Guide · Submittals
Lighting submittal checklist
A package the design team can approve on the first pass: what to include, how to mark it up, and what gets it rejected.
Short answer
A complete lighting submittal includes a cover sheet and index, a schedule cross-reference (each fixture type to the exact catalogue number), one marked-up cut sheet per type with every ordered option highlighted, photometric data (IES files or reports), driver, dimming and emergency data, run layouts or shop drawings for custom linear, certification and location ratings, and warranty information. Most returned submittals fail on unmarked options, missing photometrics or a voltage or dimming mismatch with the specification.
Key takeaways
- Mark every ordered option on each cut sheet.
- Include IES files for every type, not only the ones asked about.
- Check voltage and dimming protocol against the electrical and controls specs.
- Custom linear needs dimensioned run layouts.
Section-by-section checklist
| Section | Include | Reviewer asks |
|---|---|---|
| Cover and index | Project, submittal no., revision, date, contact, list of types | Is every type on the schedule here? |
| Schedule cross-reference | Type → manufacturer → full catalogue number | Does the catalogue number decode to the specified options? |
| Cut sheets | One per type, options highlighted | Length, lumens, CCT, CRI, optic, finish, voltage, dimming all marked? |
| Photometrics | IES file or report per type | Does delivered output match the design calculation? |
| Drivers and controls | Driver sheet, dimming protocol and range | Matches the controls spec and the dimming system? |
| Emergency | Battery or inverter data, locations | Duration and output meet the requirement? |
| Run layouts / shop drawings | Sections, corners, joiners, feeds, drivers, mounting | Fits the architecture; feeds coordinated with power? |
| Compliance | Certification marks, damp/wet ratings | Acceptable in Canada for the location? |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty statements as published | Meets the specified term? |
Top reasons submittals come back
- Options not marked, so the reviewer cannot tell what is being supplied.
- Missing IES files.
- Voltage mismatch (for example 120–277 V driver where 347 V is specified).
- Dimming protocol differs from the controls specification.
- Custom linear submitted without run layouts.
- An unapproved substitution included as if it were the basis of design.
Revisions
Log each comment against its fixture type, revise only the affected sheets, and increase the revision number on the cover. Keep the quote in step with the revised submittal so the order matches what was approved.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a submittal and shop drawings?
The submittal documents the products proposed for each type. Shop drawings show how custom items will be built and installed, such as a linear run’s sections, corners, feeds and mounting. Custom linear usually needs both.
Should substitutions go in the same package?
Follow the project’s substitution procedure. Often substitutions must be requested and approved before the product submittal, with a side-by-side comparison. See or-equal substitutions.
Keep reading
- Platform · Submittals Lighting submittal packages SuppLux assembles lighting submittal packages from the matched fixture set, with cover sheet, schedule cross-reference, marked-up cut sheets, IES files, driver and control data, and revisions that stay in sync with the quote. →
- Guide · Alternates How to get a lighting "or equal" substitution approved How to prepare a lighting substitution or value-engineered alternate that design teams approve, covering what to compare (photometrics, colour, electrical, dimensions, compliance), how to present it, and when not to substitute. →
- Guide · Specification How to specify custom linear lighting A step-by-step method for specifying custom linear lighting on commercial projects, covering application targets, mounting, optics, output, colour, run layout, voltage, drivers, controls and compliance, with a complete fixture schedule example. →
- Solutions · Lighting reps SuppLux for lighting sales reps and agencies Lighting sales reps and agencies in Canada use SuppLux to turn incoming specs into quotes and submittal packages faster, cross-reference alternates, and source custom linear lighting outside their line card. →