Lighting &

Lighting Controls
SUMMER ED I TI O N
Contents
3 — How light systems are evolving to be smarter

19 — What’s New in the Athena Lighting Control System

by Lutron

20 — Connected systems create a new era in advanced

lighting control

28 — Sustainable lighting choices under LEED indoor

environmental quality guidelines

35 — Lighting Design to Support Control Intent Narratives

and Emerging Project Goals

50 — Exit sign and emergency light requirements for facilities

58 — Germicidal UV lights could be producing indoor air

pollutants

2
How light systems are evolving
to be smarter  Back to TOC

As lighting technology continues to evolve, designers and specifiers are

faced with the challenge of keeping up with the changes

L ighting controls have seen major changes over the past 20 years and it seems that
taking line voltage to a manual switch to control lighting fixtures is a thing of the
past. Modern lighting controls are programmable and addressable, connected to
either a closed network consisting of relays, power supplies, power packs, sensors and
control points.

These systems are “smart” in the way that they offer flexibility for both initial installa-
tion as well as flexibility in future revisions, and the next generation of lighting control
systems is likely to take advantage of artificial intelligence (AI) for dynamic program-
ming and behavior.

One of the largest changes in this industry is the way lighting controls are specified.
Historically, single-line diagrams were used to convey how lighting controls were to
be wired and the number of wiring options were fairly limited. There was line voltage,
typically 120 volts (V) or 277 V and control voltage, which was usually 0-10 V used for
dimming. As digital, programmable lighting control systems became more prevalent,
designers started seeing them show up as alternatives during the shop drawing review
process. This meant that the manufacturer representatives and suppliers were tasked
with developing the wiring diagrams and determining the components required.

As a result, there was a discrepancy between what was specified and what was pro-
3
How light systems are evolving to be smarter

vided. The primary  Back to TOC

reason for this differ-
ence was the unique
way each manufac-
turer approached
lighting control with
programmable com-
ponents. While not
intentionally timed,
the industry saw a
simultaneous shift to-
ward solid state light-
ing components, now
ubiquitously known
as LED. Designers
Figure 1: An example of multiple
were caught scrambling to keep up with rapidly chang- lighting zones in a corporate lobby.
ing technology and the use of detailed wiring diagrams Courtesy: IMEG Corp.

slowly became obsolete.

The most common way for designers to convey the intent of modern lighting controls
is with lighting sequence narratives or tables, which describe the system behavior
instead of focusing how the system is to be configured. This method is used in lieu of
detailed diagrams because the final quantity, arrangement and type of component are
now up to the manufacturer and chosen by the construction team, usually determined
at time of bid. This new process presents a challenge to designers, as it removes some
of their control over the final product and requires a vague specification.
4
How light systems are evolving to be smarter

Distributed lighting  Back to TOC

control
A distributed lighting con-
trol system consists of a
network of remote mod-
ules connected to a digital
network via network hubs.
Control is managed through
either a central station, sys-
tem server or isolated within
each control area. These
modules facilitate communication with lighting control Figure 2: Touch-screen wall controller
allows for scene selection and manual
devices through the digital network and the system
adjustment, including color selection
encompasses associated components like wiring, relay for the exterior façade lighting.
modules, photocells, switches, dimmers, time clocks, Courtesy: IMEG Corp.

occupancy sensors, network interfaces and hubs. The

system employs distributed relay modules, allowing placement above accessible ceil-
ings, within lighting fixtures themselves or adjacent to the rooms they control, specifi-
cally when access is a concern.

Control devices, such as occupancy sensors (including ultrasonic, internal resistance

and dual technology types), photocells, switches and timers, are specified by the en-
gineer and shown on the drawings or described within sequences and narratives (see
Figure 2). The vendor then chooses which exact products are compatible with the
control narrative to operate on the system network. Additional power packs are sup-
plied as necessary, to facilitate multiple control devices, with relevant details identified
5
How light systems are evolving to be smarter

in shop drawing submissions. It is uncommon for construction documents to include  Back to TOC
relays on the plans; thus, the supplier is left to determine what components are neces-
sary for system functionality.

The relay modules are mounted in enclosures or on the outside of junction boxes, with
a physical separation of 120 to 277 V wiring compartments from low-voltage control
wiring. These relay modules offer low-voltage digital communication to control devices
as per drawings and schedules, with dimmable relay modules provided when specified.
The relays are typically mechanically held and split-coil momentary-pulsed types, rated
for 20 amps (A) at 125 V alternating current (ac) for tungsten filaments and 20 A at 277
V ac for electronic ballasts, with a typical rated capacity of 50,000 cycles.

Centralized lighting control

A centralized lighting control system is commonly designed as a network of lighting
relay panels integrated into a digital network and managed through a system server or
central station. In this system, lighting control devices are connected to the relay pan-
els and communicate with the system server via the panel controller. It encompasses all
the necessary components, including network interfaces, wiring, relay panels, control
modules, input modules, panel processors, relays, photocells, switches, dimmers, time
clocks and occupancy sensors.

To enable seamless communication and coordination, the system includes a server or

central station equipped with operating software, a data network and BACnet IP com-
munication capabilities. This ensures compatibility with the building automation sys-
tem (BAS), like a central controller on a distributed system.

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How light systems are evolving to be smarter

The server or cen-  Back to TOC

tral station allows
for programmable
operation of lights
through the system
relays and con-
trol devices. The
system software
facilitates control
of relays, control
Figure 3: Programmable lighting
devices, time and sequence scheduling, timed-out and
controllers in a six-gang bank,
blink light operation and monitoring or reporting of allow for scene selection per zone.
system events and components. Initial programming Courtesy: IMEG Corp.

is set according to the plans and schedules. Designers

should coordinate the location of this system and the expected needs with the build-
ing owner and operators. Because the operators will want to control schedules and
programs, prior experience and proper training are important inclusions in the project
specifications.

The system power supplies typically consist of a transformer and full-wave rectifier
with filtered direct current output to power the panel, controllers and control devices.
Regardless of which type is chosen, the specifier should also consider total harmonic
distortion for each type. The system also includes various features to enhance control
and operation. The relays are typically mechanically latched, split-coil and momen-
tary-pulsed type. Instead of mechanical relays, the designer can specify a controllable
breaker that offers solenoid-operated thermal magnetic breakers to provide control,
overload protection and short circuit protection. 7
How light systems are evolving to be smarter

Like other system types, the control devices include occupancy sensors, photocells,  Back to TOC
switches and timers, all designed to operate on the system network. Supplemental
power packs are provided for multiple control devices as required.

Digital addressable lighting interface control systems

The digital addressable lighting interface (DALI) control system is designed as a dig-
ital lighting control network, connecting DALI-compliant digital addressable ballasts,
control modules and lighting control devices directly to a system server or central
control station. The individual addressable electronic ballasts, control modules and
devices are operated based on signals received through the DALI-compliant bus
from various DALI-compliant digital controllers and interfaces. The system software
enables control of DALI ballasts, control modules and control devices, as well as time
and sequence scheduling, timed-out and blink light operations, monitoring and re-
porting of system events and components. Designers should identify initial program-
ming on plans and schedules so the manufacturer and system installers can accurate-
ly bid the scope of work.

The system is programmed through the system server or central control station. It en-
compasses all necessary components, including network bus, wiring, DALI controllers
and interfaces, panels, photocells, switches, dimmers, time clock and occupancy sen-
sors. The system makes use of DALI-compliant ballast and dimming modules provided
with the light fixtures.

All control devices, including occupancy sensors, photocells, switches and timers, are
specified as DALI compliant. The manufacturer representatives will identify additional
DALI-compliant signal repeaters and controllers are supplied as required and list them
8
How light systems are evolving to be smarter

in shop drawing submissions. Designers should consider the location of these compo-  Back to TOC
nents, to ensure accessibility and adequate environmental conditions.

Programmable control interfaces

Both centralized and decentralized lighting control systems incorporate various inter-
faces to provide efficient and flexible control over the luminaires. Manual switches and
button stations feature modular, momentary pushbutton switches with addressable
capabilities to control specific luminaires. Preset/fader stations that operate using pro-
grammable buttons and/or faders can also be provided and the designer should dis-
cuss control options with the client (see Figure 3). Integral pilot lights or LEDs indicate
the active state or power status. Button and fader labels can be engraved or screened
by the manufacturer, usually based on approved text from shop drawing submittals.

This text should be discussed with the owner during design to ensure that there are
not additional costs during construction. Station control components offer default or
customizable system functions, including preset selection, manual mode, record mode,
station lockout, raise/lower, macro, cue and room join or separate.

Designers can also choose liquid crystal displays (LCD) with or without touch-screen
interfaces, enabling operation through programmable control pages with buttons, fad-
ers and images. Users can adjust LCD station contrast and brightness, and the station
can be programmed to dim during periods of inactivity. The stations can support the
import of bitmap image files for customizable pages and branding. Permanently in-
stalled LCD stations are semi-recessed in manufacturer-furnished backboxes and trim
assemblies without visible fasteners, while portable stations can conveniently nest into
wall docking stations provided by the manufacturer, requiring no umbilical cable or
9
How light systems are evolving to be smarter

plugs for connection.  Back to TOC

For these systems, the
docking station ensures
charging and communi-
cation with the portable
device when docked.

Wireless controls
For daylight sensing,
network daylight level
sensors play a crucial
role. These sensors
serve as measurement
devices, providing ongoing read-backs of sensor set- Figure 4: Intersection between open
offices and centralized lobby with
tings to the lighting control network or daylight con- a comfortable lounge area creates
troller. The sequence of operations outlines specific specific lighting design challenges.
actions to be triggered at various read-back values. The Courtesy: IMEG Corp.

sensors can be mounted on a ceiling or wall and meet

application requirements based on range and viewing angle.

Outdoor sensors should be wet location listed and designed for outdoor use. The sen-
sor’s output signal is typically linear with light level and its network connection enables
remote querying of sensor status and values via control software. Specifications should
indicate what parameters are network adjustable and which are manual-only.

The systems support the “blink warning” function, which allows for flashing lights off/
on before the lights are turned off, with definable warning intervals for each zone. 10
How light systems are evolving to be smarter

Occupants can override any scheduled off sweep using local wall switches within the  Back to TOC
occupied space, with a programmable override time with a maximum of two hours, as
required in several adopted energy codes. This “blink warning” is more convenient
than letting the lights just turn off, which forces occupants to navigate in the dark to
turn the lights back on. To appropriately specify coverage, designers should consider
occupancy or vacancy sensor coverage during design, while also considering the typi-
cal types of movement each space will see.

Centralized network controllers

When centralized control and programming is desired, the system should include a
server/central station equipped with operating software, a data network and BACnet IP
communication capabilities with other systems. This communication protocol is com-
patible with the BAS, allowing for energy-saving features such as heating, ventilation
and air conditioning set-back. The server/central station offers a programmable opera-
tion of lights through the system relays and controlled with system devices. The system
software provides control of relays and control devices, time and sequence scheduling,
timed out and blink light operation and monitoring and reporting of system events and
components, as initially specified on plans and schedules.

The programming and scheduling of the system can be done locally at the parent
lighting control panel and remotely via the internet. Remote connection to the system
enables real-time control and feedback, allowing monitoring and commands from a re-
mote PC. The system can retain all programs, schedules and time of day in nonvolatile
memory for a specified amount of time, implementing required programs upon power
restoration. The system can allow individual users to turn lighting on and off with their
PCs, with password-protected software for popular operating systems. These sys-
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How light systems are evolving to be smarter

tems can incorporate an RS232 interface for audio/visual or control interface stations,  Back to TOC
providing an interface for PC and/or A/V connection to the lighting control system
through appropriate German Institute for Standardization-style connectors.

The responsibility for coordinating relay modules, network hubs and the control system
server/central station lies with the lighting control system manufacturer, who ensures
proper system performance. The server is usually equipped with a monitor, keyboard
and mouse and is connected to an equipment emergency circuit with an uninterrupt-
able power supply so no programming is lost.

The network hub houses a processor and astronomic time clock to control and monitor
the lighting and associated systems. This hub is usually fed from an emergency circuit
when emergency lighting controls exist on the network. Emergency egress lighting can
be accomplished several ways. The two most common methods being a “night light”
designation or a “switched emergency” designation. The “night light” method leaves
the emergency egress luminaires unswitched, when allowed by energy code and there-
fore there would be no lighting control for this circuit.

Illuminated exit signs share this circuit, typically. The “switched emergency” method
allows the emergency egress luminaires to be controlled with the rest of the space,
allowing for dimming or turning-off, but a UL 924 listed transfer device will bypass the
controls in the event of a loss of power to the normal circuit, driving the designated
luminaires to 100% output.

Dimming considerations
When specifying lighting controls, it is important for designers to consider where the
control components will be located. With each of the control types listed above, the 12
How light systems are evolving to be smarter

devices controlling the lighting fixtures are no longer at the wall controls, but instead  Back to TOC
closer to the lighting fixtures themselves (or integrated within the lighting fixture). As a
result, designers should specify adequate parameters for components.

For example, electrolytic capacitors, which exist throughout the system, are sensitive
to heat and their expected lifetime doubles for every 10°C they operate below their
rated temperature. Conversely, if operated at 10°C above the rated temperature, their
life expectancy halves and at 20°C above, it reduces to a quarter.

To ensure a minimum 10-year operating life under worst-case field conditions, the dim-
ming equipment should be designed to handle peak currents higher than the rated
operating current, which is caused by tungsten inrush, magnetic inrush and lamp burn-
out. To ensure reliability of components, the maximum current rating of each component
should be at least two times the dimmer or relay’s rated operating current. Additionally,
the dimmers and relays should be capable of withstanding repetitive inrush current of 50
times the operating current without affecting their lifetime and they should be designed
and tested to withstand line-side surges without impairment to performance.

It is common for the dimming equipment to incorporate a “soft-start” features for

a smooth ramp-up of lights within fractions of a second at initial turn-on. To achieve
smooth changes in light levels perceived by the human eye, the digital control systems
must have enough steps in their light control output. The dimmers must be capable
of controlling all light sources in a smooth and continuous manner without visible
steps. They should be flexible enough to compensate for the different power levels
required to dim various lighting sources, ensuring proper dimming curves for specific
light sources. The components should allow for field adjustments to fine tune dimming
curves and manage maximum light levels for energy savings. 13
How light systems are evolving to be smarter

When specified for  Back to TOC

specific load types,
line voltage dim-
mers should meet
the requirements for
magnetic low-voltage
transformers, elec-
tronic low-voltage
transformers, neon
and cold cathode
transformers, fluo-
rescent electronic
dimming ballasts or LED drivers. Coordination between Figure 5: This conference room
has flexible lighting control zones
low-voltage dimming modules and line voltage relays is
to accommodate presentation or
necessary to control different light sources effectively, so collaboration functions. Courtesy:
designers should consider each lighting type and the spe- IMEG Corp.

cific requirements of each.

Nondim circuits should meet the requirements for switching high inrush loads, prevent-
ing arcing at relay contacts to extend their life beyond one million cycles. The rated life
of relays at full load should be a minimum of one million cycles and they must be capa-
ble of fully rated output continuous duty for inductive, capacitive and resistive loads.

Testing and installation

Designers need to define the types of conductors to be used and the requirements
to install them. For example, specifications require copper conductors to be no small-
er than a #16 American wire gauge (AWG), with insulation voltage and temperature 14
How light systems are evolving to be smarter

ratings equal to that of the line-voltage wiring. For tapping conductors to switches  Back to TOC
or relays, stranded copper conductors of 16 AWG, solid 16 or 18 AWG with matching
insulation ratings are to be used. When tapping conductors to dimming ballasts, solid
copper conductors of 18 AWG with insulation voltage rating that is not less than that
of the line-voltage wiring and insulation temperature rating of at least 90°C may be
specified. The installation of these cables above the ceiling should be defined, with the
goal of preventing loose cabling routed on top of ceiling tiles, supported by foreign
systems or other carless arrangements. The specifications within CSI Division 27: Com-
munications Manufacturers can be echoed.

Before energizing the system components, a complete functional test shall be per-
formed by a factory-authorized technician. All loads will be tested live for continu-
ity and freedom from defects and control wiring will be checked for continuity and
connections. Programming of initial zones, schedules, lighting levels, control station
groups and sensor settings will be carried out by a factory-authorized technician, with
the lighting control sequence of operations serving as the basis for programming.

However, the final decisions regarding groups and schedules will be made at the own-
er’s discretion. Specific procedures will be followed to confirm the correct operation
of occupancy/vacancy and daylight sensors, making necessary adjustments for proper
functioning.

Regarding training, the manufacturer will provide a competent factory-authorized tech-

nician to train owner personnel in the operation, maintenance and programming of the
lighting control system. The training duration shall be at least three days, with an addi-
tional day scheduled at least two weeks after the initial training.
15
How light systems are evolving to be smarter

 Back to TOC

Figure 6: A sample lighting control

In terms of documentation, the manufacturer will provide wiring diagram illustrates how
individual control components can
system documentation, including a system one-line dia- connect to individual lighting fixture
gram showing all panels, control stations, sensors, com- zones while being on an overall
munication lines and network or building management network. Courtesy: IMEG Corp.

system/BAS interface unit. Additionally, drawings for

each panel showing hardware configuration, numbering, panel wiring schedules and
typical diagrams for each component will be provided.

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How light systems are evolving to be smarter

Future controls  Back to TOC

As the use of AI grows, it will likely find a home in BAS, including lighting controls. The
way lighting controls are programmed is based on a finite set of basic rules and these
programs are static. Changes to the programs are time consuming and in some cases,
they can be too complex for the building owner or operator, requiring visits from the
manufacturer. These controls are also reactionary and cannot predict future issues or
functionality. AI can learn patterns and improve energy efficiency of programmable
lighting controls through a combination of reactive and predictive assessments of the
environment and occupant behavior.

For example, engineers can program in a “dead band for daylight sensors to prevent
erratic behavior from fluctuating lighting levels. This dead band is arbitrarily deter-
mined at the time of install and remains fixed. Lighting controls using AI may not need
a dead band at all, as the behavior of the sun would already be understood and pre-
dicted, allowing for smooth lighting transitions that predict behavior, creating a seam-
less user experience. AI can also find use in reading occupancy or vacancy sensors or
could replace them altogether with alternative methods of determining occupancy for
a single room, entire suite, floor or building by combining all possible building sensors,
cameras and access control. Certainly, the future of smart lighting controls will contin-
ue to evolve and designers are likely to encounter a series of exciting new challenges
to enhance building performance.

Richard Vedvik, PE, IMEG Corp., Rock Island, Illinois

Richard Vedvik is a senior electrical engineer and acoustics engineer at IMEG Corp.
Vedvik has experience in the health care, education, commercial and government sec-
tors. He is a member of the Consulting-Specifying Engineer editorial advisory board.
17
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What’s New in the Athena Lighting Control System by Lutron

 Back to TOC


What’s New in the Athena Lighting Control
System by Lutron
Use the Athena wireless node to foster well-being and improve
building efficiency with dynamic, day-synchronized light and
shade control. Choose from our portfolio of next-generation
wireless controls or our best-in-class centralized panel solutions
to accommodate nearly any project. Meet property needs over
time—our modular data system with native controls creates the
building blocks for Athena’s scalability, while cloud-powered
workflows enable future system updates and expansion.
19
Connected systems create a new era
in advanced lighting control  Back to TOC

Connected lighting systems can help improve user experience and

optimize operational capabilities. Learn key considerations when
specifying these systems.

I n the 1960s, the electronic dimmer revolutionized the relationship between lighting
and the built environment. With the introduction of solid-state dimming controls that
fit in a standard wall box, lighting could suddenly be so much more than just on or off.

In the following decades, commercial customers, homeowners and legislators began

to embrace the power of lighting control to meet code, lower energy use, reduce
electricity bills and curtail negative environmental impacts. Control aesthetics and
efficiency are now a given in good lighting system design and the opportunities lie in
advanced operational capabilities.

The emergence of LEDs, combined with smart, connected lighting control is reframing
the narrative, allowing specifiers to marry advanced technology with the traditional
benefits of lighting control systems to improve system operations immediately and for
the life of the space.

Connective systems lighting control specifications

Owners and end-users are thinking holistically about the efficient operation of their
space. Connected control and intuitive dashboards facilitate the collection and anal-
ysis of data to modernize building operations, help quantify return on investment,
maximize uptime, minimize risk and seamlessly integrate lighting control with the other
building systems. 20
Connected systems create a new era in advanced lighting control

 Back to TOC

Lighting control can elevate the role of the specifying Figure 1: Automated software updates
ensure connected system gain
engineer well beyond code compliance and necessi-
functionality and capability over time.
ty. The designs can address both the advanced needs Courtesy: Lutron Electronics
of the customer and improved building operations for
the owner. Connected systems should be addressed at the beginning of the process by
working with companies that are committed to continued technological innovation and
ongoing service and support.
21
Connected systems create a new era in advanced lighting control

To ensure the best experience for end-users, it is necessary to identify providers and  Back to TOC
solutions with proven experience in the global marketplace, a reputation for prob-
lem-solving and a history of taking care of the customer. There are a few key points to
consider when selecting a lighting control system.

Level of expertise in connected systems

Connected solutions can transform the lighting system into a building asset that con-
tributes to sustainability, increases flexibility and adds value over the life of the project.

Engineers should get comfortable with information technology (IT) conversations and
what it means to deliver a high-value “smart” building. This requires going beyond
codes to create solutions optimized around what the facilities team needs, including
tools for modern space management and the ability to monitor and maintain more
than one building at a time. Smart, connected systems allow the building management
team to be effective from anywhere and at any time.

Digital control systems can provide upgraded building intelligence within the current
hardware infrastructure. Customers count on the specifying engineer to help them nav-
igate best practices and implement operational changes, so it’s necessary to choose a
lighting control system that delivers more capability to stakeholders, while differentiat-
ing the value to the customer.

Optimize building operations

Because lighting is universal, it plays a pivotal role in intelligent building design. Smart
lighting systems can serve as the integration hub for shading, room scheduling soft-
ware, security, maintenance systems and heating, as well as ventilation and air condi-
22
Connected systems create a new era in advanced lighting control

tioning systems  Back to TOC

that impact the
value and flexibility
of the property.

What does this

look like in prac-
tice? In a board-
room, for example,
lighting system
occupancy sensors
can trigger a series
of defined events
— lights brighten,
shades close to
ensure privacy and
Figure 2: A connected dashboard can
the videoconference monitor turns on to ensure the make it easy to visualize and analyze
room is ready for guests. Once the meeting has start- complex information, such as occupancy
patterns, energy data and user
ed, presenters can use wireless remotes or a tap of a interaction. Courtesy: Lutron Electronics
screen on the corresponding app to activate preset
room scenes. All settings return to their “unoccupied” state once the system senses
the room is vacated. Similar sequences can be triggered from wall controls or lighting
system apps.

Building owners also look to lighting system data for actionable insights to support
business goals and operations, aid in employee recruitment and retention and inform
better space planning. Intuitive system dashboards can make it easy to visualize and 23
Connected systems create a new era in advanced lighting control

analyze complex information, such as occupancy patterns, energy data and user inter-  Back to TOC
action, in user-friendly reports that help inform business decisions and drive operation-
al improvements.

Design freedom and scalability with connective systems

Over the last few years, it’s become increasingly necessary to pivot quickly and adapt
to individual preferences. Choosing the right lighting system will accommodate
change and expand design options while delivering integration and control capabili-
ties for any project size or scope.

When specifying a system, ensure it works with a wide variety of fixtures to deliver
static white, tunable white and full-color control under a single platform, matching
the needs of each space. Clients won’t want to compromise lighting performance in
high-profile areas or executive conference rooms, and they also don’t want to compro-
mise the budget in areas where static white control is sufficient.

Integrated daylight control

Natural daylight is one of the most coveted amenities in the built environment, so it’s
important to take advantage of available sunlight with daylight harvesting strategies —
either as a scheduled event or in response to daylight sensors — to increase comfort,
reduce glare and support energy reduction goals.

For example, automated shades can open in the morning to let daylight illuminate
the space, with only minor electric lighting to augment daylight as needed. As the sun
moves throughout the day, lights turn on or brighten and shades adjust to prevent un-
comfortable glare and heat gain. At night, shades may close against the cold or open
24
Connected systems create a new era in advanced lighting control

to a beautiful exterior  Back to TOC

for an after-hours event.

Personalized
lighting control
Individual fixture control
or luminaire level light-
ing controls, magnify the
power of LEDs, integrat-
ing the benefits of con-
nected control systems
directly into each fixture.
Figure 3: A connected lighting and
Luminaire level lighting controls-equipped fixtures
shading system from Lutron allows SOM
can be controlled individually or digitally grouped to take advantage of the abundant
into lighting zones that meet the specified design natural light in its New York City office.
Courtesy: Dave Burk, Lutron Electronics
vision and specific customer needs — all without re-
quiring complicated wiring schematics.

Incorporating luminaire level lighting controls in the design allows facility managers to
evaluate data and revise lighting strategies over time without having to rewire or re-
place hardware. Tenants change. Spaces get updated. Occupants have different per-
sonal requirements. Add value with a lighting control solution that meets today’s needs
and quickly adapts to future changes.

Cloud connectivity
While cloud-connected technology is a paradigm shift in lighting control, internet of
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Connected systems create a new era in advanced lighting control

things (IoT)-connected systems that deliver increased value over time are already part  Back to TOC
of everyday lives. Microsoft Office 365 and Apple iOS platforms are prime examples of
technology that becomes more valuable and more integral over time. The hardware is
assumed to be the front end and the customer counts on it to become more intelligent
and capable as software and firmware are enhanced.

There should be the same expectations of connected lighting control systems — the
power to make changes right from convenient apps, the opportunity to take advan-
tage of the latest tech and the confidence that new capabilities are just a cloud update
away. With the right lighting system, commercial spaces can become more dynamic
and experiential, enhance well-being, and provide the data and insights that drive op-
erational improvements to cement future system value.

Robust security and reliable support

Cybersecurity is on everyone’s mind. Choose systems up to the challenge and work
with companies committed to communicating with IT teams throughout the process to
deliver a system with security as a priority. Look for third-party validation from organi-
zations that promote standardized security and privacy requirements and verify manu-
facturer cybersecurity and software support policies for IoT products. System challeng-
es happen, even in the best of situations. Lighting malfunctions, programming glitches
and other unforeseen issues can affect employee comfort, building operations, pro-
ductivity, and tenant satisfaction. Design an integrated solution Lighting control is part
of the total property package, that contributes to the resilience, flexibility and well-be-
ing of the overall project.

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Connected systems create a new era in advanced lighting control

The future of lighting is connected  Back to TOC

Connected control supports innovation and improved building performance over the
life of the project. Plan ahead to deliver your clients a new standard in lighting control
solutions designed to optimize the occupant experience and operational efficiencies.
The considerations above can help you prioritize solutions that deliver ground-break-
ing innovation, proven technical expertise, and a global service team that can respond
quickly to solve problems and provide system intelligence that expands with the needs
of the project.

Chris Udall
Chris Udall is Director of Product Management, Lutron Electronics.

27
Sustainable lighting
choices under LEED indoor  Back to TOC

environmental quality guidelines

Understand how LEED influences lighting design and how to apply ideas that
go beyond energy efficiency and move into necessary design trends

L ike energy codes, U.S. Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in Energy and En-
vironmental Design) credits develop into more challenging targets as each version
rolls out. While LEED certification is not a new concept, its impact within all aspects of
a potential design may be unfamiliar to those who have not dealt with it directly. In-
door environmental quality (IEQ) requirements specifically are outlined in LEED v4.1:
Interior Lighting.

For lighting designers and specifiers, it is important to first understand if LEED is a tar-
get for your project. This may be an owner directive, proposed design target or energy
code compliance path, especially as some jurisdictions are directing projects to meet
LEED certification requirements for code compliance.

For example, Denver’s latest energy code amendments include an optional pathway
to achieve LEED Platinum certification. When pursuing LEED certification, it is import-
ant to with the project team’s sustainability consultant to confirm which credits will be
targeted, and to start discussing how they may impact the lighting design early in the
schematic design phase. It is much more difficult to backtrack and update a completed
design to meet LEED compliance.

28
Sustainable lighting choices under LEED indoor environmental quality

Under the IEQ section for new  Back to TOC

construction, there are two pos-
sible points for interior lighting.
The intent of this section is to
promote occupants’ productivity,
comfort and well-being by pro-
viding high-quality lighting. To
fulfill requirements, projects must
meet one strategy for one point
and three strategies total for two
points. The strategies outlined
are glare control, color render-
ing, lighting control and surface
reflectivity.

Understanding IEQ
definitions Figure 1: Visual representation of glare as
Below are compiled definitions to assist in break- experienced in a typical office setting. One
of LEED’s targets is to reduce the discomfort
ing down the strategies noted above.
experienced by an occupant due to glare.
Courtesy: Smith Seckman Reid Inc.
• Color fidelity index: Qualitative measure-
ment of a light source’s ability to accurately represent 99 specific colors in compar-
ison to the sun. (See ANSI/IES TM-30 for additional details.)

• Color rendering index (CRI): Qualitative measurement of a light source’s ability

to accurately represent eight specific colors in comparison to the sun.
29
Sustainable lighting choices under LEED indoor environmental quality

• Gamut index: Qualitative measurement of how intense or saturated colors appear  Back to TOC
under a specific light source.

• Glare: The disturbance or reduction of eyesight as caused by high luminance,

specifically in lighting.

• Luminaire: A complete electric light unit, also referred to as light fixture.

• Luminance: The intensity of light emitted from a source, measured in candela per
square meter (cd/m2).

• Nadir: The vertical line projecting downward from the center of the luminaire.

• Unified glare rating (UGR): An industry development method that puts a mea-
surable value to glare. It considers the background luminance, luminance of the
luminaire within the observer’s line of sight, the angle of the luminous part of the
luminaire at the observer’s eye and the displacement of luminaire from line of
sight. UGR may be calculated for an individual fixture (while making assumptions)
or a complete design when modeled in a lighting calculation software.

Breaking down the LEED credit for lighting

The two approaches noted in the official LEED language for glare control may seem
daunting and sound like a calculator will be necessary, but that is not always the case.
For either option, the fixture manufacturers have already done the work and will be
able to provide the individual fixture information.

30
Sustainable lighting choices under LEED indoor environmental quality

Luminance data of a luminaire can be found in the Illuminating Engineering Society  Back to TOC
(IES) fixture file or will be provided by the manufacturer on the specification sheet. An
IES file contains the photometric data of a given fixture. These files are typically intend-
ed to be used in a lighting calculation software and will be needed when calculating
the UGR of a design. The main factors that impact the luminance of a fixture are the
fixture output in lumens and the fixture’s aperture size. As a lumen package increas-
es for a given fixture, the luminance also increases. When comparing aperture sizes,
a two-by-two troffer compared to a two-by-four troffer of the same make, model and
lumen output will likely have a significantly higher luminance.

If meeting the luminance requirement is not a possible path, the alternate option for
glare control is meeting a design’s UGR of less than 19. A design’s UGR number cor-
responds to the occupant’s discomfort from the amount of glare experienced. Typical
ratings fall within the range of 10-30. The higher the UGR numbers, the more glare is
being experienced, which leads to discomfort.

Individual fixtures have UGR data as provided by the manufacturer, but the LEED strat-
egy requires projects to use software modeling calculations of the designed lighting.
In other words, the UGR score to determine LEED certification must come specifically
from software modeling calculations.

The conditions that impact the UGR of a design include fixture selections, room sizes
and layouts. A luminaire with higher lumen packages and/or wider distributions may
result in higher UGR. Larger rooms may require more fixtures or for fixtures to be spaced
farther apart. This can lead to more light sources within the occupant’s field of view and
to a potentially higher UGR. Lower ceilings or fixture mounting heights also play a role.
31
Sustainable lighting choices under LEED indoor environmental quality

The closer the fixture is to the observer’s line of sight, the higher the UGR will be. Un-  Back to TOC
derstanding how each criteria impacts the UGR before approaching a design and fixture
selection facilitates a smoother practice and implementation of this LEED strategy.

It is important to note the exceptions to the glare control path include employing wall
wash fixtures, indirect fixtures and specific applications of fixtures. When done correct-
ly, these applications eliminate the possibility of the occupant having a direct line of
sight into a light source. This significantly reduces the potential of glare experienced.
Therefore, using any of these methods will help achieve either the maximum allowable
luminance or UGR.

How are lighting manufacturers helping to meet these credit

requirements?
There are a few key changes that manufacturers are providing to aid lighting designers
and specifiers when they are attempting to select fixtures that comply with the glare
control portion. First, they are making the luminance data and UGR ratings easy to find
on all specification sheets. While, this will take some time to be seen across all fixtures
and manufacturers, progress is being made.

It is important to understand that the UGRs of an individual fixture do not tell the
whole story. They are calculated using a specific set of assumptions — including com-
mon room shapes, surface reflectance and observer locations — to provide an average
or expected UGR. Therefore, while the numbers provided cannot be simply applied to
any design, they can be used to help direct a design’s fixture selection before it’s possi-
ble to calculate the overall UGR.

32
Sustainable lighting choices under LEED indoor environmental quality

Secondly, many manufac-  Back to TOC

turers are using baffles on
fixtures, which improve visual
comfort by reducing glare.
Baffles are a tool utilized by
designers to minimize an
observer’s ability to directly
see the light source without
significantly impacting the
light fixtures light output
and distribution. A common
example often seen are the
egg crate baffles on older
fluorescent troffers. The baf-
fle options such as a return
of the egg crates, that are
becoming more widely avail-
able will potentially make
Figure 2: Visual representation of unified
achieving these credits more feasible without
glare ratings (UGRs) as experienced in a
complete changes to designs and fixture types typical office setting. As the angle increases
commonly used. between the light source and observer’s
line of sight, the observer’s visual comfort
increases and the UGR decreases. Courtesy:
Color rendering Smith Seckman Reid Inc.
Lighting specifiers will need to remain conscious
during their selection process to utilize fixtures with 90 CRI options available. This may
seem to be a limiting factor in some cases, but as technology progresses 90 CRI is be-
33
Sustainable lighting choices under LEED indoor environmental quality

coming a standard option on many LED luminaires. In the future, the ANSI/IES TM-30  Back to TOC
evaluation may start to replace CRI criteria in fixture selections.

Lighting control
Most designers and specifiers in the commercial design world will be familiar with
designing lighting controls systems that meet the intent of this credit, as standard en-
ergy codes require this level of control in most occupied spaces. The keywords in this
section of the code are “regularly occupied spaces,” where people will be spending
their time, working and performing tasks. Owners and occupants often prefer dimming
options for the enhanced level of control.

Luckily, designers and specifiers will not have any issues finding fixtures and control
packages that have dimming options. Designers and specifiers need to work with the
owners and users to determine the best solution for them, if that will be dimming, mul-
tiple preset dimming levels or a combination of options.

Surface reflectivity
In general, this strategy will fall into an architect or interior designer’s scope and not have
much influence on lighting design and specification. Lighting designers and specifiers
should work with the rest of the design team to be aware of the different surface reflec-
tance chosen throughout a space to properly calculate a design’s UGR, if applicable.

Katherine Clark, PE
Katherine Clark, PE, is an Electrical Engineer I at Smith Seckman Reid Inc. She has
spent her career working on projects in the commercial and health care markets includ-
ing multiple LEED-certified designs.
34
 Lighting Design Retrofitting for propane radiant heat
transformed the space into a quiet, comfortable
communal office.
to Support
Control Intent L ighting control systems have transformed from basic
necessities to value-adding amenities that can improve
how people feel in a space, maximize energy efficiency,

Narratives and
and support larger project goals in significant ways.

As the influence of these systems expands, so does the

Emerging Project need to more clearly define the role that lighting control
should have on a project and give visibility to those deci-

Goals sions. To that end, Control Intent Narratives (CINs) are now
used more frequently, particularly in projects prioritizing
advanced lighting control systems and energy efficiency. A
CIN document outlines the desired behavior and function-
ality of the lighting control system. It is developed in coor-
dination with the owner, user, and architect and is written
in easy-to-understand language to demonstrate how the
system satisfies the owner’s goals.

In response to the growing popularity of the CIN and to

alleviate confusion, the ANSI/IES recently released Light-
ing Practice: Documenting Control Intent Narratives and
Sequences of Operations (LP-16-22) to share best practic-
es for writing a CIN that clearly communicates intent and
Lighting Design to Support Control Intent Narratives

desired outcomes, ideally guiding the lighting specifier to the type of lighting control  Back to TOC
equipment with the features and capabilities to support the CIN.

This article takes a closer look at how CINs can convey some of the trending project
goals many business owners identify, from code compliance and daylight integration to
data gathering and future-proofing. It also explores some of the newest features and
functionalities available in different lighting equipment that can help lighting specifiers
create lighting systems to deliver the desired performance for virtually any project.

Project Goal: Code Compliance and Green Building Certifications

Defining the importance of energy efficiency and any owner-targeted green building
certifications are vital aspects that must be determined early in the project design
process. While all projects must, at a minimum, meet local energy codes, many owners
and architects decide to create buildings that perform better, striving to attain a cer-
tain level of LEED or WELL certification, for example. In any case, the project’s ener-
gy efficiency goals directly impact the type of lighting control system it will need and
should be defined in the CIN.

Per the LP-16-22, the energy efficiency goals of a project, as written in the CIN, may be
simple, such as “save as much energy as possible” or “achieve LEED-Gold certification.”

For projects seeking to comply with the latest iteration of ASHRAE 90.1, the code has
further improved energy efficiency and reduced waste in the lighting system by making
daylight-responsive zones smaller and requiring occupancy sensors in more types of
space. The specifier can address both requirements through the use of wireless sensors.

36
Lighting Design to Support Control Intent Narratives

ASHRAE 90.1-2022 reduced the lighting power density (LPD) threshold for daylight  Back to TOC
controls. This threshold is the minimum wattage for zones requiring daylight-respon-
sive lighting controls. In this latest update, the threshold was lowered from 150W to
75W, shrinking the footprint of fixtures that one daylight sensor controls. This results in
an increase in the overall number of daylight sensors needed in a space.

ASHRAE 90.1-2022 has also continued to increase the types of space where the light-
ing system must respond to occupancy, further reducing the likelihood that lights will
be left on when rooms are unoccupied.

Laundry/washing areas, Mother’s/wellness rooms, medical supply rooms, and rooms used
for telemedicine are just a few of the new places that now require an occupancy sensor.

For projects seeking LEED certification, lighting systems that offer automatic controls,
manual controls, daylight sensors, and occupancy/vacancy sensors will effectively trim en-
ergy use when there is ample daylight, empty rooms, or when people just need less light.

In Florida, the PGA TOUR engaged the renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners
to design a modern headquarters. A responsive light control system was critical to
achieving these goals and contributing to LEED Gold Certification.

The design team selected the Vive wireless lighting control system to deliver the en-
ergy savings and flexibility the project demanded. The wireless nature of the system—
wireless wall controls and sensors—makes it easy to add, subtract, or move controls as
needed, and the luminaires can be quickly regrouped with an app.

37
Lighting Design to Support Control Intent Narratives

Blending the lighting control system into the carefully designed aesthetic of the proj-  Back to TOC
ect was another important consideration for the PGA TOUR project. The design team
custom-ordered black sensors to complement the wood ceiling, proving that height-
ened energy efficiency can also be beautiful.

Vive wireless system features include: energy savings from

automatic daylight adjustments, the ability to monitor and
respond to system status alerts that identify areas of energy
waste, timeclock settings to ensure that non-essential
lighting is automatically turned off after hours. 38
Lighting Design to Support Control Intent Narratives

Project Goal: Create a More Human-Centric Environment  Back to TOC

The past few years underscore the importance of well-being in the workplace and oth-
er commercial spaces. Design frameworks increasingly encourage a culture of well-be-
ing and may even help employers attract and retain high-caliber talent. The drive to
create more human-centric environments and democratize daylight is making its way
into the design goals of projects large and small. Access to daylight, for example, is
one of the more desired amenities in office space.

While it is still impossible to give every employee a window seat, advanced lighting
control systems can help drive the feeling of daylight deep into a building with tech-
nologies that can replicate the color of natural light and its many transitions through-
out the day.

Achieving this continuous match with daylight—from sunrise to sunset—requires a tun-

able white lighting system, which adjusts the correlated color temperature (CCT) of the
luminaires in response to the way natural light changes in the space.

Here is an example of how the lights can be programmed to transition throughout the
day to coordinate with daylight, as described in the LP-16-22:

• 2300K: from 1 hour before sunset to 1 hour before sunrise

• 3500K: from 1 hour before sunrise to sunrise

• 4500K: from sunrise to 1 hour after sunrise

39
Lighting Design to Support Control Intent Narratives

• 6000K: from 1 hour after sunrise to 3 hours before sunset  Back to TOC

• 4500K: from 3 hours before sunset to 2 hours before sunset

• 3500K: from 2 hours before sunset to 1 hour before sunset

Some tunable white lighting systems fea- A connected lighting and shading system from Lutron
allows SOM to take advantage of the abundant natural
ture a CCT sensor capable of detecting
light in their NYC office. SOM carefully considered the
the color of local daylight at the window lighting needs of every workspace to ensure that no
and its subtle changes throughout the spot was over-lit or too dim.

40
Lighting Design to Support Control Intent Narratives

day. Per LP-16-22, here’s an example of a control intent narrative communicating the  Back to TOC
need for the lighting in an interior to mimic the changing CCT of daylight.

“The lobby downlights, cove lights, and entry vestibule luminaires employ white tuning
to track the correlated color temperature of daylight via a CCT sensor. In this way, the
CCT of the lighting in these spaces will match the daylight entering the space.”

Consider specifying a system that works with a wide variety of fixtures to deliver static
white, tunable white, and full-color control under a single platform to match the indi-
vidual needs of each space. Clients won’t want to compromise lighting performance in
high-profile areas or executive conference rooms. Still, they also don’t want to compro-
mise the budget in areas where static white control is sufficient.

Smart lighting control solutions can augment natural daylight with state-of-the-art
technologies – such as integrated shading solutions that balance automated daylight
control with intelligent, dynamic lighting – to increase occupant comfort, promote
views, reduce glare, and meet energy reduction goals. These strategies combine to
create an engaging and productive building environment.

Project Goal: Collect Data and Improve Real Estate Value by

Delivering Space-Utilization Insights
Building owners and facility managers count on lighting system data for actionable
insights about how systems and structures can best support business goals and oper-
ations. This information has wide-ranging potential to aid employee recruitment and
retention, inform better space planning, and enhance real estate over time. As such,
the goal of collecting data on energy usage, space utilization, and occupant location
may be incorporated into the CIN. 41
Lighting Design to Support Control Intent Narratives

Wireless sensors, integral to the luminaire or installed nearby, are the most common  Back to TOC
technology used to collect this data. These systems often perform double duty in that
they function as lighting controls and collect data.

According to LP-16-2, some of the issues and variables that should be considered
throughout a project that prioritizes innovative digital technologies include:

• Sensor locations driven by data collection may not align with luminaire locations
that are most suitable for lighting design goals. Some sensor control systems offer
critical flexibility with independent sensors that can be used without luminaires to
ensure the data grid is complete or sensors that can be wired to a luminaire but
externally mounted.

• Not all sensors can be integrated into all luminaires. It is essential to investigate
luminaire options in advance.

• Advanced technologies offering beyond-lighting features and benefits are limited

overall. If the Owner’s Project Requirements specify a particular beyond-lighting
capability, it is not uncommon for only one or two systems to be able to deliver
that benefit.

• In addition to meeting energy codes for auto-shutoff and daylight harvesting, some
sensing systems can capture occupancy information for other purposes beneficial to
the occupant, tenant, owner, or operator, such as space utilization and reservation.

Note: If data gathering is essential, providing building owners and facilities’ teams with ac-
cess to that information in a user-friendly and easily actionable way is equally so. Look for 42
Lighting Design to Support Control Intent Narratives

solutions that offer an intuitive dashboard that makes it easy  Back to TOC
The Lutron Dashboard can make
to visualize and analyze the collected information. Well-de- it easy to visualize and analyze
signed reports will help inform business decisions, drive complex information, such as
occupancy patterns, energy data,
operational improvements, and cement future system value. and user interaction.

Project Goal: Future Proofing

Future-proofing is one of the hottest topics in design right now and one of the hard-
est things to do. Commercial projects, for example, require the design team to equip
the building to accommodate today’s work styles while building in support for the way 43
Lighting Design to Support Control Intent Narratives

work will be done tomorrow. It also implies that transitioning from one phase to anoth-  Back to TOC
er will be relatively pain-free and non-intrusive.

Building owners and architects can capture their desire to create these future-friendly
systems in the CIN. For example, the design team for the new BlackRock headquarters,
profiled in the next section, identified a key project objective as “Create an adaptive
space that will serve BlackRock’s needs today and in the future.”

When lighting specifiers begin looking for a lighting control solution that best reflects
the design intent, cloud-connected building systems help balance differing priorities
and ensure the building stays up-to-date and future-ready.

While connected systems are already part of everyday life, people commonly invest in
consumer hardware, knowing that functionality-improving updates will occur frequent-
ly and automatically make the product smarter and more capable over time. Interest
in connected lighting systems is gaining momentum as the upside becomes better
understood. Continuous, automated updates without prohibitive investments in new
hardware create value over time. They set a new standard in lighting control solutions
designed for the life of the project.

One of the features that differentiates cloud-connected lighting control systems is the
opportunity for individual fixture control or luminaire level lighting controls (LLLCs).
LLLCs are wireless devices integrated directly into a lighting fixture, typically by the
manufacturer. They put advanced intelligence in the fixture, making the lighting system
more amenable to pre-, during, and post-construction changes.

44
Lighting Design to Support Control Intent Narratives

Smart, connected LLLCs integrate the benefits of an extensive, networked control  Back to TOC
system directly into the individual LED fixtures. Occupancy and daylight sensors can
be designed directly into the LLLC device, or the fixture can communicate with system
sensors in each building area or zone to automatically adjust lighting based on sensor
data—a critical functionality for meeting various energy and building codes.

LLLC-equipped fixtures also enhance the flexibility of the lighting system. They can be
controlled individually or digitally grouped into lighting zones that meet the specified
design vision and specific customer needs – and then changed—all without requiring
complicated wiring.

Incorporating LLLCs
in the lighting design
allows designers and
facility managers to
evaluate data and
revise lighting strate-
gies over time with-
out having to rewire
or replace hardware.
Tenants change.
Spaces get updated. Occupants have different Athena wireless node is an ultra-small,
individual, wireless fixture control to ensure
personal requirements. Add value with a lighting
you can easily and quickly adjust light
control solution that meets today’s needs and settings by fixture, zone, or a combination
quickly adapts to future changes. of both. This device allows a Lutron Athena
system to be controlled with granularity
down to the individual fixture.
45
Lighting Design to Support Control Intent Narratives

By ensuring the lighting system design can adapt and evolve to accommodate chang-  Back to TOC
es during and post-construction—even when the system is fully programmed—LLLCs
help to make the project engineer’s job more manageable and less risky.

BlackRock Case Study

Global investment firm BlackRock recently reimagined its corporate headquarters to
co-locate its 4,000 New York City employees under one roof, embodying the compa-
ny’s core principle: “We are one BlackRock,” a maxim that prioritizes working collabo-
ratively and without silos.

The key design goals for this project included:

• Consolidating employees in a single New York City location to encourage collabo-

ration and emphasize a unified culture.

• Establish an inclusive working environment that prioritizes employee well-being

and comfort.

• Create an adaptive space that will serve BlackRock’s needs today and in the future.

• Design to prioritize energy reduction, limit material waste, and achieve LEED Plat-
inum certification.

The team chose the cloud-connected Lutron Athena connected lighting control sys-
tem with Athena wireless nodes, tunable white lighting, and automated shades to
bring this vision to life.
46
Lighting Design to Support Control Intent Narratives

Challenges  Back to TOC

Inspired by New York City, architects at NBBJ likened each floorplate in the 15-story
headquarters to its own miniature city, approaching the design like a scaled-down
urban plan that balances group-work space and focus areas.

With floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant natural light, the integrated lighting and
shading solution drew natural light deep into the space while mitigating heat gain
and glare. The system accommodates changes to layout and programming over time,
ensuring cutting-edge performance for years to come.

Solution
Investing in the Lutron Athena connected lighting control system with Athena wireless
nodes in the LED fixtures was crucial to delivering performance, flexibility, and effi-
ciency.

“We’ve already gone through changing business needs, and the lighting control com-
ponent has been seamless. We just reprogrammed the wireless switch on the walls
and the fixtures. We’ve done that, and it’s been wonderful. I think this project has ac-
tually changed the norm for what people expect from a lighting control system. It sets
the bar higher,” says Barry Novick, Technology Strategy, BlackRock.

Choosing a wireless solution had sweeping effects on the job, specifically simplifying
installation, which led to significant labor savings and lower materials costs. “Using
the Athena wireless node saved us time and money; there was no need to pull addi-
tional wires, which translated to significantly quicker installation time,” explained Jay
Rimatzki, Account Executive, J.T. Magen.
47
Lighting Design to Support Control Intent Narratives

Ultimately, over 9,000 Athena wireless nodes were installed directly into a mix of USAI  Back to TOC
downlights, Axis linear luminaires, and SSL pendants throughout the space, delivering
tremendous flexibility and actionable energy and occupancy data while maintaining a
clean, uncluttered ceiling.

Tunable white lighting, installed throughout the open office areas, is programmed to
change with the time of day to support the occupant’s daily routines.

In tandem with the pro-

grammed lighting scenes,
Lutron shades on all win-
dows adjust automatically
over the course of the
day, preserving access to
city views while minimiz-
ing uncomfortable glare
and solar heat gain.

Beyond system design

and installation, success
depended on getting ex-
emplary service and sup-
port. Lutron’s 25+ years
of wireless expertise and To meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s changing
commitment to caring for the customer requirements, the proposed lighting control solution
were critical to BlackRock’s confidence in had to be smarter and more innovative than anything

choosing Lutron for the project.

the team had previously used.
48
Lighting Design to Support Control Intent Narratives

Results  Back to TOC

The new LEED-platinum-certified headquarters invites collaboration and connection,
allowing employees to interact in the best ways for them. The goal of One BlackRock
can be felt throughout the space, from small meeting rooms to the 400-person audi-
torium to the showstopping oculus at the top of the main stairwell that reminds em-
ployees they’re part of a larger whole, under the same stars and working towards the
same goals as their global colleagues.

Lighting plays a key role every step of the way. “We broke a lot of new ground in this
building. Lighting control is one of the many areas. Lutron was the best and only man-
ufacturer up to the job,” said Barry Novick. The new headquarters exceeds expecta-
tions of comfort, efficiency, and flexibility. It celebrates the people in the space and
honors BlackRock’s quest for sustainable and future-forward solutions.

Read the entire case study here.

49
Exit sign and emergency light
requirements for facilities  Back to TOC

Understanding the requirements and regulations surrounding emergency

lighting and exit signs is essential to maintaining a secure environment
regardless of the facility type.

E mergency lighting and exit signs play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and
well-being of individuals within various facilities. These crucial safety measures
serve as guiding beacons during critical situations, providing vital illumination and
clear evacuation paths. Understanding the requirements and regulations surrounding
emergency lighting and exit signs is essential to maintaining a secure environment.
Compliance with national and international standards, such as those set by the Nation-
al Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administra-
tion (OSHA), is essential for safeguarding occupants.

In this article, we’ll discuss the comprehensive realm of emergency lighting and exit sign
requirements, shedding light on key aspects to facilitate informed decision-making.

Understanding emergency lighting and exit signs

Emergency lighting and exit signs are essential components of safety systems de-
signed to protect individuals in various facilities. These measures serve the crucial pur-
pose of providing illumination and clear guidance during critical situations, ensuring
the safe evacuation of occupants.

50
Exit sign and emergency light requirements for facilities

Three types of emergency lighting  Back to TOC

1. Standby lighting: Standby lighting serves as a backup illumination source during
power failures. It is strategically employed in areas where the loss of light could
pose safety risks, allowing occupants to navigate and perform necessary tasks
until power is restored.

2. Emergency escape lighting: Emergency escape lighting is specifically designed

to illuminate escape routes, including stairways, corridors, and exits. It ensures
clear visibility and helps individuals safely navigate towards designated emergen-
cy exits, facilitating efficient evacuation during emergencies.

3. High-risk task area lighting: High-risk task area lighting focuses on providing
targeted illumination in areas where critical activities are conducted. This type of
emergency lighting is tailored to specific locations, such as medical procedure
rooms or manufacturing sites, ensuring adequate visibility for safe operations.

Two types of exit signs

• Photoluminescent exit signs: Photoluminescent exit signs absorb and store
ambient light, making them highly visible in low light conditions. These signs do
not rely on electrical power, offering energy efficiency and reliable visibility during
emergencies.

• Electrically-powered exit signs: Electrically powered exit signs are connected to

a power source and typically utilize LED lights for illumination. They provide con-
sistent visibility and reliability, particularly in areas with sufficient lighting.

51
Exit sign and emergency light requirements for facilities

Exit sign, emergency light requirements and standards  Back to TOC

Meeting the necessary requirements and adhering to established standards is crucial
when it comes to emergency lighting systems. Several organizations and regulatory
bodies provide guidelines to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these systems.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA does not have specific regulations regarding emergency lighting, but OSHA
1910.37 has requirements for lighting and marking exit routes. According to the stan-
dard, lighting and marking must be adequate and appropriate. The standard states
that all exit routes must be adequately lighted so that any employee with normal vision
can see along the route. Here are additional requirements:

• Each exit must be clearly visible and marked by a sign reading “Exit.”

• Each exit route door must be free of decorations or signs that obscure the visibility
of the exit route door.

• If the direction of travel to the exit or exit discharge is not immediately apparent,
signs must be posted along the exit access indicating the direction of travel to the
nearest exit and exit discharge. Additionally, the line-of-sight to an exit sign must
clearly be visible at all times.

• Each doorway or passage along an exit access that could be mistaken for an exit
must be marked “Not an Exit” or similar designation, or be identified by a sign
indicating its actual use (e.g., closet).

52
Exit sign and emergency light requirements for facilities

• Each exit sign must be illuminated to a surface value of at least five foot-candles  Back to TOC
(54 lux) by a reliable light source and be distinctive in color. Self-luminous or elec-
troluminescent signs that have a minimum luminance surface value of at least .06
footlamberts (0.21 cd/m2) are permitted.

• Each exit sign must have the word “Exit” in plainly legible letters not less than six
inches (15.2 cm) high, with the principal strokes of the letters in the word “Exit” not
less than three-fourths of an inch (1.9 cm) wide.

Under 1910.35, OSHA notes that the NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) and International
Code Council’s International Fire Code meet their compliance requirements.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

The NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code details their requirements for acceptable forms of
illumination for exit signs, placement, and visibility.

• Section 7.10.1.2 states that all exit signs must be illuminated by a reliable light
source and must be legible in both normal and emergency exit lighting modes.
Externally illuminated signs are required to have a level of illumination of not less
than five foot-candles (54 lux) at the illuminated surface and a contrast ratio of not
less than five-tenths. Internally illuminated signs must be listed and compliant with
the ANSI//Underwriters Laboratory (UL) 924, Standard for Emergency Lighting and
Power Equipment.

• The code states that any new exit signs must be located so that no point in an exit
access corridor is in excess of the sign’s rated viewing distance or 100-feet, which-
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Exit sign and emergency light requirements for facilities

ever is less, from the nearest sign. And exit signs with directional indicators must  Back to TOC
be placed in every location where the direction of travel to reach the nearest exit is
not apparent.

• The Life Safety Code states that sign must be located and of such size, distinctive
color, and design that it is readily visible and must contrast with the background
where it’s placed. It also notes that no decorations, furnishings, or equipment that
impairs visibility of a sign shall be permitted. No brightly illuminated sign (for other
than exit purposes), display, or object in or near the line of vision of the required
exit sign that could distract attention from the exit sign shall be permitted.

Emergency light requirements are referenced under Section 7.9 of the Life Safety
Code. Here are important points:

• Emergency illumination (when required) must be provided for a minimum of

1.5-hours in the event of failure of normal lighting.

• The emergency lighting must be arranged to provide initial illumination of not

less than an average of one foot-candle (10.8-lux) and a minimum at any point of
0.1-foot-candle (1.1-lux) measured along the path of egress at floor level. These lev-
els can decline to a minimum of 0.6-foot-candle (6.5-lux) average and 0.06-foot-can-
dle (0.65-lux) at any one point at the end of emergency lighting time (1.5-hours).

• The maximum illumination at any one point can be no more than 40 times the min-
imum illumination at any one point to prevent excessively bright and dark spots
(section 7.9.2.1.3).
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Exit sign and emergency light requirements for facilities

• The emergency lighting system must be arranged to provide illumination automat-  Back to TOC
ically in the event of any interruption of normal lighting.

Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare

Organizations (JCAHO)
JCAHO establishes requirements specific to healthcare facilities, ensuring the safety
of patients, staff, and visitors. Their standards include provisions for emergency light-
ing, exit signs, backup power systems, and testing protocols to ensure the continuous
operation of emergency lighting in critical areas.

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

The AHJ refers to the local authority responsible for enforcing building codes and reg-
ulations. They play a significant role in overseeing compliance with emergency lighting
requirements specific to a given jurisdiction. AHJs may adopt and enforce relevant
codes, such as the International Building Code (IBC) or International Fire Code (IFC),
which contain provisions for emergency lighting and exit signs.

Testing requirements for emergency lighting

Regular testing of emergency lighting systems is crucial to ensure their proper func-
tioning during emergencies. Section 7.9.3 of the Life Safety Code addresses the re-
quirements for periodic testing of emergency lights. NFPA recognizes 3 types of emer-
gency lights – traditional, self-testing/self-diagnostic and computer based self-testing/
self-diagnostic. Testing requirements are as follows:

• A monthly activation test, where the lights remain illuminated for a minimum of
30-seconds.
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Exit sign and emergency light requirements for facilities

• An annual test where the lights are activated for 1.5-hours to simulate a long term  Back to TOC
emergency event.

• Documentation of both the monthly and annual test which will be inspected by the
AHJ.

Five lighting installation and maintenance tips

Proper installation and regular maintenance are crucial for ensuring the effectiveness
and reliability of emergency lighting systems. Consider these five key aspects:

1. Hiring a professional electrician: To guarantee safe and accurate installation, it

is recommended to engage a qualified and experienced professional electrician.
They possess the necessary expertise to handle electrical connections, wiring,
and other technical aspects, ensuring compliance with regulations and standards.

2. Installation requirements and best practices: During installation, it is essen-

tial to follow the specific requirements and best practices outlined by regulatory
standards. These may include guidelines on the placement of luminaires, wiring
connections, backup power sources, and testing protocols. Adhering to these
requirements ensures proper functionality and optimal performance.

3. Regular maintenance and testing procedures: Routine maintenance is vital to

identify and address any potential issues promptly. This includes inspecting and
cleaning luminaires, checking battery performance, and verifying proper opera-
tion of control devices. Regular testing should be conducted to ensure that emer-
gency lighting systems are in working order and meet illumination requirements.
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Exit sign and emergency light requirements for facilities

4. Testing frequency and duration: The frequency and duration of testing depend  Back to TOC
on regulatory standards and local jurisdiction. Common practices include month-
ly functional tests and annual full-duration tests. Monthly tests typically involve
activating the system to ensure proper operation, while annual tests simulate a
power outage to assess the system’s performance over an extended period.

5. Documentation and record-keeping: Maintaining accurate documentation and

records of installation, maintenance, and testing is essential for compliance and
record-keeping purposes. Documentation should include details such as instal-
lation dates, maintenance activities, test results, and any repairs or replacements
performed.

Herbert Post
Herbert Post is VP of health and safety at TradeSafe. He has spent the last 13 years
facilitating best practices and teaching updated regulations.

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Germicidal UV lights could be
producing indoor air pollutants  Back to TOC

While useful for killing pathogens such as COVID-19, the lights may cause
unwanted chemical reactions and should be used with ventilation, according
to an MIT study.

M any efforts to reduce transmission of diseases like COVID-19 and the flu have
focused on measures such as masking and isolation, but another useful approach
is reducing the load of airborne pathogens through filtration or germicidal ultraviolet
light. Conventional UV sources can be harmful to eyes and skin, but newer sources that
emit at a different wavelength, 222 nm, are considered safe.

However, research from MIT shows these UV lights can produce potentially harmful
compounds in indoor spaces. While the researchers emphasize this doesn’t mean the
new UV lights should be avoided entirely, they do say the research suggests it is im-
portant the lights have the right strength for a given indoor situation, and they are
used along with appropriate ventilation.

The findings are reported in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, in a
paper by recent MIT postdoc Victoria Barber, doctoral student Matthew Goss, Profes-
sor Jesse Kroll, and six others at MIT, Aerodyne Research, and Harvard University.

While Kroll and his team usually work on issues of outdoor air pollution, during the
pandemic they became increasingly interested in indoor air quality. Usually, little pho-
tochemical reactivity happens indoors, unlike outdoors, where the air is constantly ex-

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Germicidal UV lights could be producing indoor air pollutants

posed to sunlight. But with the use of devices to clean indoor air using chemical meth-  Back to TOC
ods or UV light, “all of a sudden some of this oxidation is brought indoors,” triggering
a potential cascade of reactions, Kroll said.

Initially, the UV light interacts with oxygen in the air to form ozone, which is itself a
health risk. “But also, once you make ozone, there’s a possibility for all these other ox-
idation reactions,” Kroll said. For example, the UV can interact with the ozone to pro-
duce compounds called OH radicals, which are also powerful oxidizers.

Barber, who is now an assistant professor at the University of California at Los Angeles,
said, “If you have volatile organic compounds in the environment, which you do ba-
sically in all indoor environments, then these oxidants react with them and you make
these oxidized volatile organic compounds, which in some cases turn out to be more
harmful to human health than their unoxidized precursors.” The process also leads to
the formation of secondary organic aerosols, she said. “Again, this stuff is harmful to
breathe, so having it in your indoor environment is not ideal.”

The formation of such compounds is particularly problematic in the indoors, Kroll said,
because people spend so much of their time there, and low ventilation rates can mean
these compounds could accumulate to relatively high levels.

Having studied such processes in outdoor air for years, the team had the right equip-
ment in hand to observe these pollution-forming processes indoors directly. They car-
ried out a series of experiments, first exposing clean air to the UV lights inside a con-
trolled container, then adding one organic compound at a time to see how they each
affected the compounds that were produced. Although further research is needed to
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Germicidal UV lights could be producing indoor air pollutants

see how these findings apply to real indoor environments, the formation of secondary  Back to TOC
products was clear.

The devices that make use of the new UV wavelengths, called KrCl excimer lamps, are
still relatively rare and expensive. They’re used in some hospital, restaurant, or com-
mercial settings rather than in homes. But while they have sometimes been touted as a
substitute for ventilation, especially in hard-to-ventilate older buildings, the new study
suggests that’s not appropriate.

“Our big finding was that these lights are not a replacement for ventilation, but rather
a complement to it,” Kroll said.

Some have proposed that with these devices, “Maybe if you could just deactivate the
viruses and bacteria indoors, you wouldn’t need to worry about ventilation as much.
What we showed is that, unfortunately, that’s not necessarily the case, because when
you have less ventilation, you get a buildup of these secondary products,” Kroll said.

He suggests a different approach: “There may be a sweet spot in which you’re getting
the health benefits of the light, the deactivation of pathogens, but not too many of the
disbenefits of the pollutant formation because you’re ventilating that out.”

The results so far are from precisely controlled lab experiments, with air contained in
a Teflon bag for testing, Barber points out. “What we’re seeing in our bag is not nec-
essarily directly comparable to what you would see in a real indoor environment,” she
says, “but it does give a pretty good picture of what the chemistry is that can happen
under radiation from these devices.”
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Germicidal UV lights could be producing indoor air pollutants

Goss said, “This work allowed us to validate a simple model that we could plug in  Back to TOC
parameters to that are more relevant to actual indoor spaces.” In the paper, they use
this information “to try to apply the measurements we’ve taken to estimate what would
happen in an actual indoor space.” The next step in the research will be to attempt
follow-up studies taking measurements in real-world indoor spaces, he says.

“We’ve shown that these are a potential concern,” Kroll said. “But in order to under-
stand what the full real-world implications are, we need to take measurements in real
indoor environments.”

David L. Chandler
MIT News Office

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 Lighting &
Lighting Controls
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