What We Commission & Verify
Verify the Functions That Determine How the Lighting System Actually Operates
Lighting commissioning focuses on the settings, sequences, and control functions that determine when lighting operates, at what level, and how the system responds to changing conditions.
Depending on the system and project scope, commissioning may include:
Occupancy & Vacancy Controls
Verify sensors detect occupancy appropriately, respond within intended time periods, and control the correct fixtures or zones.
Scheduling & Time-Based Controls
Confirm lighting schedules, operating periods, overrides, and after-hours behavior match facility requirements.
Daylight Response
Verify daylight sensors and dimming sequences respond appropriately to available natural light.
Dimming & High-End Trim
Confirm maximum output levels, dimming ranges, and programmed light levels are configured as intended.
Zones & Control Groups
Verify fixtures are assigned to the correct areas, groups, scenes, or operating zones.
LLLC & Networked Lighting Controls
Test fixture-level sensors, wireless communication, system programming, control sequences, and networked functionality where applicable.
System Interfaces
Verify applicable lighting interfaces, overrides, switches, control stations, and connections to other building systems included within the project scope.
Functional Performance
Test representative operating conditions to confirm the lighting system responds as intended—not simply that individual components power on.
Commission. Document. Establish the Baseline.
Commissioning creates a known starting point for the completed system. Settings, exceptions, deficiencies, and verified operation can be documented so facility teams have a clearer record of how the lighting system was configured when the project was completed.
When Lighting Commissioning Makes Sense
Commissioning Isn't Only for New Installations
Lighting systems can change over time. Programming gets adjusted, operating schedules change, spaces are repurposed, sensors are moved or replaced, and original settings may no longer reflect how the facility operates today.
Commissioning or recommissioning can provide value at several points in the life of the lighting system.
After a Lighting Upgrade
Verify new fixtures, controls, zones, settings, and sequences are operating according to the completed project scope.
After Installing Lighting Controls or LLLC
Functionally test occupancy sensing, scheduling, daylight response, dimming, high-end trim, networked controls, and other programmed functions.
When a System Isn't Performing as Expected
Investigate excessive operating hours, inconsistent light levels, nuisance sensor behavior, incorrect schedules, control overrides, or other performance concerns.
When Facility Operations Change
Reevaluate lighting settings when shifts, occupancy patterns, production areas, tenants, layouts, or space uses change.
When Energy Savings Don't Match Expectations
Review control strategies and operating conditions to identify whether configuration, scheduling, overrides, or actual facility use may be affecting expected performance.
As Part of Ongoing Facility Optimization
Periodically verify that controls and system settings continue to reflect current facility requirements rather than assumptions made when the system was originally installed.
Protect the Performance Baseline
A lighting system shouldn't become an unknown again after commissioning. Documented settings and verified operation create a baseline that can support future troubleshooting, maintenance, optimization, and recommissioning as the facility changes.