Guide · Specification
How to specify custom linear lighting
Nine decisions, in the order that avoids rework, and what a complete schedule line looks like at the end.
Short answer
Specify custom linear lighting by deciding, in order: (1) the application and light-level targets, (2) mounting and ceiling type, (3) distribution and optic, (4) output in lumens per foot, confirmed by calculation, (5) CCT and CRI, (6) the run layout with lengths and corners, (7) voltage, driver and feeds, (8) controls and emergency, and (9) compliance and finish. Then write it as one complete schedule line per type so a supplier can quote it without guessing.
Key takeaways
- Decide mounting and optic before output; they change the lumens you need.
- Specify delivered lumens per foot, not LED chip lumens.
- Draw the run layout; a length in a table is not enough for corners and feeds.
- In Canada, state the input voltage (120, 277 or 347 V) and the certification mark required.
1. Application and targets
Write down the space type, the task, the target illuminance (horizontal and, for walls and retail, vertical), glare limits, and any owner standard. These set everything that follows.
2. Mounting and ceiling
Suspended, recessed (T-bar, drywall, trimless), surface or wall. Mounting affects housing, hardware, plenum depth and install sequence. See suspended, recessed and surface-mounted.
3. Distribution and optic
Direct, direct/indirect, or asymmetric (wall wash). Lens: opal for softness, microprismatic for lower glare, louvres for cutoff. The optic changes how much light reaches the task.
4. Output
Run a calculation with the product’s photometric (IES) file and set delivered lumens per foot. Note the resulting W/ft; it drives driver sizing and energy-code compliance.
5. Colour
CCT (for example 3000K, 3500K, 4000K) consistent with the rest of the project; CRI 80 minimum for general areas, 90+ where colour matters (retail, healthcare exam, hospitality). Specify colour consistency (for example 3-step MacAdam) for long continuous runs where sections sit side by side.
6. Run layout
Draw every run on the reflected ceiling plan with overall lengths, corners (L, T, X), patterns, and wall-to-wall conditions that need field verification. See continuous runs.
7. Voltage, drivers and feeds
State the input voltage: 347 V is common in Canadian commercial buildings, alongside 120 V and 277 V. Choose integral or remote drivers, mark feed points, and check driver loading (driver sizing) and, for low-voltage systems, 24V vs 48V.
8. Controls and emergency
Dimming protocol (0-10V, DALI, phase), dimming range (to 10% or 1%), control zones, daylight and occupancy requirements, and emergency (integral battery or central inverter).
9. Compliance and finish
A certification mark for Canada (for example CSA, cULus or cETLus), damp or wet location ratings, any energy-program listing needed for incentives, and the finish or colour.
Example schedule line
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Type | L1 |
| Description | Suspended direct/indirect linear, continuous runs per plan |
| Mounting | Aircraft cable, 18 in drop, power from canopy |
| Optic | Microprismatic down, opal up; 30/70 up/down |
| Output | 450 lm/ft delivered, max 4.5 W/ft |
| Colour | 3500K, CRI 90, 3-step MacAdam |
| Lengths | Per RCP; L-corners lit; field-verify wall-to-wall runs |
| Electrical | 347 V input, integral drivers |
| Controls | 0-10V dimming to 1% |
| Emergency | Integral battery in marked sections |
| Finish | Matte white |
| Basis of design | Manufacturer X, catalogue …, or approved equal |
The example is illustrative. Values must come from the project’s calculations.
Frequently asked questions
Should I specify a manufacturer or a performance spec?
Either works. A named basis-of-design product with “or approved equal” plus a clear performance requirement (delivered lumens, distribution, CCT, CRI, dimming range) gives the best balance of design control and competitive pricing.
What light levels should I design to?
Use the illuminance recommendations for the space type from the IES (Illuminating Engineering Society) and any owner standard, and check against the energy code’s lighting power limits. Offices are commonly designed to around 300–500 lux on the task plane.
References
- IES Lighting Handbook / recommended practices for illuminance by space type
- Ontario Building Code, SB-10 energy efficiency requirements — governing reference
Keep reading
- Guide · Quoting What information is needed for a custom linear lighting quote The information a supplier needs to quote custom linear lighting accurately, split into must-haves and nice-to-haves, from run lengths and mounting to voltage, dimming and delivery, plus what happens when you only have part of it. →
- Guide · Drivers How to size an LED driver for linear lighting Size an LED driver in three steps. Work out the connected load from length and watts per foot, add headroom so the driver runs at about 80% of its rating, and split long runs into zones. Worked examples for 24V and integral drivers. →
- Custom linear lighting Custom linear lighting in Canada Custom and architectural linear lighting for commercial projects in Canada, specified per project and supplied made to length. Suspended, recessed, surface, continuous runs, cove and wall wash, with drivers, controls and run layouts. →
- Guide · Submittals Lighting submittal checklist What a commercial lighting submittal package should include, section by section, with the questions reviewers ask for each and the most common reasons packages are returned. →