Specify the relationships

A lighting schedule can contain individually sensible components while leaving their relationships unresolved. The route, light source, power supply, control arrangement and mounting detail need to work together in the selected configuration.

Describe the desired experience before assembling the equipment list. A quiet evening scene, a bright working state and a colour-changing sequence can place different demands on the same architectural detail.

Connect the drawing to the schedule

Give each lighting run an identifier on the drawing and use the same reference in the product schedule. Record the intended route, length, emitting face and any planned junctions.

Keep the exact product's electrical information alongside the route: supply requirements, power information, permitted run arrangements and relevant installation instructions. The responsible project specialists should use these records to develop the final electrical design.

Review the actual control combination

Name the selected power supply, controller and operating method together. Ask for compatibility information for that combination and record the settings used for a demonstration.

Include the low end of the intended operating range, transitions and switching behaviour in the review. DOE's flicker research provides useful background for asking about variation in light output; an attractive photograph alone does not establish control quality.

Reserve room for access

Locate serviceable equipment and show how it can be reached after the finishes are complete. Coordinate cable routes and access with the architectural team while the detail is open.

Review replacement as well as first installation. A clear arrangement identifies what can be accessed, which components belong together and which records a future maintenance team will need.

Keep a coordinated handover

The most useful handover connects the final drawing, selected configuration and accepted sample. It gives the next person a reliable account of what was reviewed.

• Drawing references and the final lighting run schedule.
• Exact light source, power and control combinations.
• Applicable technical and installation records.
• Sample-review observations and agreed operating scenes.
• Access locations, revisions and outstanding confirmations.

Build a specificationProject supportReference: DOE flicker research