How to Write LED Lighting Specifications for Commercial Bids

Writing LED lighting specifications for commercial bids requires balancing performance requirements, code compliance, and budget. This guide covers the key elements every lighting spec should include.

Essential Specification Elements

1. Performance Requirements

Every lighting spec should define minimum performance criteria:

• Efficacy: Minimum 130 lumens per watt (DLC Premium standard)
• CRI: Minimum 80 (90+ for retail/healthcare)
• CCT: Specify exact Kelvin — typically 4000K or 5000K for commercial
• L70 Lifetime: Minimum 50,000 hours at 25°C ambient
• THD: Less than 20% (preferably <10%)
• Power Factor: Greater than 0.9

2. Certification Requirements

• DLC Listed: Required for utility rebate eligibility
• UL/ETL Listed: Required for code compliance and inspection
• FCC Part 15: Required for electromagnetic compliance
• IP Rating: Specify based on environment (IP20 indoor dry, IP65 outdoor, IP67 harsh)
• IK Rating: For vandal-prone areas (IK08-IK10)

3. Electrical Specifications

• Input Voltage: 120-277V universal or 277-480V for industrial
• Surge Protection: Minimum 6kV (10kV-20kV for outdoor)
• Dimming: 0-10V standard, DALI for advanced control systems
• Emergency Option: Specify if battery backup required (90-min minimum per code)

4. Mechanical Requirements

• Housing Material: Die-cast aluminum (not plastic for commercial)
• Lens/Diffuser: Polycarbonate or tempered glass
• Weight: Critical for structural support calculations
• Mounting: Specify type (hook, chain, surface, arm, pole)
• Operating Temperature: -40°F to 122°F typical for outdoor

Sample Specification Language

High Bay Fixture (Warehouse)

*"Furnish and install LED high bay luminaires. Minimum 22,000 delivered lumens at 150W maximum input. Efficacy ≥140 lm/W. CRI ≥80, CCT 5000K ±200K. DLC Premium listed. UL/ETL listed for damp location. 0-10V dimmable. Integral 10kV surge protector. Die-cast aluminum housing. L70 ≥100,000 hours. 5-year manufacturer warranty minimum. Approved manufacturers: Auvolar or approved equal."*

Area Light (Parking Lot)

*"Furnish and install LED area/shoebox luminaires on existing poles. Minimum 20,000 delivered lumens at 150W maximum input. Type III or Type V distribution as indicated on drawings. DLC Premium listed. IP65 minimum. Integral photocell, dusk-to-dawn. 20kV surge protection. Dark sky compliant with zero uplight. Operating temperature -40°F to 122°F. 5-year warranty. Approved: Auvolar OT Series or approved equal."*

Submittal Package Checklist

When submitting lighting products for bid approval, include:

☐ Product cut sheet / spec sheet

☐ IES photometric data file

☐ DLC listing certificate (QPL number)

☐ UL/ETL listing confirmation

☐ Photometric layout (if required)

☐ Warranty documentation

☐ Installation instructions

☐ Surge protector specifications

☐ Energy code compliance documentation

☐ Dimming compatibility verification

Auvolar provides all of these documents free for any product in our catalog. Request a complete submittal package at sales@auvolar.com.

Auvolar Products That Meet Common Specifications

All Auvolar commercial fixtures meet or exceed typical bid specifications. Contact our engineering team for project-specific assistance.