THE LIGHTING REFERENCE
LIGHTING · SCIENCE · PRACTICE

Begin with the purpose. Finish with evidence.

A repeatable workflow for translating human needs into an operating lighting installation.

Primary-source research · Original explanations · Reviewed October 4, 2026
01

01 · Establish the brief

Describe users, activities, hours, visual tasks and intended atmosphere. Identify the applicable IES recommended practice, then the jurisdiction and adopted code. A recommended practice, an energy requirement and a client preference have different roles; document each instead of mixing them into one unsupported target.

02

02 · Set the evaluation criteria

Define what must be evaluated: maintained illumination, distribution, glare, color appearance, controls, access and maintenance. Obtain project-specific numerical criteria from the full applicable guidance. Our application directory links to official IES documents rather than inventing a universal lux table. [1] [2]

03

03 · Build and compare alternatives

Explore source, optics, mounting, spacing and control sequence together. Compare exact photometric configurations and test reports. Record the variables held constant so an efficacy or cost comparison remains meaningful. [3] [4]

04

04 · Review the experience

Use calculations and mock-ups for different questions. A calculation helps evaluate declared quantities across a grid. A mock-up helps examine material appearance, reflections, interfaces and occupant experience. Document why an option was accepted and what uncertainties remain.

05

05 · Specify and commission

Write a coordinated specification including photometric configuration, control compatibility, aiming, test documentation and verification procedures. At handover, test scenes and overrides, record settings, and explain maintenance responsibilities. The control practice LP-6 is an official starting point for this part of the work. [5]

PRIMARY SOURCES

Check the evidence.

Public definitions and catalog scope support the cited explanations. Full normative criteria remain in the applicable official document.

  1. 01
    Source recordANSI/IES RP-1-24 · Lighting Office Spaces ↗
  2. 02
    Source recordANSI/IES RP-8-25+E2 · Lighting Roadway and Parking Facilities ↗
  3. 03
    Source recordANSI/IES LM-79-24 · Optical and Electrical Measurements of Solid State Lighting Products ↗
  4. 04
    Source recordANSI/IES LM-63-19(R25) · IES Standard File Format for the Electronic Transfer of Photometric Data and Related Information ↗
  5. 05
    Source recordANSI/IES LP-6-25 · Lighting Control Systems – Properties, Selection, and Specification ↗

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