Helvar 5633 Node R40: wireless luminaires with or without sensors

Helvar has launched the 5633 ActiveAhead Node R40, a luminaire-mounted wireless node without a sensor. It fits the same compact slot as the existing 5634 Node Sense, so a luminaire maker can produce wireless ActiveAhead fittings with or without sensing from one housing and one LED driver.

Why a node without a sensor

Helvar's own argument starts with sensors. A dense sensor network saves the most energy, and the ideal is a sensor in every luminaire, which wireless control makes practical because nothing has to be cabled back to a panel. But in many areas that is more than the space needs. A corridor or an open-plan floor may only need a sensor in every second, third or fourth fitting.

Until now that meant two luminaire variants on the line, or paying for sensors nobody needed. The Node R40 solves it: the same body takes either a 5634 Node Sense, with its PIR and light sensor, or a 5633 Node R40, which carries only the processor, radio and connecting cable. Both put the luminaire on the ActiveAhead network.

Two Helvar 5633 Node R40 modules in white and black, each a small rectangle with a round cap and a cable — 5633 Node R40 in white and black. Image: Helvar.

Helvar 5634 ActiveAhead Node Sense, a small white module with a sensor lens and a cable — 5634 Node Sense, the sensing version for the same slot. Image: Helvar.

The two parts side by side

	5633 Node R40	5634 Node Sense
Contents	Processor, radio, cable	Processor, radio, multisensor, cable
Sensing	None	PIR and light, 108°, about 7 m at 2.5 m
IP rating	IP30	IP30
Colours	White, anthracite grey	White, anthracite grey

Helvar presents this as a continuation of the choice it began with the Node D4i range in June. Manufacturers who prefer standard Zhaga Book 20 slots use D4i nodes; those who want the node as small as possible use the R40 and Node Sense pair.

What it means for projects

For luminaire makers, one SKU with two node options keeps production simple and lets the sensor density follow the project drawings. For consultants, it means sensor spacing can be set by the room, not by what the fixture supplier stocks. Helvar also points to renovation work under the EU's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, where wireless control avoids rewiring ceilings. The same logic applies to occupied refurbishments here, where opening ceilings for control cable is the expensive part.

See the ActiveAhead range in our Helvar controls section, or contact us if you build luminaires and want to trial the Node R40.