The Development and Execution of
Functional Tests for Lighting Controls
Ryan Stroupe
Building Performance Program Coordinator
Pacific Energy Center
AIA Quality Assurance
Learning Objectives and Intent of Presentation
1. Identify components in a typical functional test including
precautions, documentation, equipment lists and
acceptance criteria.
2. Describe process for creating a functional tests using the
Functional Test Guide and blank Functional Test template.
3. Discuss specific aspects of lighting functional tests for
schedule controls, occupancy sensors and daylight
controls.
4. Identify resources available to support functional testing
of lighting systems.
Existing Art on Lighting Functional Tests
California’s Title 2424-s6 Acceptance Tests
http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/
Advanced Lighting Guidelines: 2003 Edition
http://www.algonline.org/
Functional Testing Guide
www.peci.org/ftguide/index.htm
Seattle City Light:
Standard Commissioning Procedure for Daylighting Controls
http://www.seattle.gov/light/conserve/business/bdgcoma/bca8.pdf
Standard Commissioning Procedure for Lighting Sweep Controls
http://www.seattle.gov/light/conserve/business/bdgcoma/bca9.pdf
Standard Commissioning Procedure for Energy Management & Control Systems
http://www.seattle.gov/light/conserve/business/bdgcoma/bca3.pdf
Commissioning Different Control Strategies
Advanced Lighting Guidelines, New Buildings Institute, 2003, pg 8-14
Functional Test Components
Purpose
Acceptance criteria
Instructions
Precautions
Roles and responsibilities
Preparation
Equipment required
Procedure
Return to normal
Test sign off
Standard Commissioning Procedure for Lighting Sweep Controls, Seattle City Light, 1999
Using the Functional Test Guide Template
www.peci.org/ftguide/index.htm
Types of Lighting Controls
Manual Controls
• On/off
• Dimming
Timers
Schedule (Sweeps)*
Occupancy Sensors*
Photo Controls (Daylighting)*
• On/off
• Stepped
• Dimming
* Functionally testing this type of control is discussed here
Scheduled Control (Sweep) Functional Test
Purpose
to ensure that lights are automatically turned off at a
predetermined time.
to ensure that individual lighting circuits (zones) can be manually
enabled (over-ridden), if necessary, during scheduled OFF
periods.
A zone is a group of light fixtures that
are controlled by a single schedule.
Relay broken
Relay fixed
California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
Relays and Control Zones
Relays receive a low
voltage control signal to
connect or cut a line
voltage circuit.
R.A. Rundquist, T.G. McDougall, J. Benya. Lighting Controls: Patterns for Design. Electric Power Research Institute, 1996. Pg. 22.
Scheduled Control (Sweep) Functional Test
Acceptance Criteria
Automatic time switch controls are programmed with acceptable weekday,
weekend, and holiday schedules, per building occupancy profile.1
The correct date and time are properly set in the lighting controller.1
Have program backup capabilities that prevent the loss of the device’s
schedules for at least 7 days, and the device’s time and date setting for at
least 72 hours if power is interrupted.1
All lights can be turned ON manually or turn ON automatically during the
occupied time schedule.1
All lights turn OFF at the preprogrammed, scheduled times.1
The manual override switch is functional and turns associated lights ON
when activated.1
Override time limit is no more than 2 hours, except for exempt spaces.1
Override switch is located within area of controlled zone.2
Enunciator warning the occupants that the lights are about to turn OFF
functions correctly.1
Schedule and override are reasonable for zone occupancy pattern.2
1.California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
2. Standard Commissioning Procedure for Lighting Sweep Controls, Seattle City Light, 1999
Scheduled Control (Sweep) Functional Test
Precautions/Instructions
The manual override time limit can be adjusted to minimize test time, but the
time limit setting must be reset upon completion of the test (not to
exceed 2 hours).1
It is preferable to perform the test when the spaces are unoccupied.
Turning the lights OFF when other occupants are present can cause
problems and unsafe working conditions.1
If the complexity, configuration, or other aspects of a specific project require
substitute tests or additional tests, explain on the comments sheets, and
attach the additional test procedures and field data.2
This commissioning procedure does not address fire and life safety or basic
equipment safety controls.2
In all test sections, circle or otherwise highlight any responses that indicate
deficiencies.2
1.California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
2. Standard Commissioning Procedure for Lighting Sweep Controls, Seattle City Light, 1999
Scheduled Control (Sweep) Functional Test
Prerequisites
All luminaires and override switches controlled by the time switch control
system must be wired and powered.1
Lighting control system must be installed and ready for system operation,
including completion of all start-up procedures, per manufacturer’s
recommendations.1
Preferably, the space is unoccupied during the test to prevent conflicts
with other trades.1
Document the initial conditions before overrides or manipulation of the
BAS. All systems must be returned to normal at the end of the test.1
To ensure that this commissioning procedure will not damage any
equipment or affect any equipment warranties, have the equipment
manufacturer’s representative review any interventive test
procedures prior to execution.2
1.California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
2. Standard Commissioning Procedure for Lighting Sweep Controls, Seattle City Light, 1999
Scheduled Control (Sweep) Functional Test
Roles and Responsibilities
Control specialist
Field technician
Equipment Required
Written functional test (and clipboard)
Time piece (watch)
Computer or other interface with lighting control system
Drawings of reflected floor plans
Jumper (for relay testing)
Radios
Circuit tracer
Scheduled Control (Sweep) Functional Test
Procedure Step 1: Simulate occupied condition.
Set ON time schedule to include actual time or adjust time to be within the ON time
schedule (whichever is easier).
Verify and Document all lights can be enabled. Some systems may turn the lights
on automatically at the scheduled time, but others may require that lights be turned
on manually using their respective area control switch.
Verify and Document the local lighting circuit switch only operates lights in the
area in which the switch is located. This is particularly important in enclosed spaces
to ensure only lights within the enclosed space are controlled. However, switches
serving open spaces should also control only lights in the designated zone.
Temporarily schedule is set for test period
Lights turn on 3:45 pm
Lights turn off 3:47 pm
California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
Scheduled Control (Sweep) Functional Test
Procedure Step 2: Simulate unoccupied condition
Set the OFF time schedule to include the actual time, or adjust the time to be within
the OFF time schedule (whichever is easier).
Verify and Document all non-exempt lights turn off. Most systems warn occupants
that the lights are about to turn off by sending a pulse through the lighting circuits
to “flicker” the lights or provide another form of visual or audible annunciation.
• Verify and Document manual override switch is functional. Enabling the
manual override switch allows only the lights in the selected space where the
switch is located to turn ON. This is particularly important in enclosed spaces to
ensure only lights within the enclosed space are controlled, however, switches
serving open spaces should also control only lights in the designated zone. The
lights should remain ON throughout the override time period (refer to §131(d)2D for
maximum override times) and the system indicates that the lights are about to be
turned off again.
• Verify and Document all non-exempt lights turn off when the next OFF signal is
supplied to the lighting control circuits or the override time has expired. In order
to reduce testing time associated with the complete OFF-Manual override-OFF
sequence, it is recommended that the override time be shortened so that the entire
sequence can be witnessed within a reasonable amount of time.
• Verify and Document the device has program backup capabilities that prevent the
loss of schedules for at least 7 days, and the loss of time and date setting for at
least 72 hours if power is interrupted.
California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
Scheduled Control (Sweep) Functional Test
Procedure Step 3: Documentation
Make sure all pass/fail criteria are initialed.
Make sure functional test is signed and dated.
Add notes to or modify systems manual to reflect scheduling changes.
Procedure Step 4: Return system back to normal operating condition.
Ensure all schedules, setpoints, operating conditions, and control parameters are
placed back at their initial conditions. Ensure the override time period is no
more than 2 hours.
It is also good practice to leave a schedule in the timeclock itself for easy reference
and to leave a blank schedule form so that the users can document any schedule
changes.
Old schedule
Revised schedule
1.
Lights do not turn on
automatically at 8:00 am
anymore
2.
Lights turn off at 11 pm/4 pm for
all conditions including
weekends (used to stay on until
swept off on Mondays)
California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
Scheduled Control (Sweep) Functional Test
Old schedule
Revised schedule
1. Lights do not turn on automatically at 8:00 am anymore
2. Lights turn off at 11 pm/4 pm for all conditions including weekends
(used to stay on until swept off on Mondays)
California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
Using Trends or Dataloggers to Cx Schedules
Appropriate datalogger types
Power data for multiple lighting circuits
Light status
Variable light levels
Amperage
Power
Trend/EMS capabilities
Bad Relay report
Programmed schedules
Operation of lighting circuits
List of circuits with performance data
Occupancy Sensor Functional Test
Purpose
• to ensure that an occupancy sensor is located, adjusted, and wired
properly to achieve the desired lighting control.
• to ensure that occupancy sensors are used to automatically turn lights on
and keeps them on when a space is occupied, and turn them off
automatically when the space is unoccupied after a reasonable time delay.
• to ensure the time delay, that will prevent lights from short cycling ON and
OFF as spaces are occupied and unoccupied frequently is of the desired
duration.
2.
• to identify type and appropriateness of
occupancy sensor technology. There are three
1.
basic technologies utilized in most occupancy
sensors: 1) infrared; 2) ultrasonic; and 3) a
combination of infrared and passive sonic
detection.
3.
California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
Occupancy Sensor Types
R.A. Rundquist, T.G. McDougall, J. Benya. Lighting Controls: Patterns for Design.
Electric Power Research Institute, 1996. Pg. 7.
Occupancy Sensor Functional Test
Acceptance Criteria
Standard occupancy sensor responds to “typical” occupant movement to turn
the lights ON immediately.
Manual ON occupancy sensor requires occupant to switch lighting on.
Multi-level occupant sensors meet uniformity requirements; the first stage activates
between 30-70 percent of the lighting power; after that event the occupant has
the ability to manually activate the alternate set of lights, activate 100 percent
of the lighting, deactivate all of the lights.
Occupancy does not respond to occupant movement outside the controlled
lighting zone.
Occupancy sensor does not trigger on other false ON or OFF.
Ultrasonic occupancy sensors do not emit audible sound.
Lights controlled by the occupancy sensor turn OFF when the preset time delay is
met.
The maximum time delay is not greater than 30 minutes.
Status indicator or annunciator (typically a small LED) operates correctly.
California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
Occupancy Sensor Functional Test
Precautions/Instructions
It is imperative that the test be performed during a time when the tester can have full
control over the occupancy of the space.
The time delay can be adjusted to minimize test time, but the time delay setting
must be reset upon completion of the test (not to exceed 30 minutes).
Plan sensor location to avoid detection of significant air movement from an HVAC
diffuser or other source, which can cause the sensor to turn the lights ON (this is
most critical with ultrasonic sensors).
Avoid detection of motion in adjacent areas and unwanted triggers by adjusting
coverage pattern intensity or masking the sensor with an opaque material.
Educating the owner about furniture and partition placement in the spaces can avoid
future problems with infrared sensor performance (which rely on “line-of-sight”
coverage).
If the complexity, configuration, or other aspects of a specific project require substitute
tests or additional tests, explain on the comments sheets, and attach the
additional test procedures and field data.
This commissioning procedure does not address fire and life safety or basic
equipment safety controls.
In all test sections, circle or otherwise highlight any responses that indicate
deficiencies.
California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
Occupancy Sensor Functional Test
Prerequisites
Occupancy sensors are installed properly, and located in
places that avoid obstructions and minimize false signals.
All luminaires are wired and powered.
During the test, the space remains unoccupied.
Document the initial conditions before overrides or
manipulation of the BAS. All systems must be returned to
normal at the end of the test.
Form for indicating set-point adjustment
for sensitivity and time delay
California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
Occupancy Sensor Functional Test
Roles and Responsibilities
Control specialist
Field technician
Equipment Required
Time piece (watch)
Small screw driver
Radios
Ladder
Interface with lighting control system
Tape (to mask off sensor viewing angles)
Circuit tracer
Occupancy Sensor Functional Test
Procedure Step 1: Simulate an unoccupied condition.
Ensure the space being tested remains unoccupied during the test and wait for the
lights to turn off (sensor delay time can be adjusted to shorten test time).
Verify and Document lights controlled by the occupancy sensor turn off when the
time delay is met. If the time delay was not adjusted prior to the test, ensure the
maximum delay was not greater than 30 minutes. If the time delay was adjusted to
minimize test time, ensure the sensor time delay setting does not exceed 30
minutes.
Verify and Document occupancy sensor does not trigger a false ON. Ensure that
any movement outside the desired control zone does not activate the lights.
Examples include:
o
o
o
1.
Walking past an open door of an enclosed office - 1
Walking in an adjacent zone close to the control zone - 2
Movement other than occupants (i.e. air flow from HVAC system or furnishing movement due to
external forces) - 3
2.
3.
California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
Occupancy Sensor Functional Test
Procedure Step 2: Simulate an occupied condition.
Enter the test space.
Verify and Document that the lights in the control zone turn on immediately. Note that some
applications may use an occupancy sensor in conjunction with an automatic control switch,
which allows the occupant to manually turn ON/OFF the lights or allow them to automatically
turn off when the space is unoccupied (automatic OFF and manual ON control strategy). In
this case, activation of the control switch should enable the lights and they should stay
illuminated while the space is occupied.
Verify and Document signal sensitivity is adequate to achieve the desired control. Ensure
occupancy sensor responds to “typical” occupant movement to trigger lights back on. This
may require remaining in the space throughout the time delay period to ensure the
occupancy sensor continues to recognize the space is occupied. “Typical” movement pertains
to the activities one may expect for the space being served, for example: light desk work;
casual walking; athletic movement (i.e. fitness rooms); sitting at rest (i.e. lunch/break room).
Verify and Document that the status indicator or annunciator operates correctly. Most
occupancy sensors have an LED that will illuminate (typically flash) when motion is detected,
where others may emit an audible sound.
Additionally, if the occupant sensor is a multi-level occupant sensor
•
•
•
Verify and Document that the first stage activates between 30-70 percent of the lights either manually
or automatically. This may be accomplished with a switching or dimming lighting system.
Verify and Document that a reasonably uniform level of illuminance is achieved by dimming of all
lamps or luminaires; or by switching alternate lamps in luminaires, alternate luminaires, or alternate
rows of luminaires.
Verify and Document that after the first stage occurs, manual switches have been provided to activate
the alternate set of lights, activate 100 percent of the lighting power, and deactivate all of the lights.
California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
Occupancy Sensor Functional Test
Procedure Step 3: Documentation
Make sure all pass/fail criteria are initialed.
Make sure functional test is signed and dated.
Add notes to or modify systems manual to reflect scheduling changes.
Procedure Step 4: Return system back to normal operating condition.
Ensure all schedules, setpoints, operating conditions, and control parameters
(especially time delays) are placed back at their initial conditions.
California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
Using Trends or Dataloggers to Cx Occ. Sensors
Appropriate datalogger types
Light status
Variable light levels
Amperage
Power
Occupancy
Trend/EMS capabilities
Programmed schedules
Operation of lighting circuits
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
9/20 9/22 9/24 9/26 9/28 9/30 10/2 10/4
Automatic Daylight Controls Functional Test
Purpose
The purpose of this test is to ensure that automatic daylighting controls
are installed and functioning properly.
50
1000
500
Ill u m i n an ce in space
40
0
k W w/o dayli gh tin g
30
kW
20
-500
-1000
k W w/ dayli gh tin g
10
0
12:00 AM
-1500
6:00 AM
12:00 PM
6:00 PM
Continuous dimming example
Daylight hours are in yellow
California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
-2000
12:00 AM
illuminance
60
Automatic Daylight Controls Functional Test
Acceptance Criteria pt. 1
Lighting is correctly circuited so that general lighting fixtures in the daylit area are on the
automatic daylighting control controlled circuit and lighting outside of the daylit area is not
on the controlled circuit.1
Photosensor has been located properly to minimize unauthorized tampering.1
The photosensor is physically separated from where calibration adjustments are made,
or is capable of being calibrated in a manner that the person initiating calibration is
remote from the sensor during calibration to avoid influencing calibration accuracy. 1
Photosensor is protected from direct sunlight.2
Sensor located and oriented appropriate to the control type (open or closed loop) and
location of daylit area.1
Under conditions where no daylight is sensed by the control, the control system increases
the light output of each fixture to the design (typically full output) light output.1
The controlled fixtures reduce lighting power to no greater than 35 percent of full-load
power under fully dimmed and/or stepped conditions.1
For the continuous and stepped dimming control systems, the lamps do not “flicker” at
reduced light output.1
With continuous dimming systems, the fade rate of the lights is longer than 5 seconds.
1.California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
2. Standard Commissioning Procedure for Daylighting Controls, Seattle City Light, 1999
Closed vs. Open Daylight Controls
R.A. Rundquist, T.G. McDougall, J. Benya. Lighting Controls: Patterns for Design.
Electric Power Research Institute, 1996. Pg. 19.
Automatic Daylight Controls Functional Test
Acceptance Criteria pt. 2
For the stepped control systems, there is at least one intermediate step between full light
output and minimum light output that reduces lighting power to between 70 and 50 percent
of full-load power. Stepped dimming and stepped switching control systems have a
minimum time delay of 3 minutes or greater before a decrease in electric lighting.
For the stepped dimming and stepped switching control systems, the deadband between
steps is sufficiently large to prevent cycling between steps for the same daylight
illuminance. (Cycling of lights can also be minimized with a time delay.)
For continuous dimming systems; Under partial daylight conditions, the combined daylight
and electric lighting illuminance from continuously dimmable fixtures at the Reference
Location is no less than the Reference Illuminance and no greater than 150 percent
of the Reference Illuminance.
When stepped lighting controls dim or turn off a step, the combined daylight and electric
lighting illuminance from stepped dimming or stepped switching fixtures at the Reference
Location is no less than the Reference Illuminance and no greater than 150 percent
of the Reference Illuminance.
Stepped
Dimming
Example
California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
Reference Location and Reference Illuminance
Reference Location
• is defined which is served by the controlled lights and receives the least
amount of daylight. Usually this is a location that is furthest away from the
windows or skylights but is still served by the controlled lighting.
Reference Illuminance
• is defined at the Reference Location – this is the illuminance from electric
lighting when no daylight is available.
• can be measured at night or with black-out shades pulled.
Top-lighting
Daylit area
Side-lighting
Daylit area
Automatic Daylight Controls Functional Test
Precautions/Instructions
Attach sketch (or marked-up floor plan) showing location of illuminance test points.2
For the stepped dimming and switching control systems, it is acceptable to shorten the time delay while
performing the tests, but the time delay must be returned to normal operating conditions when the test
is complete (at least 3 minutes).1
If there are more than 8 lighting zones in the building, you may select a sample for the following
performance tests. The sample should include at least 10% of the total number of zones, or 8 zones,
whichever is greater. Zones should be selected from different areas of each floor, and from different
floors. Also, if banks of luminaires in spaces are controlled by separate sensors/controllers, include at
least one space with two such zones, and test both zones. List all controlled zones in the test
documentation and identify the specific subset of zones that will be tested.2
If there is failure in any of the following tests for more than 20% of the sampled zones then the entire
daylighting control installation shall be considered to be not in conformance. 2
If the complexity, configuration, or other aspects of a specific project require substitute tests or additional
tests, explain on the comments sheets, and attach the additional test procedures and field data.2
Attach to the test a description of the control sequence.2
This Commissioning Procedure does not address fire and life safety or basic equipment safety controls.2
In all test sections, circle or otherwise highlight any responses that indicate deficiencies.2
1.California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
2. Standard Commissioning Procedure for Daylighting Controls, Seattle City Light, 1999
Automatic Daylight Controls Functional Test
Prerequisites
All luminaires in the daylit area must be wired and powered. Controls installed according to
manufacturer’s instructions. Check fixture circuiting while access to wiring is relatively easy
(i.e. while lift is available or before obstructions are installed).1
Simulating bright conditions with electric sources and achieving proper luminance to perform
the test can be difficult. Therefore, it is recommended that the test be performed under
natural bright light conditions.1
There should be no direct sun shining on the work plane at the time of testing.2
Document the initial conditions before testing. All systems must be returned to normal at
the end of the test.1
Make sure finishes and furniture are in place for functional testing and sensor calibration.2
Make sure windows and skylights are clean.2
Make sure lamps have had 100 hours of burn-in before testing controls.2
1.California Title 24, Section 6, 2008 Nonresidential Compliance Manual, Acceptance Tests, California Energy Commission
2. Standard Commissioning Procedure for Daylighting Controls, Seattle City Light, 1999
Automatic Daylight Controls Functional Test
Roles and Responsibilities
Control specialist
Field technician
Equipment Required
Light meter (illuminance or foot-candle meter)
Hand-held amperage meter or power meter
Logging light meter or power meter
Manufacturer’s light versus power curve for continuous
dimming and step dimming Ballasts
Interface with lighting control system
Flashlight or other light source
Opaque tape to cover photo-sensor
Small screw driver
Time piece (watch)
Radios
Ladder
Circuit tracer
Automatic Daylight Controls Functional Test
Procedure Step 1: Identify reference location
The Reference Location is the location in zone served by the controlled
lighting that is receiving the least amount of daylight.
The Reference Location will be used for light level (illuminance in footcandles) measurements in subsequent tests. The Reference Location is
used in testing the daylighting controls so that it can be assured that all
occupants in the zone served by the controlled lighting always have
sufficient light.
The Reference Location can be identified using either the illuminance
method or the distance method.
• Illuminance method
○ Turn OFF controlled lighting and measure daylight illuminances within zone
illuminated by controlled luminaires. Note that zone illuminated by controlled
luminaires is not necessarily the same as the daylit area.
○ Identify the Reference Location; this is the location with lowest daylight
illuminance in the zone illuminated by controlled luminaires.
• Distance method
○ Identify the Reference Location; this is the location within the zone illuminated by
controlled luminaires that is furthest away from daylight sources.
Automatic Daylight Controls Functional Test
Procedure Step 2: No Daylight Test
The purpose of the no daylight test is to provide a baseline light level, the
Reference Illuminance, against which the test professional will be
comparing the performance of the system during daylit conditions. This
test is also verifying that the control is providing adequate light at night.
When conducting this test, the other lights in the space should be turned off.
Simulate or provide conditions without daylight. This condition can be
provided by any of the applicable methods:
• Conducting this part of the test at night, or
• Leave a logging light meter at the Reference Location(s) overnight. The
logger should be collecting data on an interval no longer than 1 minute per
reading, taking reading on even shorter intervals is recommended, or
• Closing blinds or covering fenestration so that very little daylight enters the
zone you are testing (Very little daylight is less than 1 fc for warehouses and
less than 5 fc for all other occupancies), or
• For open loop systems only, one may cover the photosensor to simulate
no daylight conditions. Covering the sensor is not allowed for closed loop
controls as we want to assure that the control will work correctly at night as well
during the day. We will want to assure that the light output is above 70 percent
of the rated light output or within 20 percent of the design illuminance.
Automatic Daylight Controls Functional Test
Procedure Step 3: Full daylight test
Simulate or provide bright conditions so that the illuminance (fc) from daylight
only at the Reference Location identified in Step 1 is greater than 150
percent of the Reference Illuminance (fc) measured at this location
during the no daylight test documented in Step 2.
o Simulating a bright condition can be accomplished by opening all shading
devices to allow natural daylight into the space
o If natural conditions are not adequate at the time of the test, shine a bright
flashlight or other light source onto the photosensor.
o Temporarily change the setpoint to a very low value for the duration of this test.
Then return the setpoint to its normal setting.
Automatic Daylight Controls Functional Test
Procedure Step 4: Partial daylight test.
Simulate or provide bright conditions where illuminance (fc) from daylight
only at the Reference Location is between 60 and 95 percent of
Reference Illuminance (fc) documented in Step 2. These partial daylight
illuminance conditions can be achieved by:
o Scheduling the test so that daylight conditions are within this fairly broad range
of illuminances.
o Adjusting blinds and louvers
Verify and document measured combined illuminance of daylight and
controlled electric lighting (fc) at the Reference Location
Verify and document this measured illuminance is no less than the
Reference Illuminance documented in Step 2, and
Verify and document this measured illuminance is no greater than 150
percent of the Reference Illuminance (fc) documented in Step 2
Automatic Daylight Controls Functional Test
Procedure Step 5: Documentation
Make sure all pass/fail criteria are initialed.
Make sure functional test is signed and dated.
Add notes to or modify systems manual to reflect scheduling changes.
Procedure Step 6: Return system back to normal operating condition.
Ensure all schedules, setpoints, operating conditions, and control parameters
(especially time delays) are placed back at their initial conditions.
With daylight controls, special care must be taken to insure that system is in auto
(not manual) mode.
Using Trends or Dataloggers to Cx Daylight Controls
Appropriate datalogger types
•
•
•
•
•
•
Variable light levels at work-plane
Variable light levels at sensor
Variable light levels outside building
Light status if stepped controls
Amperage
Power
Light exterior, light interior and power data
Design illuminance (corresponds to 25 FC)
150% of reference illuminance (38 FC)
Trend/EMS capabilities
• Programmed schedules
• Operation of lighting circuits
Photo sensor data for exterior lighting controls
Universal Translator
Translator (UT) Software
Manages data from multiple sources
•
•
•
•
Dataloggers
Trend data from energy management systems
Utility billing data
Climate data
Visualization capabilities
Processed data can be exported
Includes building diagnostic tools
Three-year PIER-funded effort began in 2011
Get UT at www.utonline.org
Schedule Control Functional Test Example
Performance issues
• Schedules are not programmed
correctly
• Holidays are not included as “off”
hours
• Relay failures
• Circuits are not connected to relays
• Control system clock is inaccurate
• Lighting controls are not attributed to
correct areas
Failed relay report
Basement circuit runs 24/7
Basement circuit after Cx
Occupancy Control Functional Test Example
Performance issues
garage lights
occupancy
16
3
14
• Data indicates lights do not
shut down when garage is
unoccupied.
• Sensors adjusted for
sensitivity so lights come on
as people enter the space
• Sensors adjusted for 15
minute time delay.
2.5
12
2
10
8
1.5
6
1
4
0.5
2
0
0
3/9/04 12:00 AM
3/10/04 12:00 AM
3/11/04 12:00 AM
3/12/04 12:00 AM
3/13/04 12:00 AM
3/14/04 12:00 AM
3/15/04 12:00 AM
3/16/04 12:00 AM
Basement circuit runs 24/7
Occupancy is intermittent
Intensity (L/sf)
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
09/18/96
09/20/96
09/22/96
09/24/96
09/26/96
09/28/96
09/30/96
10/02/96
Post commissioning light data
10/04/96
Daylight Control Functional Test Example
Dimmable lighting circuit
sky
pow er
Verification
500
60
450
50
400
350
40
30
250
watts
300
klux
• Light levels in space are
maintained between 46 & 35fc
during scheduled hours; 46fc is <
150% of reference illuminance.
• Layering of daylight controls and
schedule controls is effective.
• Lights do not flicker when dimmed.
• Daylight sensor located in tamperfree location.
200
20
150
100
10
50
0
8/4/2011 9:00
8/4/2011 21:00
8/5/2011 9:00
8/5/2011 21:00
8/6/2011 9:00
8/6/2011 21:00
8/7/2011 9:00
8/7/2011 21:00
8/8/2011 9:00
8/8/2011 21:00
0
8/9/2011 9:00
Circuit power drops as light in
skylight increases.
Dimming lighting circuit 2
sky
• Under full daylight illuminance
conditions, lights do not dim to
35% of full power (140 watts).
light in skylight (klux)
Performance issues
0.6
50
0.5
40
0.4
30
0.3
20
0.2
10
0.1
0
8/4/2011 9:00
8/4/2011 21:00
8/5/2011 9:00
8/5/2011 21:00
8/6/2011 9:00
8/6/2011 21:00
8/7/2011 9:00
8/7/2011 21:00
8/8/2011 9:00
8/8/2011 21:00
Space maintains 35 fc at
reference location
light in space (klux)
table
60
0
8/9/2011 9:00
Functional Testing Lessons Learned
Remember to perform prerequisites for safety – notify occupants and identify egress plans.
Controls programmer must “send” control program to memory in panels for lights to respond.
There is a learning curve for any new control system/software; plan on spending some time
learning the system interface.
Document existing control set-points so no changes are missed as system is “returned to
normal”.
Control systems may provide diagnostics for failures, but these can not be counted on 100%.
Align operation of lighting controls with current usage patterns of building.
Document functional test results and control changes in systems manual.
Regularly check lighting control operation and failed relay reports to identify emerging lighting
control issues.
Daylight test works best on sunny days in a space with operable, black-out shades.
Make sure to label failed relays as “bad”.
Keep spare relays on hand.
Lighting References and Resources
Advanced Lighting Guidelines: 2003 Edition
http://www.algonline.org/
Lighting Fundamentals Handbook
Free through EPRI http://my.epri.com/
EPRI Guide on Lighting Controls
http://www.lightingassociates.org/i/u/2127806/f/tech_sheets/Lighting_Controls_Patterns_for_Design.pdf
Occupancy Sensor Design and Application Guide
http://www.wattstopper.com/getdoc/419/OSappsNewDesignFinal.pdf
Daylighting guidelines
─ http://windows.lbl.gov/pub/designguide/default.html
─ http://www.energydesignresources.com/technology/daylighting
http://www.energydesignresources.com/technology/daylighting--design.aspx
SkyCalc (Skylight Calculator)
http://www.energydesignresources.com/Resources/SoftwareTools/SkyCalc.aspx
Lighting References and Resources Cont.
Functional Testing Guide
www.peci.org/ftguide/index.htm
California’s Title 2424-Section 6 Acceptance Tests
http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/
Table of Standard Fixture Wattages
•
•
•
http://www.nationalgridus.com/non_html/shared_energyeff_super_t8.pdf
http://www.oncor.com/pdf/programs/objectives/smci_lighting_tab.pdf
http://www.masssave.com/~/media/Files/Professional/Applications--and
http://www.masssave.com/~/media/Files/Professional/Applications
and--Rebate
Rebate-Forms/2011_Retrofit_MA_Lighting_Device_Codes_03--02Forms/2011_Retrofit_MA_Lighting_Device_Codes_03
02-2011.ashx
Universal Translator Software
www.utonline.org
Pacific Energy Center’s Tool Lending Library
www.pge.com/pec/tll
PG&E Lighting Incentives
http://www.pge.com/includes/docs/pdfs/mybusiness/energysavingsrebates/incentivesbyindustry/lighting_c
atalog_final.pdf
AIA Quality Assurance
Portland Energy Conservation, Inc is a registered provider with The
American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems. Credit
earned on completion of this program will be reported to CES Records
for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for non-AIA members are
available on request.
This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing
professional education. As such, it does not include content that may
be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA
of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling,
using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. Questions
related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed
at the conclusion of this presentation.
Thanks for your attention!
Ryan Stroupe
Building Performance Program Coordinator
Pacific Energy Center
851 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415.973.7257
r2s2@pge.com