

This control narrative describes the lighting controls and their intent, and it provides a basis and context for a detailed sequence of operations, or description of outputs in response to various inputs for each control point. While all these are important to characterize a control solution, possibly the most important is the control narrative and sequence of operations.

LIGHTING AND SHADE CONTROL STRATEGIES HOW TO
Performance testing criteria: informs the contractor and commissioning authority what and how to test after installation, along with criteria for acceptance. Panel schedules: assign loads to specific dimmers and switches residing in the panel, if panels are to be installed. Operating, maintenance, and installation manuals: provide information about installing and owning the system. Written specifications and cut sheets: describe the products and their desired performance. One-line wiring diagrams: visually depict how all control devices connect and their relationship with each other.Ĭontrol zoning plan: reveals what control devices control what loads.

There are several possible major documents produced during the design of a lighting control system: This article provides background on the importance of the control narrative and then explores the new IES document to summarize some of its best practices.
LIGHTING AND SHADE CONTROL STRATEGIES MANUAL
It is not intended to be a design guide, but rather a reference manual of best practices on how the design-once formulated-is included in the project documentation and communicated to the construction and commissioning teams. Intended for a variety of users in the lighting community, this document provides guidance on the documentation of control narratives and sequences of operation. Though required by commercial building energy codes as documentation for many new construction and major renovation projects, aside from the Lighting Controls Association, manufacturers, and a few other sources, there are few resources providing guidance about how to write them.Įnter the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), which took on the challenge by publishing ANSI/IES LP-16-22, Documenting Control Intent Narratives and Sequences of Operations in June 2022. One of the most important documents is the control narrative joined to a detailed sequence of operations. As lighting controls become more sophisticated in application and capabilities, properly documenting the system’s intent and settings becomes critical.
