Lighting design & installation

Context

Lighting is the most visible electrical outcome in any space and the most frequently rushed. Good lighting starts with tasks and surfaces, not fittings: what needs to be seen, from where, at what time of day, under what control. Circuiting and control strategy are decided before hardware is selected.

Signs that assessment may be needed

• 01Flat, glaring or uneven light in working and living spaces
• 02Fittings that fail early, flicker or buzz on dimmers
• 03Retail, hospitality or office spaces where merchandising or wayfinding is weak
• 04Old fluorescent or halogen installations with high running cost
• 05External areas with poor visibility or uncontrolled spill light

None of the above should be investigated by opening equipment, testing live circuits or resetting protective devices repeatedly. If any of it involves heat, smoke, water or a shock, read the safety guidance before anything else.

General scope

• —Lighting layout for task, ambient, accent and external zones
• —Control strategy: switching arrangements, dimming protocols, sensors and time control
• —Circuit design, containment and installation of fittings and drivers
• —Replacement of legacy fittings with compatible dimming and control
• —Emergency and escape lighting installation where required by the building's use

How the work runs

1. 01BriefUse of the space, hours of occupation and visual priorities.
2. 02LayoutPositions, beam intent and control zones are set out.
3. 03SpecifyFittings, drivers and controls selected for compatibility.
4. 04InstallCircuits, containment and fittings installed and aligned.
5. 05CommissionDimming, scenes and sensors tuned on site.