For the fifth article in our ongoing Luminaire Level Lighting Controls (LLLCs) series, we’ll look at the practical steps for how to configure controls. If you missed the last article, check out our deep dive into controls configuration options.
Energy Trust of Oregon is focused on LLLC adoption this year and offers competitive incentives to match. Get access to the most recent incentive information at the links below:
What is controls configuration?
When installing lighting with controls, it is critical to set up the correct start-up programming (sometimes called configuring or commissioning). Properly configuring controls allows you to deliver the right lighting level for your client and ensure the new system works for all the uses of their space.
Lighting control systems might offer settings templates for some amount of pre-configuration, but for the most part, the installer must do the initial start-up programming. This ensures that the system is set up to deliver on your client’s exact needs and Energy Trust can ensure savings levels are met.
A note on “commissioning”: Commissioning is often defined as the long-term process of configuring a building technology and following a standardized check-in process. See the formal lighting industry definition here. In this article, we use commissioning to mean the initial start-up programming for a lighting controls system.
Start by outlining a simple controls narrative or sequence of operations chart with your client. This documentation will help you understand the exact light levels and space considerations for each room. You can then correctly configure the controls to ensure the lights function as expected.
Foundational steps for start-up configuration
Once lights are connected to power, there are multiple ways to begin start-up programming. The most common is using the control system app on a tablet or phone. Some systems also allow you to use a web app or a handheld remote. For this article, we’ll focus mostly on using an app. However, there are also plenty of resources available for handheld remote programming.
Here are the basic steps for setting up lighting controls:
- Pair lights: Once lights are connected to power, pair them in the app. You can also pair new switches that you may want to use for on/off or to assign scenes.
- Group lights: Create a new group and add the lights that should have shared settings. You may want one group per room or multiple groups in the same room. Refer to the sequence of operations documented with your client to see what they want to happen in each space.
- Choose the settings for each group: When you click on a group, there will be an option to adjust each control strategy. Check out the previous article in this series for details on the main control strategies.
- Set scenes (optional): There will be a space to designate specific scenes if desired. Choose the groups you want configured in a scene, and choose the settings that should be enabled when the scene is selected in the app or via a switch.
Different manufacturer apps may place the options to adjust control settings in slightly different places. Refer to the manufacturer’s resources for these specific details.
Handing over control: multiple levels of user access
You’ll likely want to set up a process for handing over access to the controls app or handheld remote. Most systems will allow for different access levels; for example, user-level app access might allow someone to select only on/off, dimming and scenes, while admin-level access might allow a more technical stakeholder—like the facilities manager—to have complete access, including to add/remove lights, adjust groups and adjust settings.
It is often helpful to limit admin-level app access; even though the app is easy to use, it still requires a technical expert to make adjustments. Depending on the customer’s needs, a remote or wall switches configured for personal dimming and scene selection may be all they need to get the control they desire, without needing to grant access to change the configuration settings. Ensure that those who have admin-level oversight establish clear documentation on app access and settings. This will help the site be prepared for the event of an unexpected absence or staff turnover.
Finally, before handing over control, make sure you can download a commissioning report! This report is available via the app and will show which control settings have been applied; use the product-specific guidance from the manufacturer to locate the download option in the application. You may need this report to receive program incentives, or your clients may want it to show cost and energy savings for compliance concerns.
Accessing manufacturer resources
Every manufacturer provides resources to help you complete the configuration set-up steps in their system, including a “QuickStart” guide, a full commissioning guide, a YouTube video series, FAQ and their customer support representatives.
The manufacturer will also offer references for special topics, such as emergency lighting, energy monitoring and cybersecurity. If your client has concerns about a special topic, direct them to the manufacturer’s resources.
Energy Trust controls and support training
If you’re starting a controls project and have additional questions on best practices or troubleshooting, please reach out to business lighting account manager Dave Backen (lighting@hillis-consulting.com) for direct support.
Energy Trust is committed to helping customers realize the robust cost savings offered by LLLCs and offers strong incentives and support. Let us know how we can help you become your local expert on controls and take advantage of our incentive offerings.
Energy Trust will also offer training opportunities on LLLCs in Bend, Umatilla and The Dalles this September as well as in other locations across the state later this fall. Stay tuned for more information!