Saving energy

by commis­sioning lighting correctly

Did you know that the potential of intel­ligent lighting can only be fully utilised if it is commis­sioned correctly?

This steps are important:

1. The full energy-saving potential can only be realised if an intel­ligent lighting solution is commis­sioned correctly.
2. Less is often more! This applies to illu­mi­nance and run-on time.
3. Small lighting groups mean the greatest possible energy savings.
4. Networks and clouds: this is also part of commis­sioning. That’s why data protection must be an issue.

Careful, profes­sional commis­sioning is essential in order to utilise all that intel­ligent lighting solu­tions have to offer. According to energi­eschweiz, this can save up to 30 per cent more energy. In this blog, you can find out what to look out for when it comes to correct commissioning!

In this article:

Step 1

Setting the illuminance

The right illu­mi­nance (lux) is crucial for energy effi­ciency and comfort. However, expe­rience has shown that this is set too high in many projects.

  • The illu­mi­nance in the various areas should be set according to use. For example: 300–500 lux in offices, but lower values are suffi­cient in traffic zones.
  • The adjustment can be made dynam­i­cally depending on the time of day and actual demand.
  • The lux values can be . This guar­antees optimum lighting quality and saves energy at the same time.adapted auto­mat­i­cally depending on the amount of daylight.
  • Fine tuning works via an app.

Step 2

Follow-up time is crucial

The run-on time defines how long the light remains active after the last detected movement. 

  • It should be set to maximise energy savings while ensuring safety for users.
  • The run-on time is often set to five minutes or even more, which is too long in many cases. With correct commis­sioning, the run-on times in a stairwell, for example, are set to one minute in accor­dance with the SIA recom­men­dation for intel­ligent lighting.

Step 3

Group formation

Small light groups are ideal, thanks to quality sensors and a high sensor density this is easily possible.

  • Forming groups that are as small and well-struc­tured as possible saves a lot of energy.
  • Thanks to the networking of the groups via the swarm function, the full energy-saving potential is ensured while at the same time providing a high level of user comfort.
  • When planning, make sure that the groups are sensible and tailored to the use of the respective room area.

Step 4

Daylight measurement

Daylight measurement is an important aspect of intel­ligent lighting. This allows the lighting to be regu­lated in relation to the natural light component. .

  • A light sensor measures the brightness of the natural light and adjusts the arti­ficial lighting accord­ingly. This ensures a constant light level.
  • Correct commis­sioning ensures that the sensors are posi­tioned in the right places in the room and have been cali­brated correctly.
  • The more careful the commis­sioning, the more precise the measurement and the adjustment of the lighting to the daylight.

Step 5

Data protection and security

As intel­ligent lighting systems are often connected to networks and cloud services, it is crucial that security and data protection require­ments are also taken into account during commissioning. 

  • Usage statistics should be stored and trans­mitted securely to avoid data breaches.
  • It is important that all software updates are carried out regu­larly and that all systems are protected against unau­tho­rised access.
  • The imple­men­tation of security measures such as encrypted connec­tions or multi-level authen­ti­cation provides further protection for the system.

And finally, this:

Are you inter­ested in an intel­ligent lighting solution that is care­fully commis­sioned? Then get with us.intouch And take a look our references. 

This article was written by:

Nina Hüppi
Product Management Assistant 

08. May 2025 

Contact us

Seven steps

to perfect lighting renovation

Compre­hensive lighting reno­vation requires careful planning and execution.

These steps are important:

1. Take your time for a compre­hensive consul­tation and a precise analysis of your property. Those who take a super­ficial approach to this first step or cut corners are often disap­pointed with the result.
2. Detailed planning and a compre­hensive solution design can help to avoid mistakes.
3. Once the concept has been developed, it is time to implement the instal­lation. Make sure that the system is put into oper­ation care­fully; this increases the potential for savings!
4. The person respon­sible on site (elec­trician, care­taker, etc.) should be famil­iarised with the new lighting solution. If ques­tions or problems arise, further support is a matter of course.

Save money, reduce energy consumption and keep instal­lation and main­te­nance costs low: To achieve these goals when reno­vating a lighting system, follow these seven steps. They will ensure that your lighting project is success­fully imple­mented and that everyone involved is satisfied with the result. 

This article covers:

Step 1

Consul­tancy and analysis

There are many players and countless offers in the lighting sector. Don’t just go for the first (and cheapest) offer that comes your way. Compare providers and make sure that you have a reliable partner at your side in the form of a lighting expert.

  • Consul­tation: The first meeting, either on the phone or in person, will cover your needs and the initial situ­ation. Find out about intel­ligent lighting solu­tions and clarify whether a feasi­bility study is needed. 
  • Needs analysis: How much light do the premises need? How important are the aesthetics? These are the ques­tions that need to be answered.
  • Potential analysis: Have the energy-saving potential and possible cost savings demon­strated to you. 
  • Opti­mi­sation: The aim with existing prop­erties is always to optimise the lighting system in terms of energy consumption and light quality. 

Step 2

Planning, solution design and concept

In this phase, existing planning docu­ments are used to clarify whether a complete replacement or a partial reno­vation is the right solution. Other points are also crucial: 

  • Optimal placement: How many lumi­naires are needed? Where is the most sensible place to position sensors? It’s worth taking a close look here.
  • Light calcu­la­tions: An important aspect is the illu­mi­nance and thus the light calcu­lation. How much and what type of light is required for your project?
  • Lighting concept: Based on the points listed above, the expert creates a lighting solution that meets all requirements.
  • Subsidies: If you are renewing lighting systems in existing buildings, you are entitled to subsidies. In most cases, the appli­cation is handled by the lighting expert over­seeing the project.

Step 3

Develop imple­men­tation plans

Once a solution design has been developed and a concept created, detailed imple­men­tation plans are drawn up. These form the basis for a smooth instal­lation, which is carried out by an expe­ri­enced electrician. 

Step 4

Instal­lation

Although the instal­lation of most intel­ligent lighting solu­tions is a breeze thanks to wireless networking, only allow elec­tri­cians with the necessary tech­nical know-how to work on your new lighting system. Proper instal­lation is essential.

Step 5

Commis­sioning

Commis­sioning involves many aspects: the daylight must be measured, the illu­mi­nance must be correct, and the follow-up time must be appro­priate. Exces­sively large lighting groups and insuf­fi­cient sensor density do not lead to the desired result. Only rely on those specialists who offer you careful commissioning. 

  • Support: You will receive help with setting up and opti­mising your lighting solution. Commis­sioning is best left to the lighting experts, who will take all the important points into account. 
  • Trou­bleshooting You will receive help with setting up and opti­mising your lighting solution. Commis­sioning is best left to the lighting experts, who will take all the important points into account. 

Step 6

Read­just­ments

After users have been moving around in the newly lit rooms for a few days/weeks, there is often a desire for read­just­ments. Espe­cially in offices and production halls, it is important that the work­place is well lit.

Step 7

Training and support

Lumi­naires and sensors are oper­ating as desired — every­thing is fine, job done? Make sure you get further support from the lighting experts. 

  • Training: Elec­trical contractors, facility managers and main­te­nance staff need appro­priate training to be able to make settings them­selves. This provides certainty and they get to know the systems used better.
  • Support: Never­theless, you need to be able to rely on the lighting experts to continue to support you with advice and assistance.

And finally…

Compre­hensive advice, precise planning, smooth imple­men­tation and ongoing support — this is how your projects can be imple­mented more easily, effi­ciently and success­fully, taking your lighting project to a new level.

Find out more about what nevalux AG can offer you in the area of lighting refur­bishment. Visit our website: 

This article is written by:

Fabian Bolliger
Internal Sales 

21. January 2025 

Contact us