The first step in an architectural lighting project is to request a lighting design by a qualified lighting designer.
Typically, the manufacturer will provide this service for free (click here to submit a free lighting design request). This lighting design will help determine the number of lighting fixtures needed to achieve the needed light levels. If it is a new project, the engineer will often provide site drawings that can be used to create the lighting design. For a retrofit on an existing field, most lighting designs can be done by simply utilizing Google Earth.
Engineer: Depending on a number of factors, an architectural and or electrical engineer may be involved in producing drawings for the project. It is their job to specify the lighting requirements so that the lighting manufacturer and the installer can properly bid the job. On other projects, mostly retrofits, engineers are not necessary.
Typical Lighting Requirements:
Lighting Fixtures: The number of lighting fixtures necessary to reach your lighting goals will be listed in the lighting design schedule.
Mounting Adapters: For retrofits, poles or other structures are reused after the older lighting has been removed. To ensure that the new fixtures can be mounted properly on the cross arms, installers will first install a mounting adapter. The new fixtures can then be securely attached.
Wiring: For retrofits, the existing wiring can often be reused (as determined by the installer). On new installations, the manufacturer typically provides a wiring harness that will make installation easy for the installer.
Poles & Structures: The manufacturer will provide engineering drawings of the poles or structures. They will be stamped by a local engineer that verifies that poles or structures are suitable for local soil and weather conditions. The engineering drawings will include specifications that the installer will need for a proper installation.
Control System: A control system may or may not be necessary depending on the site owner’s requirements. Without a control system, the lights can be turned on/off by flipping the breaker or breakers for the power to poles. With a simple control system, power to the poles can be controlled by a button or through an app. For more complex control, power to the poles and individual fixtures can be controlled through buttons, an app and/or a dedicated DMX console.
In general, it is not a good idea to buy the equipment directly from the installer. These lights are often times white labeled fixtures from an unbranded factory.
These off-brand fixtures are typically inexpensive to source and can result in unreliable lighting. The facility will have to live with the choice of fixture for years to come. Selecting an experienced LED fixture manufacturer is key.
We recommend that site owners have a relationship with the equipment manufacturer to ensure the highest quality product with long-term service capability.
Manufacturer: This is the party that optimally designs, engineers and manufactures the equipment that will be installed on site. The site owner should know who the lighting manufacturer is and what previous jobs have been successful using their equipment. Most importantly, the manufacturer should have an established plan as to how they will be able to service the equipment for the lifetime of the warranty.
Installer Products: Off-brand fixtures purchased with the intent of higher profit margins. As part of their business model, they buy the cheapest fixture available from overseas, and then work a deal with the factory to put their name on it. They will commonly receive the product from the factory at 95% completion. They will then attach a wiring harness or some other simple device to claim their fixture is an “American Product.”
Site Owner: This is typically the end user of the installed equipment.
Lastly, find a contractor for installation. A good electrical contractor should make the installation process as friction-less as possible. If you need help, Spectrabeams can help you find the right one.
The installer should be able to provide the site owner with an expected time for completion. As part of their initial bid, they should take into consideration all site conditions that will have an impact on their schedule. These conditions can include field access, on-site obstacles and weather conditions.
Installer: This is typically an electrical contractor who is responsible for installing the equipment according to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
As part of their scope of work, the installer should ensure that all equipment is installed per manufacturer’s specifications. Typically, this will include mounting and aiming the fixtures according to the custom aiming guide provided at start of installation, as well as attaching safety cables, powering the fixtures and testing the fixtures for a continuous 48 hours.
Site Conditions: The most important requirement on site for a proper architectural lighting installation is access to electrical power and that the power available will be enough to power each fixture. If the site owner is unsure if they have enough on-site power, it might be appropriate to employ the services of an electrical engineer.
Commissioning: Once the installer has completed the installation, the manufacturer may come to site for final commissioning. This includes verification of light levels, programming and testing of the control system and training the site owner on use of the system.
Warranty: Typically, there will be two types of warranties for a lighting project. The first will come from the installer and should cover all issues related to the actual installation. For example, if the wiring is incorrect or there was damage to the site, the installer would be responsible. This warranty is usually good for a year from the end of installation.
The second warranty is from the manufacturer and usually covers a period of 10 years. If a single fixture stops functioning, the manufacturer may provide a replacement power supply or entire fixture, but will not necessarily visit the site and perform the labor to replace the fixture. However, if a number of fixtures stops functioning, a good manufacturer’s warranty will cover the costs for both the materials and labor to restore the lighting to original lighting levels.
Architectural lighting jobs don’t have to be a hassle. At Spectrabeams Lighting, we work out the details for you.
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