Lighting Commissioning: Why It’s Just as Important as Mechanical Cx

Mechanical Commissioning (Cx) is now widely understood as an important component of the design and construction process. While Lighting Cx is a more recent concept and not as widely understood yet across the industry, it is just as important to owner and end-user satisfaction. Broadly speaking, there are two main categories of Lighting Cx: Required and Owner-Preferred. Understanding the difference between required and owner-preferred Lighting Cx can help project teams plan more effectively, avoid costly issues after occupancy, and create a better experience for end-users.

Required Lighting Commissioning: Meeting Code Compliance

Functional testing of the lighting control system’s hardware and software components is required by most energy codes now. The level of required testing will vary by code with newer codes typically containing more stringent requirements. Typical energy code requirements for functional testing include:

• Occupant sensors (manual on vs. automatic on, time delay before shutting off, etc.)
• Time switches (scheduled on and off hours for different spaces, typical days of the week, holidays, etc.)
• Daylight harvesting (electric lighting dims in proportion to available daylight, the daylight harvesting and occupant sensing logic is properly coordinated, etc.)

Most energy codes now also require documentation confirming the mandated functional testing was successfully completed.

While required Lighting Cx ensures compliance with energy codes, it does not always guarantee an optimal user experience. This is where Owner-Preferred Lighting Cx comes in.

Owner-Preferred Lighting Commissioning: Ensuring a Positive Experience

In addition to the code-required functional testing, many owners are now also recognizing the value that a lighting commissioning agent (CxA) brings by ensuring the design and installation process produces a positive experience for the owner and end-users throughout the life of the lighting control system. While that certainly includes proper functionality of the lighting control system hardware and software (a system that doesn’t work won’t result in a positive experience!), there are other factors that should be considered as well to avoid significant frustrations after occupancy, such as:

• How intuitive are the controls for the people that will be using them daily?
• Does the function of the lighting controls meet the needs of the end-users?
• Was future maintenance adequately accounted for?

By itself, testing for correct functionality of the lighting controls does not guarantee successful outcomes for these types of considerations. This is important to keep in mind because lighting controls are usually one of the biggest pain points for end-users.

When and How Lighting Commissioning Occurs

Required Lighting Cx, or functional testing, will occur during the installation and programming of the lighting controls. In most cases the Lighting CxA will interact with the electrical engineer, lighting designer, electrical contractor, and lighting controls programmer to complete the required functional testing and associated documentation.

The timing and process of Owner-Preferred Lighting Cx can vary more depending on what the owner’s project goals are. It is typically most valuable to have the Lighting CxA conduct a high-level review about halfway through design to identify information gaps, items that could use further clarity, etc. in a timely manner. In some projects, a Lighting CxA isn’t brought in until construction, but at that stage, resolving issues can be difficult and costly.

Whether required or owner-driven, Lighting Cx plays a crucial role in delivering a well-functioning, user-friendly lighting system. Engaging a lighting commissioning agent (CxA) early in the project can help avoid costly adjustments later and ensure a better experience for building occupants.