Commissioning & Post-Install Light Testing Procedures
Commissioning turns a design into a guaranteed result — precise aiming, field light-meter verification against the model, controls programming, and a documented punch list. Skipping it is how a good design becomes a disappointing field: the fixtures are installed, but no one has confirmed they actually deliver what the photometric study promised.
This reference covers aiming verification, field measurement, and controls and documentation.
Aiming verification
Fixtures are aimed per the photometric aiming schedule. Because even small aiming errors degrade uniformity and increase glare and spill, each fixture's aim is set and checked — often before final tightening so it can be corrected. Aiming is the step that most directly determines whether the installed field matches the model.
Field measurement
With the field lit and warmed to operating output, a calibrated meter measures footcandles at the photometric grid points. The crew computes average, minimum, maximum, and uniformity and compares them to the predicted maintained values and RP-6 targets; vertical illuminance is measured where broadcast applies. This is the moment the design's promise is tested against reality on the actual field.
Controls and documentation
| Report element | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Measured vs predicted | Confirms footcandles and uniformity meet the design |
| As-built aiming | Records the final aim of every fixture |
| Controls settings | Schedules, zoning, dimming, curfew |
| Punch list | Tracks items to correct |
Scheduling, zoning, dimming, and curfew settings are programmed and tested, and remote monitoring is confirmed. Commissioning then produces a report — measured vs predicted, as-built aiming, controls settings, and a punch list — that substantiates the field meets spec. Duvon supports commissioning on its installations.
Frequently asked questions
What is commissioning?
Aiming each fixture to the schedule, measuring footcandles against the model, programming controls, and documenting results — turning a design into a guaranteed field.
Why does aiming verification matter?
Small aiming errors degrade uniformity and increase glare and spill, so each fixture is aimed per the schedule and checked, often before final tightening.
How are footcandles measured?
With the field lit and warmed, a calibrated meter reads the grid points; average/min/max and uniformity are compared to the maintained design and RP-6 targets.
What does the report include?
Measured vs predicted footcandles and uniformity, as-built aiming, controls settings, and a punch list.
Is commissioning really necessary?
Yes — without it, the installed system is never verified; commissioning makes the design's promise a documented result.
Ask about commissioning support with your free design. Get it at duvonlighting.com/free-quote.