How to Ensure Smoother Luminaire Level Lighting Control Projects
Key Takeaways
- LLLCs are increasingly popular due to their wireless, reconfigurable nature, allowing for flexible lighting control without extensive rewiring.
- A three-step process—discussing operations, familiarizing with system capabilities, and thorough customer walkthroughs—ensures smooth installations and effective hand-offs.
- Proper planning and communication can lead to energy savings of up to 75%, helping facilities meet code requirements and reduce operational costs.
Written by BetterBricks, part of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), a nonprofit alliance of more than 140 utilities and energy efficiency organizations
Adoption of luminaire level lighting controls (LLLC) continues to rise across commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities as more building owners and facility managers turn to wireless, networked systems that can be rezoned and reconfigured without rewiring or climbing ladders. Many fixtures arrive pre-programmed, use standard 3-wire connections, and can be commissioned with a smartphone or tablet. Even so, project outcomes vary with the customer’s understanding of the system. As demand grows, so does the need to guide users toward a smooth experience. Implementing a simple three-step approach can ensure installers have a successful lighting upgrade and hand-off.
- Prior to installation, discuss the sequence of operations with the customer, so you understand what settings they want in each space.
- Familiarize yourself with the programming needs and capabilities of the selected LLLC system before arriving on site.
- Once the project is close to completion, walk through the system and settings with the facility manager or building owner, so they feel comfortable making lighting changes in real time.
These steps are part of a new toolkit produced by BetterBricks that focuses on helping contractors plan, install and hand off LLLC with fewer surprises in the field and includes an FAQ that helps answer common questions about how it works.
One frequent point of interest is energy performance and code compliance. The embedded sensors and control capabilities of LLLC can cut energy use by as much as 75% compared with standard LED fixtures, helping projects meet local and state requirements. Read more in the toolkit.
These tips align with the approach used by Adam Lopez, a lighting project manager at Christenson Electric in Portland. His interest began with a curiosity about where lighting technology was headed and a commitment to understand LLLC as it evolved. As he gained experience, his projects became more seamless — a welcome shift as more customers show interest in flexible networked controls that offer fixture-by-fixture granularity.
“From an installation standpoint, one of LLLC’s benefits is the lack of wires and complex systems, which leads to labor savings. Instead of planning out how many sensors or devices are needed, everything is built into the fixture,” Lopez said. “We use a checklist to confirm how the customer wants their system set up and then program everything based on those preferences.”
Clear communication and preparation now define his workflow, and client follow-ups tend to focus on positive feedback about how the system is performing rather than on issues that need fixing.
“What I would say to other installers is just familiarize yourself with the product, attend some trainings, talk to your suppliers,” he said. “The more knowledge you have with what you’re using, the better it’s going to be for your customers in the long run.” Find out more about this approach in the video below.
Adam Lopez, lighting project manager at Christenson Electric, shares how understanding LLLC can lead to smoother installations and stronger customer outcomes.