  204  in certain example embodiments. Examples of such an interface can include, but are not limited to, a graphical user interface, a touchscreen, an application programming interface, a keyboard, a monitor, a mouse, a web service, a data protocol adapter, some other hardware and/or software, or any suitable combination thereof. 
     The controller  204 , a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), one or more other electrical devices, the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , and/or the sensor modules  260  can use their own system or share a system in certain example embodiments. Such a system can be, or contain a form of, an Internet-based or an intranet-based computer system that is capable of communicating with various software. A computer system includes any type of computing device and/or communication device, including but not limited to the controller  204 . Examples of such a system can include, but are not limited to, a desktop computer with a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet or intranet access, a laptop computer with LAN, WAN, Internet or intranet access, a smart phone, a server, a server farm, an android device (or equivalent), a tablet, smartphones, and a personal digital assistant (PDA). Such a system can correspond to a computer system as described below with regard to  FIG. 3 . 
     Further, as discussed above, such a system can have corresponding software (e.g., user software, sensor device software, controller software, network manager software). The software can execute on the same or a separate device (e.g., a server, mainframe, desktop personal computer (PC), laptop, PDA, television, cable box, satellite box, kiosk, telephone, mobile phone, or other computing devices) and can be coupled by the communication network (e.g., Internet, Intranet, Extranet, LAN, WAN, or other network communication methods) and/or communication channels, with wire and/or wireless segments according to some example embodiments. The software of one system can be a part of, or operate separately but in conjunction with, the software of another system within the system  200 . 
     The electrical device  202  can include a housing  203 . The housing  203  can include at least one wall that forms a cavity  201 . In some cases, the housing  203  can be designed to comply with any applicable standards so that the electrical device  202  can be located in a particular environment (e.g., outdoors, in an indoor “clean room”). The housing  203  of the electrical device  202  can be used to house one or more components of the electrical device  202 , including one or more components of the controller  204 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the controller  204  (which in this case includes the control engine  206 , the communication module  208 , the timer  210 , the energy metering module  211 , the power module  212 , the storage repository  230 , the hardware processor  220 , the memory  222 , the transceiver  224 , the application interface  226 , and the optional security module  228 ), one or more of the sensor modules  260 , one or more optional antenna assemblies  239 , the power supply  240 , the non-UV light sources  242 , and the UV light sources  243  are disposed, at least in part, in the cavity  201  formed by the housing  203 . 
     In alternative embodiments, any one or more of these or other components of the electrical device  202  can be disposed on the housing  203  and/or located remotely from the housing  203 . For instance, an example sensor module  260  (or portion thereof) can be integrated with the housing  203 . As another example, the UV light sources  243  can be part of a separate electrical device from electrical device  202 , where the operation of the UV light sources  243  is controlled by the controller  204  and one or more of the sensors  260 . 
     The storage repository  230  can be a persistent storage device (or set of devices) that stores software and data used to assist the controller  204  in communicating with a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), one or more other electrical devices, the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , and one or more sensor modules  260  within the system  200 . In one or more example embodiments, the storage repository  230  stores one or more protocols  232 , one or more algorithms  233 , and stored data  234 . The protocols  232  can be any procedures (e.g., a series of method steps), logic steps, and/or other similar operational procedures that the control engine  206  of the controller  204  follows based on certain conditions at a point in time. 
     The protocols  232  can also include any of a number of communication protocols  232  that are used to send and/or receive data between the controller  204  and a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), one or more other electrical devices, the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , and one or more sensor modules  260 . One or more of the protocols  232  used for communication can be a time-synchronized protocol. Examples of such time-synchronized protocols can include, but are not limited to, a highway addressable remote transducer (HART) protocol, a wirelessHART protocol, and an International Society of Automation (ISA) 100 protocol. 
     In this way, one or more of the protocols  232  used for communication can provide a layer of security to the data transferred within the system  200 . Other protocols  232  used for communication can be associated with the use of Wi-Fi, Zigbee, visible light communication, cellular networking, ultra-wideband, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Bluetooth. One or more protocols  232  can facilitate communication between a sensor module  260  and the control engine  206  of the controller  204 . 
     The algorithms  233  can be any formulas, mathematical models, forecasts, simulations, and/or other similar computational instruments that the control engine  206  of the controller  204  utilizes based on certain conditions at a point in time. One or more algorithms  233  can be used in conjunction with, or as a result of following, one or more protocols  231 . An example of an algorithm  233  is determining the effectiveness of UV light emitted by the UV light sources  243  in killing harmful bacteria. Another example of an algorithm  233  is estimating the minimal amount of time that the UV light sources  243  should operate to effectively kill harmful bacteria. 
     Algorithms  233  can be focused on certain components of the electrical device  202 . For example, one or more algorithms  233  can use parameters measured by one or more sensor modules  260 . As a specific example, a protocol  231  can be used by the control engine  206  to instruct a sensor module  260  (in some cases, using an antenna assembly  239 ) to measure a parameter (e.g., occupancy of a room, opening of a door to a room), for the sensor module  260  to send the measurement to the control engine  206 , for the control engine  206  to analyze the measurement using one or more algorithms  233 , and for the control engine  206  to take an action (e.g., instruct, using a protocol  232 , one or more of the UV light sources  243  to stop operating) based on the result (stored as stored data  234 ) of the algorithm  233 . 
     Stored data  234  can be any data associated with the electrical device  202  (including other light fixtures and/or any components thereof), any measurements taken by the sensor modules  260 , measurements taken by the energy metering module  211 , threshold values, user preferences and settings, results of previously run or calculated algorithms  232 , and/or any other suitable data. Such data can be any type of data, including but not limited to historical data (e.g., historical data for the electrical device  202 , historical data for other electrical devices), present data (e.g., calculations, measurements taken by the energy metering module  211 , and measurements taken by one or more sensor modules  260 ), and forecast data. The stored data  234  can be associated with some measurement of time derived, for example, from the timer  210 . 
     Examples of a storage repository  230  can include, but are not limited to, a database (or a number of databases), a file system, a hard drive, flash memory, cloud-based storage, some other form of solid state data storage, or any suitable combination thereof. The storage repository  230  can be located on multiple physical machines, each storing all or a portion of the protocols  232 , the algorithms  233 , and/or the stored data  234  according to some example embodiments. Each storage unit or device can be physically located in the same or in a different geographic location. 
     The storage repository  230  can be operatively connected to the control engine  206 . In one or more example embodiments, the control engine  206  includes functionality to communicate with a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), one or more other electrical devices, the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , and the sensor modules  260  in the system  200 . More specifically, the control engine  206  sends information to and/or receives information from the storage repository  230  in order to communicate with a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), one or more other electrical devices, the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , and the sensor modules  260 . As discussed below, the storage repository  230  can also be operatively connected to the communication module  208  in certain example embodiments. 
     In certain example embodiments, the control engine  206  of the controller  204  controls the operation of one or more components (e.g., the communication module  208 , the timer  210 , the transceiver  224 ) of the controller  204 . For example, the control engine  206  can activate the communication module  208  when the communication module  208  is in “sleep” mode and when the communication module  208  is needed to send data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module  260 , a user system  255  of a user  250 ) in the system  200 . 
     As another example, the control engine  206  can acquire the current time using the timer  210 . The timer  210  can enable the controller  204  to control the electrical device  202  even when the controller  204  has no communication with the network manager  280 . As yet another example, the control engine  206  can determine, based on measurements made by one or more sensor modules  260 , when it is safe (e.g., no people in the area) to operate the one or more UV light sources  243 , and then operate those UV light sources  243  for as long as the safe condition exists. Similarly, the control engine  206  can determine, based on measurements made by one or more sensor modules  260 , when it is no longer safe (e.g., people are approaching the area) or necessary (e.g., a sufficient amount of time (measured by the timer  210 ) has elapsed) to operate the one or more UV light sources  243 , and then cease operation of those UV light sources  243 . 
     The control engine  206  of the controller  204  can operate the non-UV light sources  242  in a special way when the UV light sources  243  are simultaneously being operated. Since UV light emitted by the UV light sources  243  is not visible to the human eye, a human user  250  entering the volume of space  219  would not know whether the UV light sources  243  are operating. As an indication to a user  250  that the UV light sources  243  are operating, the controller can instruct the non-UV light sources  242  to emit a non-standard color (e.g., red, blue) into the volume of space  219 . 
     The control engine  206  of the controller  204  can communicate, in some cases using the antenna assembly  239 , with one or more of the example sensor modules  260  and make determinations based on measurements made by the example sensor modules  260 . For example, the control engine  206  can use one or more protocols  232  and/or algorithms  233  to facilitate communication with a sensor module  260 . As a specific example, the control engine  206  can use one or more protocols  232  to instruct a sensor module  260  to measure a parameter, for the sensor module  260  to send the measurement to the control engine  206 , for the control engine  206  to analyze, using one or more algorithms  233 , the measurement, (stored as stored data  234 ) and for the control engine  206  to take an action (e.g., instruct, using a protocol  232 , one or more other components (e.g., the UV light sources  243 ) of the electrical device  202  to operate) based on the result (stored as stored data  234 ) of the analysis. 
     The control engine  206  can also send and/or receive communications. As a specific example, the control engine  206  can use one or more algorithms  233  to receive (using a protocol  232 ) a signal (e.g., received by the antenna assembly  239 ), for the control engine  206  to analyze the signal, and for the control engine  206  to take an action (e.g., instruct one or more other components of the electrical device  202  to operate) based on the result of the analysis. As another specific example, the control engine  206  can use one or more protocols  232  and/or algorithms  233  to determine that a communication to a device external to the electrical device  202  needs to be sent, and to send a communication signal (using a protocol  232  and saved as stored data  234 ), in some cases using the antenna assembly  239 . 
     As discussed above, the control engine  206  can in some cases control one or more additional electrical devices in conjunction with controlling the UV light sources  243  of the electrical device  202 . For example, after the control engine  206  determines, based on measurements made by a sensor module  260 , that a room is empty of human beings, and before the control engine  206  turns on the UV light sources  243  of the electrical device  202 , the control engine  206  can use the communication links  205  to operate one or more electronic door locks for all doors providing access to the volume of space  219  so that entry through the corresponding doors is prohibited for as long as the UV light sources  243  are emitting UV light into the volume of space  219 . 
     Similarly, when the control engine  206  has determined (e.g., based on an amount of time that the UV light sources  243  are emitting UV light into the volume of space  219 , based on authorization of a user  250  to enter the volume of space  219 ) that the UV light sources  243  need to be turned off, the control engine  206  can turn off the UV light sources  243  and then subsequently operate one or more of the electronic door locks so that a user  250  can safely access the volume of space  219 . In other words, the control engine  206  can implement any of a number of safety protocols, using one or more other electrical devices, to ensure that a user  250  is not exposed to UV light emitted by the UV light sources  243 . 
     The control engine  206  can provide control, communication, and/or other similar signals to a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), one or more other electrical devices, the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , and one or more of the sensor modules  260 . Similarly, the control engine  206  can receive control, communication, and/or other similar signals from a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), one or more other electrical devices, the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , and one or more of the sensor modules  260 . The control engine  206  can control each sensor module  260  automatically (for example, based on one or more algorithms stored in the control engine  206 ) and/or based on control, communication, and/or other similar signals received from another device through a communication link  205 . The control engine  206  may include a printed circuit board, upon which the hardware processor  220  and/or one or more discrete components of the controller  204  are positioned. 
     In certain embodiments, the control engine  206  of the controller  204  can communicate with one or more components of a system external to the system  200 . For example, the control engine  206  can interact with an inventory management system by ordering an electrical device  202  (or one or more components thereof) to replace the electrical device  202  (or one or more components thereof) that the control engine  206  has determined to fail or be failing. As another example, the control engine  206  can interact with a workforce scheduling system by scheduling a maintenance crew to repair or replace the electrical device  202  (or portion thereof) when the control engine  206  determines that the electrical device  202  or portion thereof requires maintenance or replacement. In this way, the controller  204  is capable of performing a number of functions beyond what could reasonably be considered a routine task. 
     In certain example embodiments, the control engine  206  can include an interface that enables the control engine  206  to communicate with one or more components (e.g., power supply  240 ) of the electrical device  202 . For example, if the power supply  240  of the electrical device  202  operates under IEC Standard 62386, then the power supply  240  can have a serial communication interface that will transfer data (e.g., stored data  234 ) measured by the sensor modules  260 . In such a case, the control engine  206  can also include a serial interface to enable communication with the power supply  240  within the electrical device  202 . Such an interface can operate in conjunction with, or independently of, the protocols  232  used to communicate between the controller  204  and a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), one or more other electrical devices, the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , and the sensor modules  260 . 
     The control engine  206  (or other components of the controller  204 ) can also include one or more hardware components and/or software elements to perform its functions. Such components can include, but are not limited to, a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), a direct-attached capacity (DAC) storage device, an analog-to-digital converter, an inter-integrated circuit (I2C), and a pulse width modulator (PWM). 
     The communication module  208  of the controller  204  determines and implements the communication protocol (e.g., from the protocols  232  of the storage repository  230 ) that is used when the control engine  206  communicates with (e.g., sends signals to, receives signals from) a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), one or more other electrical devices, the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , and/or one or more of the sensor modules  260 . In some cases, the communication module  208  accesses the stored data  234  to determine which protocol  232  is used to communicate with the sensor module  260  associated with the stored data  234 . In addition, the communication module  208  can interpret the communication protocol of a communication received by the controller  204  so that the control engine  206  can interpret the communication. 
     The communication module  208  can send and receive data between the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , one or more other electrical devices, the sensor modules  260 , and/or the users  250  (including an associated user system  255 ) and the controller  204 . The communication module  208  can send and/or receive data in a given format that follows a particular protocol  232 . The control engine  206  can interpret the data packet received from the communication module  208  using the protocol  232  information stored in the storage repository  230 . The control engine  206  can also facilitate the data transfer between one or more sensor modules  260  and the network manager  280  or a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ) by converting the data into a format understood by the communication module  208 . 
     The communication module  208  can send data (e.g., protocols  232 , algorithms  233 , stored data  234 , operational information, alarms) directly to and/or retrieve data directly from the storage repository  230 . Alternatively, the control engine  206  can facilitate the transfer of data between the communication module  208  and the storage repository  230 . The communication module  208  can also provide encryption to data that is sent by the controller  204  and decryption to data that is received by the controller  204 . The communication module  208  can also provide one or more of a number of other services with respect to data sent from and received by the controller  204 . Such services can include, but are not limited to, data packet routing information and procedures to follow in the event of data interruption. 
     The timer  210  of the controller  204  can track clock time, intervals of time, an amount of time, and/or any other measure of time. The timer  210  can also count the number of occurrences of an event, whether with or without respect to time. Alternatively, the control engine  206  can perform the counting function. The timer  210  is able to track multiple time measurements concurrently. The timer  210  can track time periods based on an instruction received from the control engine  206 , based on an instruction received from the user  250 , based on an instruction programmed in the software for the controller  204 , based on some other condition or from some other component, or from any combination thereof. 
     The timer  210  can be configured to track time when there is no power delivered to the controller  204  (e.g., the power module  212  malfunctions) using, for example, a super capacitor or a battery backup. In such a case, when there is a resumption of power delivery to the controller  204 , the timer  210  can communicate any aspect of time to the controller  204 . In such a case, the timer  210  can include one or more of a number of components (e.g., a super capacitor, an integrated circuit) to perform these functions. 
     The energy metering module  211  of the controller  204  measures one or more components of power (e.g., current, voltage, resistance, VARs, watts) at one or more points within the electrical device  202 . The energy metering module  211  can include any of a number of measuring devices and related components, including but not limited to a voltmeter, an ammeter, a power meter, an ohmmeter, a current transformer, a potential transformer, and electrical wiring. The energy metering module  211  can measure a component of power continuously, periodically, based on the occurrence of an event, based on a command received from the control module  206 , and/or based on some other factor. For purposes herein, the energy metering module  211  can be considered a type of sensor (e.g., sensor module  260 ). In this way, a component of power measured by the energy metering module  211  can be considered a parameter herein. 
     In certain example embodiments, the power module  212  of the controller  204  receives power from the power supply  240  and manipulates (e.g., transforms, rectifies, inverts) that power to provide the manipulated power to one or more other components (e.g., timer  210 , control engine  206 ) of the controller  204 . Alternatively, in certain example embodiments, the power module  212  can provide power to the power supply  240  and/or other components (e.g., an antenna assembly  239 , an energy storage device  279 ) of the electrical device  202 . The power module  212  can include one or more of a number of single or multiple discrete components (e.g., transistor, diode, resistor), and/or a microprocessor. The power module  212  may include a printed circuit board, upon which the microprocessor and/or one or more discrete components are positioned. In some cases, the power module  212  can include one or more components that allow the power module  212  to measure one or more elements of power (e.g., voltage, current) that is delivered to and/or sent from the power module  212 . 
     The power module  212  can include one or more components (e.g., a transformer, a diode bridge, an inverter, a converter) that receives power (for example, through an electrical cable) from the power supply  240  (or in some cases from the power source  295 ) and generates power of a type (e.g., alternating current, direct current) and level (e.g., 12V, 24V, 120V) that can be used by the other components of the controller  204  and/or one or more other components of the electrical device  202 . The power module  212  can use a closed control loop to maintain a preconfigured voltage or current with a tight tolerance at the output. The power module  212  can also protect the rest of the electronics (e.g., hardware processor  220 , transceiver  224 ) in the electrical device  202  from surges generated in the line. 
     In addition, or in the alternative, the power module  212  can be or include a source of power in itself to provide signals to the other components of the controller  204  and/or the power supply  240 . For example, the power module  212  can be or include a battery. As another example, the power module  212  can be or include a localized photovoltaic power system. The power module  212  can also have sufficient isolation in the associated components of the power module  212  (e.g., transformers, opto-couplers, current and voltage limiting devices) so that the power module  212  is certified to provide power to an intrinsically safe circuit. 
     In certain example embodiments, the power module  212  of the controller  204  can also provide power and/or control signals, directly or indirectly, to one or more of the sensor modules  260 . In such a case, the control engine  206  can direct the power generated by the power module  212  to the sensor modules  260  of the electrical device  202 . In this way, power can be conserved by sending power to the sensor modules  260  of the electrical device  202  when those devices need power, as determined by the control engine  206 . 
     The hardware processor  220  of the controller  204  executes software, algorithms, and firmware in accordance with one or more example embodiments. Specifically, the hardware processor  220  can execute software on the control engine  206  or any other portion of the controller  204 , as well as software used by a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), one or more other electrical devices, the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , and/or one or more of the sensor modules  260 . The hardware processor  220  can be or include an integrated circuit, a central processing unit, a multi-core processing chip, SoC, a multi-chip module including multiple multi-core processing chips, or other hardware processor in one or more example embodiments. The hardware processor  220  is known by other names, including but not limited to a computer processor, a microprocessor, and a multi-core processor. 
     In one or more example embodiments, the hardware processor  220  executes software instructions stored in memory  222 . The memory  222  includes one or more cache memories, main memory, and/or any other suitable type of memory. The memory  222  can include volatile and/or non-volatile memory. The memory  222  is discretely located within the controller  204  relative to the hardware processor  220  according to some example embodiments. In certain configurations, the memory  222  can be integrated with the hardware processor  220 . 
     In certain example embodiments, the controller  204  does not include a hardware processor  220 . In such a case, the controller  204  can include, as an example, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), one or more insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), one or more complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), programmable array logics (PALs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), and one or more integrated circuits (ICs). Using FPGAs, IGBTs, CPLDs, PALs, DSPs, ICs, and/or other similar devices known in the art allows the controller  204  (or portions thereof) to be programmable and function according to certain logic rules and thresholds without the use of a hardware processor. Alternatively, FPGAs, IGBTs, CPLDs, PALs, DSPs, ICs, and/or similar devices can be used in conjunction with one or more hardware processors  220 . 
     The transceiver  224  of the controller  204  can send and/or receive control and/or communication signals. Specifically, the transceiver  224  can be used to transfer data between the controller  204  and a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), one or more other electrical devices, the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , and/or the sensor modules  260 . The transceiver  224  can use wired and/or wireless technology. The transceiver  224  can be configured in such a way that the control and/or communication signals sent and/or received by the transceiver  224  can be received and/or sent by another transceiver that is part of a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), one or more other electrical devices, the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , and/or the sensor modules  260 . The transceiver  224  can use any of a number of signal types, including but not limited to radio signals. In some cases, the transceiver  224  can be part of, or at least in communication with, the antenna assembly  239 . 
     When the transceiver  224  uses wireless technology, any type of wireless technology can be used by the transceiver  224  in sending and receiving signals. Such wireless technology can include, but is not limited to, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, visible light communication, cellular networking, ultra-wideband, BLE, and Bluetooth. The transceiver  224  can use one or more of any number of suitable communication protocols (e.g., ISA100, HART) when sending and/or receiving signals. Such communication protocols can be stored in the protocols  232  of the storage repository  230 . Further, any transceiver information for a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), one or more other electrical devices, the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , and/or the sensor modules  260  can be part of the stored data  234  (or similar areas) of the storage repository  230 . 
     Optionally, in one or more example embodiments, the security module  228  secures interactions between the controller  204 , a user  250  (including an associated user system  255 ), one or more other electrical devices, the network manager  280 , the power source  295 , and/or the sensor modules  260 . More specifically, the security module  228  authenticates communication from software based on security keys verifying the identity of the source of the communication. For example, user software may be associated with a security key enabling the software of a user system  255  of a user  250  to interact with the controller  204  and/or the sensor modules  260 . Further, the security module  228  can restrict receipt of information, requests for information, and/or access to information in some example embodiments. 
     As mentioned above, aside from the controller  204  and its components, the electrical device  202  can include a power supply  240 , one or more non-UV light sources  242 , and one or more UV light sources  243 . Alternatively, one electrical device  202  can include non-UV light sources  242 , while another electrical device  202  in communication with the first electrical device  202  can include UV light sources  243 . The non-UV light sources  242  of the electrical device  202  are devices and/or components typically found in a light fixture or other electrical device  202  to allow the electrical device  202  to operate. 
     The electrical device  202  can have one or more of any number and/or type of non-UV light sources  242  and/or UV light sources  243 . The non-UV light sources  242  and the UV light sources  243  can include any of a number of components, including but not limited to a local control module, a light source, a light engine, a heat sink, an electrical conductor or electrical cable, a terminal block, a lens, a diffuser, a reflector, an air moving device, a baffle, a dimmer, and a circuit board. In some cases, the electrical device  202  can have no non-UV light sources  242  and only UV light sources  243 . 
     A non-UV light source  242  can use one or more of any type of lighting technology, including but not limited to LED, incandescent, sodium vapor, and fluorescent. A UV light source  243  can use one or more of any type of lighting technology, including but not limited to lights used in tanning booths, black lights, curing lamps, germicidal lamps, mercury vapor lamps, halogen lights, high-intensity discharge lamps, specialized LEDs, arc lamps, fluorescent and incandescent sources, and some types of lasers. The UV radiation emitted by a UV light source  243  can include UVA radiation, UVB radiation, and/or UVC radiation. 
     In some cases, the lighting technology used for a UV light source  243  is the same as the lighting technology used for a non-UV light source  242 . In such a case, the UV light source  243  and the non-UV light source  242  can be part of the same full-spectrum chip (or similar device or technology). The control engine  206  of the controller  204  can then control (or include) the full-spectrum chip to have the same light source alternate between emitting UV light and non-UV light. 
     The power supply  240  of the electrical device  202  provides power to the controller  204 , one or more of the optional antenna assemblies  239 , one or more of the optional energy storage devices  279 , one or more of the sensor modules  260 , one or more of the non-UV light sources  242 , and/or one or more of the UV light sources  243 . The power supply  240  can be called by any of a number of other names, including but not limited to a driver, a LED driver, and a ballast. The power supply  240  can be substantially the same as, or different than, the power module  212  of the controller  204 . For example, the power supply  240  can include one or more of a number of single or multiple discrete components (e.g., transistor, diode, resistor), and/or a microprocessor. As another example, the power supply  240  may include a printed circuit board, upon which the microprocessor and/or one or more discrete components are positioned, and/or a dimmer. 
     The power supply  240  can include one or more components (e.g., a transformer, a diode bridge, an inverter, a converter) that receives power (for example, through an electrical cable) from the power source  295  (or another source external to the electrical device  202 ) and generates power of a type (e.g., alternating current, direct current) and level (e.g., 12V, 24V, 120V) that can be used by the controller  204 , the optional antenna assemblies  239 , the optional energy storage devices  279 , the sensor modules  260 , the non-UV light sources  242 , and/or the UV light sources  243 . In addition, or in the alternative, the power supply  240  can receive power from the power module  212  of the controller  204 . In addition, or in the alternative, the power supply  240  can be or include a source of power in itself. For example, the power supply  240  can be or include a battery, a localized photovoltaic power system, or some other source of independent power. 
     As stated above, the electrical device  202  can be placed in any of a number of environments. In such a case, the housing  203  of the electrical device  202  can be configured to comply with applicable standards for any of a number of environments. This compliance with applicable standards can be upheld when at least a portion of an example sensor module  260  is integrated with the housing  203  of the electrical device  202 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of a computing device  318  that implements one or more of the various techniques described herein, and which is representative, in whole or in part, of the elements described herein pursuant to certain exemplary embodiments. For example, the controller  204  of  FIG. 2  and its various components (e.g., hardware processor  220 , memory  222 , control engine  206 ) can be considered a computing device  318  as in  FIG. 3 . Computing device  318  is one example of a computing device and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to scope of use or functionality of the computing device and/or its possible architectures. Neither should computing device  318  be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the example computing device  318 . 
     Computing device  318  includes one or more processors or processing units  314 , one or more memory/storage components  315 , one or more input/output (I/O) devices  316 , and a bus  317  that allows the various components and devices to communicate with one another. Bus  317  represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. Bus  317  includes wired and/or wireless buses. 
     Memory/storage component  315  represents one or more computer storage media. Memory/storage component  315  includes volatile media (such as random access memory (RAM)) and/or nonvolatile media (such as read only memory (ROM), flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, and so forth). Memory/storage component  315  includes fixed media (e.g., RAM, ROM, a fixed hard drive, etc.) as well as removable media (e.g., a Flash memory drive, a removable hard drive, an optical disk, and so forth). 
     One or more I/O devices  316  allow a customer, utility, or other user to enter commands and information to computing device  318 , and also allow information to be presented to the customer, utility, or other user and/or other components or devices. Examples of input devices include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse), a microphone, a touchscreen, and a scanner. Examples of output devices include, but are not limited to, a display device (e.g., a monitor or projector), speakers, outputs to a lighting network (e.g., DMX card), a printer, and a network card. 
     Various techniques are described herein in the general context of software or program modules. Generally, software includes routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and so forth that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. An implementation of these modules and techniques are stored on or transmitted across some form of computer readable media. Computer readable media is any available non-transitory medium or non-transitory media that is accessible by a computing device. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media includes “computer storage media”. 
     “Computer storage media” and “computer readable medium” include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, computer recordable media such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which is used to store the desired information and which is accessible by a computer. 
     The computer device  318  is connected to a network (not shown) (e.g., a LAN, a WAN such as the Internet, cloud, or any other similar type of network) via a network interface connection (not shown) according to some exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many different types of computer systems exist (e.g., desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal media device, a mobile device, such as a cell phone or personal digital assistant, or any other computing system capable of executing computer readable instructions), and the aforementioned input and output means take other forms, now known or later developed, in other exemplary embodiments. Generally speaking, the computer system  318  includes at least the minimal processing, input, and/or output means necessary to practice one or more embodiments. 
     Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more elements of the aforementioned computer device  318  is located at a remote location and connected to the other elements over a network in certain exemplary embodiments. Further, one or more embodiments is implemented on a distributed system having one or more nodes, where each portion of the implementation (e.g., control engine  206 ) is located on a different node within the distributed system. In one or more embodiments, the node corresponds to a computer system. Alternatively, the node corresponds to a processor with associated physical memory in some exemplary embodiments. The node alternatively corresponds to a processor with shared memory and/or resources in some exemplary embodiments. 
       FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of an electrical device  402  (in this case, a light fixture) in accordance with certain example embodiments. Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , the electrical device  402  of  FIG. 4  includes a sensor module  460  that is coupled to the housing  403  of the light fixture  402 . In this case, the sensor module  460  is an occupancy sensor that detects whether a person is in a volume of space (e.g., a room). The sensor module  460  protrudes outward from the housing  403  of the electrical device  402  (light fixture) and is visible when the electrical device  402  is installed. 
     The electrical device also includes both non-UV light sources  442  and UV light sources  443 . When the sensor module  460  detects occupancy, the controller (not shown in  FIG. 4 , but substantially similar to the controller  204  of  FIG. 2  above) of the electrical device  402  prevents the UV light sources  443  from operating. The controller may also control (e.g., turn on) the non-UV light sources  442  based on the occupancy (or some other parameter) detected by the sensor module  460 . Alternatively, control of the non-UV light sources  442  by the controller may be independent of the occupancy (or some other parameter) measured by the sensor module  460 . 
     Since the UV rays emitted by the UV light sources  443  are harmful to humans and other living beings, the controller of example electrical devices is configured to prevent the UV light sources  443  from operating when human and/or other living beings are determined to be in the vicinity of the electrical device  402 . In some cases, when the UV light sources  443  are operating, there is no need for the non-UV light sources  442  to operate, and so the controller of the electrical device  402  can prevent the non-UV light sources  442  from operating when the UV light sources  443  are operating. Alternatively, as a way of indicating that the UV light sources  443  are emitting UV light, which is not visible to the human eye, the controller of the electrical device  402  can operate the non-UV light sources  442  in an atypical way (e.g., constant flashing, emit a red light) to warn a user that conditions are not safe in the volume of space. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  show a graph  570  and a table  575 , respectively, as to the effectiveness of UV radiation exposure to  E. coli  bacteria using example embodiments. In other words, example embodiments can be used to kill  E. coli  bacteria within a volume of space. Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 5B , the graph  570  of  FIG. 5A  shows a plot of irradiation time  572  (in seconds) along the horizontal axis and viable count  571  (in a logarithm of colony forming units per milliliter) of  E. coli  bacteria. Plot  573  shows the actual test data using UVC radiation having a wavelength of 280 nm, and plot  574  represents 99.9% irradiation, which is statistically seen as complete irradiation (or, as defined herein, disinfection). The graph  570  shows that complete irradiation of the  E. coli  bacteria occurs after approximately 14 seconds. The UVC radiation can be emitted by a UV light source (e.g., UV light source  243 ) of an example electrical device (e.g., electrical device  202 ), such as a light fixture. 
     The table  575  of  FIG. 5B  shows a pictorial image of the  E. coli  count at various points in time under the test conducted in  FIG. 5A . Specifically, image  576  of  FIG. 5B  shows the  E. coli  count before the irradiation (the exposure of the  E. coli  bacteria to UVC light) has begun. Image  577  of  FIG. 5B  shows the  E. coli  count 10 seconds after the irradiation has begun. Image  578  of  FIG. 5B  shows the  E. coli  count 20 seconds after the irradiation has begun. The graph  570  and the table  575  show how effective UVC radiation is at eliminating harmful bacteria using example embodiments. 
     In certain example embodiments, a timer (e.g., timer  210 ) of a controller (e.g., controller  204 ) can keep track of the amount of time that UV light sources (e.g., UV light sources  243 ) of an electrical device (e.g., electrical device  202 ) have been operating. In such a case, by following some protocol (e.g., protocol  232 ), after a certain amount of time has elapsed, the volume of space (e.g., volume of space  219 ) subject to the UV light can be considered disinfected (e.g., according to an applicable standard or policy). When such time threshold has been reached, the controller of the electrical device can cause the UV light sources to stop operating, as further disinfection is not needed. 
       FIGS. 6 through 9  show examples in accordance with example embodiments. Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 9 , the systems shown in  FIGS. 6 through 9  includes multiple components that are substantially the same as the corresponding components of the system  200  of  FIG. 2  above.  FIG. 6  shows a system  600  within a volume of space  619 - 1  in the form of a room and an adjacent volume of space  619 - 2  in the form of a hallway. Volume of space  619 - 1  and volume of space  619 - 2  are separated from each other by a wall  688  and a door  682  set in the wall  688 . 
     In the system  600  of  FIG. 6 , there are three electrical devices in the volume of space  619 - 2 , but they are not used in the example of  FIG. 6 . Specifically, disposed in the volume of space  619 - 2  are electrical device  702  in the form of, or that includes, a sensor module  760  that measures infrared radiation (for occupancy), electrical device  802  in the form of an access card reader or access keypad, and electrical device  902  in the form of an electrical lock for the door  682 . 
     Within the volume of space  691 - 1  is a user  650  (along with a user system  655 ) and an electrical device  602 . In this case, the electrical device  602  in this case is in the form of a ceiling-mounted light fixture. The electrical device  602  includes a housing  603 , a controller  604 , a sensor module  660  that measures infrared radiation (for occupancy), at least one non-UV light source  642 , and at least one UV light source  643 . The sensor module  660  detects the presence of the user  650  within the volume of space  619 - 1 , and the controller  604  uses this information, following one or more protocols (e.g., protocols  232 ), to prevent the UV light sources  643  from operating. Whether the controller  604  also operates or prevents the operation of the non-UV light sources  642  can depend on one or more of a number of other factors, such as the amount of ambient light in the volume of space  619 - 1 . 
     Even if there is harmful bacteria or other micro-organisms within the volume of space  619 - 1  that needs to be irradiated with UV light (e.g., UVA, UVB, UVC), the controller  604  prevents the UV light sources  643  from operating because the UV light is harmful to the user  650 . If such a situation existed, the controller  604  can take actions to clear the user  650  from the volume of space  619 - 1  so that the UV light sources  643  can be safely operated to disinfect the volume of space  619 - 1 . For example, the controller  604  could send a text message to the user system  655  of the user  650  when the user system  655  is a cell phone. 
     As another example, the controller  604  could emit an audible alarm or recorded speech through a speaker in the electrical device  602  or some other electrical device to instruct the user  650  to leave the volume of space  619 - 1 . As yet another example, the controller  604  could cause the non-UV light sources  642  to strobe as an indication that the user  650  should leave the volume of space  619 - 1 . As still another example, the controller  604  could contact security within the building, and subsequently a member of building security could go to the volume of space  619 - 1  to instruct the user  650  to vacate the volume of space  619 - 1 . 
     The system  700  of  FIG. 7  is the same as the system  600  of  FIG. 6 , except that in this case, the user  650  (and associated user system  655 ) is located in the entry of the volume of space  619 - 2 . As a result, there are no users within the volume of space  619 - 1 , and so the controller  604  can cause the UV light sources  643  to operate in order to disinfect the volume of space  619 - 1 . While the UV light sources  643  are operating, the controller  604  can perform one or more of a number of actions for safety of users, such as user  650 . For example, while the UV light sources  643  are operating, the controller  604  can operate the electrical device  902  in the form of the electrical lock for the door  682 , keeping the door  682  locked for as long as the UV light sources  643  emit UV light that is harmful to the user  650 . 
     As another example, while the UV light sources  643  are operating, the controller  604  can communicate with electrical device  702  in such a way that, when the sensor module  760  of the electrical device  702  detects the presence of the user  650  in the volume of space  619 - 2 , the controller  604  lock out the electrical device  802  and/or the electrical device  902  so that the user  650  is unable to enter the volume of space  619 - 1  until the UV light sources  643  are turned off. When the UV light sources  643  are no longer operating, the controller  604  can release its control of electrical device  802  and/or electrical device  902  so that they operate according to their normal protocols. 
     As yet another example, while the UV light sources  643  are operating, the controller  604  can automatically broadcast an announcement through a speaker in the electrical device  602 , from the time that the UV light sources  643  until the time that the UV light sources  643  are turned off, that all users should avoid entering the volume of space  619 - 1 . This announcement can be continuously repeated for the entirety of the time period. This announcement can also include, in real time, the amount of time remaining until the UV light sources  643  are turned off. 
     The system  800  of  FIG. 8  is the same as the system  700  of  FIG. 7 , except that in this case, the user  650  (and associated user system  655 ) is located in the volume of space  619 - 2  in front of the electrical device  802 . As a result, there are no users within the volume of space  619 - 1 , and so the controller  604  can cause the UV light sources  643  to operate in order to disinfect the volume of space  619 - 1 . While the UV light sources  643  are operating, the controller  604  can perform one or more of a number of actions for safety of users, such as user  650 . 
     For example, while the UV light sources  643  are operating, the controller  604  can communicate with electrical device  802  and lock out any attempted access to the volume of space  619 - 1  through the door  682  by the user  650 . For example, the controller  604  can determine that 3 minutes remain until the volume of space  619 - 1  is disinfected and instruct the electrical device  802  to broadcast a recording, when the user  650  attempts to enter an access code or show the user system  655  to a card reader, to state that access to the volume of space  619 - 1  will be denied for the next 3 minutes until the disinfection process is complete. 
     As another example, while the UV light sources  643  are operating, the controller  604  can communicate with a light fixture (e.g., electrical device  702 ) located in the volume of space  619 - 2  to emit light in a certain way (e.g., emit a non-white (e.g., red) color, emit light with a strobe effect) to signal to the user  650  that disinfection is occurring in the volume of space  619 - 1  and that entry into the volume of space  619 - 1  is not permitted at that time. 
     The system  900  of  FIG. 9  is the same as the system  800  of  FIG. 8 , except that in this case, the user  650  (and associated user system  655 ) is located in the volume of space  619 - 2  in front of the door  682  and electrical device  902 . As a result, there are no users within the volume of space  619 - 1 , and so the controller  604  can cause the UV light sources  643  to operate in order to disinfect the volume of space  619 - 1 . While the UV light sources  643  are operating, the controller  604  can perform one or more of a number of actions for safety of users, such as user  650 . 
     For example, as mentioned above, while the UV light sources  643  are operating, the controller  604  can operate the electrical device  902  in the form of the electrical lock for the door  682 , keeping the door  682  locked for as long as the UV light sources  643  emit UV light that is harmful to the user  650 . In this way, even if the electrical device  802  allows the user  650  access to the volume of space  619 - 1 , the controller  604  can deny that access by controlling the electrical device  902  until the UV light sources  643  are turned off. 
     In such a case, the controller  604  detect, in communications with electrical device  902 , that the user  650  is attempting to open the door  682  using the door handle and subsequently communicate with the user  650  (e.g., by broadcasting an announcement over a nearby speaker, by sending a text message to the user system  655 ) why access to the volume of space  619 - 1  is being denied and when (e.g., in five minutes) access to the volume of space  619 - 1  will be granted. 
     As another example, if electrical device  902  is a sensor module that determines (e.g., using a proximity sensor) whether the door  682  is fully closed, the controller  604  can communicate with the electrical device  902  and only allow the UV light sources  643  to operate when the sensor module of electrical device  902  determines that the door  682  is fully closed. If at any time, including while the UV light sources  643  are emitting UV light into the volume of space  619 - 1 , the sensor module of electrical device  902  determines that the door  682  is not fully closed, then the controller  604  can immediately cease operation of the UV light sources  643  (if they are in operation) or prevent the UV light sources  643  from becoming operational. 
     In one or more example embodiments, electrical devices have at least one UV light source that emits UV radiation at times when there is no human being (a type of user) in a volume of space in which the UV radiation is emitted. Example embodiments can be part of a newly manufactured electrical device (e.g., a light fixture), or alternatively example embodiments can be retrofitted in or to work with an existing electrical device. Example embodiments can use one or more sensor modules to determine whether the volume of space is occupied by a human or other living being, which determines whether it is safe to have the at least one UV light source to emit UV radiation into the volume of space. Example embodiments can provide safe and effective disinfection of various surfaces and objects in the volume of space. Using example embodiments described herein can improve safety, health, maintenance, costs, and operating efficiency. 
     Accordingly, many modifications and other embodiments set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which example embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that example embodiments are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of this application. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.