Ordering-code logic
Most lighting catalogs build a catalog number from segments. A configurator assembles the code from the user's choices and enforces which segments can follow which.
| Segment | Example values |
|---|---|
| Series / family | Linear pendant, recessed downlight, high bay |
| Length / size | 4 ft, 8 ft, continuous run in nominal lengths; 4 in. or 6 in. aperture |
| Lumen package | Output levels per foot or per fixture |
| CCT | 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, tunable white |
| CRI | 80, 90 |
| Distribution / optic | Direct, direct/indirect, wide, narrow, asymmetric |
| Voltage | 120–277V, 347V |
| Driver / dimming | 0–10V, DALI, phase, integrated sensor or networked controls |
| Finish / mounting | White, black, custom RAL; recessed, surface, pendant |
| Options | Emergency battery or remote emergency driver, chicago plenum, sensor |
The series, codes and rule are invented to show the pattern. Use your own catalog structure.
Availability rules
- Optics, lumen packages and drivers that work together, including thermal limits on high-output packages.
- Run lengths built only from available segment lengths.
- Emergency and controls options by family, voltage and driver.
- Finish availability by family; custom finishes routed for quote.
- Regional or code-driven limits, such as 347V for Canada and specific options only for certain listings.
Lighting catalogs change often as LED boards, drivers and options are updated. Keep availability in tables owned by product management, with effective dates, so a discontinued option disappears from new quotes without breaking old ones.
Continuous runs need a parts list
A 47 ft continuous run is not one SKU. The configurator should break it into segments, joiners, end caps, power feeds and suspension points, and flag when the requested length cannot be built from standard segments.
Documents specifiers expect, per configuration
- A spec sheet showing the exact catalog number.
- Photometric files: IES LM-63 format files for the configured lumen package and optic, for lighting calculations.
- Installation instructions, plus the lead time.
- Listings and qualifications for that configuration: UL or ETL listing, damp or wet location rating, and UL 924 emergency compliance where emergency options are chosen.
- DLC listing, if the configuration is qualified.
DLC matters for utility rebates. The DesignLights Consortium's SSL V6.0 technical requirements took effect January 5, 2026, and the SSL V5.1 listings are scheduled to delist on December 15, 2026. A configurator that shows "DLC listed" has to check the exact configuration against current listings. A family-level badge is not enough.
Energy codes shape what gets specified. California's 2025 Energy Code applies to permit applications filed on or after January 1, 2026, for example, and controls requirements drive driver and sensor choices.
Quoting a lighting package by project
Lighting is usually sold by project, against a fixture schedule that lists types (A1, A2, B1 and so on), quantities and specified products. A configurator that supports projects lets a rep or agency configure each type once, attach it to the schedule tag, and enter quantities. The quote then mirrors the schedule the engineer and contractor use, which makes submittals, substitutions and change tracking much easier.
Substitutions
Substitution requests are common in lighting. When a configured product is offered as an equal, put the key data side by side with the specified product:
- Delivered lumens and efficacy
- CCT and CRI
- Distribution
- Dimming protocol
- Dimensions and mounting
- Listings
The specifier can then approve or reject it quickly. Make the configured catalog number easy to copy into the fixture schedule.
Agencies and portals
Lighting is often sold through independent agencies that need quick configuration, project pricing and submittal packages. Give them a portal with the same rules and outputs as your internal team. Never maintain a separate, older rule set for agencies.
Gotchas
- Spec sheets generated from family templates that do not reflect the chosen options.
- Photometric files that do not match the configured lumen package or optic.
- Run lengths quoted without joiners, feeds or suspension.
- Emergency options that are incompatible with the chosen driver, caught only at the factory.
- DLC claims that are not checked against current listings.
When a configurator is not the right first step
If most of your sales are highly custom architectural fixtures, engineered per project, a configurator may not be the right first step. A structured quote request with engineering review may serve you better. Configurators pay off on catalog families with many valid combinations and frequent errors in ordering codes.
Where RenderDraw fits
RenderDraw's Product Configurator guides selection with rules owned by a Product Feature Model or an external CPQ. It validates submissions on the server and hands a valid selection to pricing and quoting. RenderDraw Part Finder provides a visual spare-parts catalog for Salesforce. Book a demo, or see the product configurator buyer's guide.
