A key card switch turns a guest room on when a card is inserted and off when it is taken out. Done well it cuts energy use in empty rooms. Done badly it switches off the things that must never go off.
How the BG units work
BG Nexus and Evolve key card switches are rated at 16A and wait 30 seconds after the card is removed before switching off, long enough for a guest to pick up their bags. They are euro module devices, so they sit in the same plates as the rest of the room's sockets and switches.
What to put on the key card circuit
- General room lighting, bedside and desk lamps.
- Convenience sockets for appliances that are only used while the guest is in the room, such as the kettle and hair dryer.
- A control signal to set back heating or cooling, rather than the heating supply itself.
What to keep off it
- The minibar. It needs to run all day to keep stock cold.
- Fire detection, alarms and emergency lighting. These need permanent supplies.
- Bathroom extract fans with an overrun timer, which need a permanent feed to finish their run.
- At least one USB or socket outlet, so guests can charge a phone while they are out.
Bigger loads
Check the total load on the switched circuit against the 16A rating. Where it is higher, use the key card switch to drive a contactor rather than carrying the load itself.