Lighting control product attributes

Lighting controls cover a wide spread of products, from wall-box occupancy sensors and dimmers to ceiling sensors, power packs, photocells and networked controllers. The data problems are similar across them: each product works only with certain loads, wiring and protocols, and those limits are written in footnotes and wiring diagrams rather than in the title. A sensor that needs a neutral cannot go into a switch box that lacks one.

Load ratings are a common source of error. Many controls publish different maximum loads for incandescent, LED, fluorescent ballast and motor loads, and at different voltages. Supplier files often reduce this to one wattage, usually the highest. Coverage areas also depend on the kind of motion, and manufacturers quote larger figures for walking than for small desk-level movement.

This template separates device type, sensing and switching behavior, electrical limits, protocols and code or program evidence. With those fields in place a buyer can confirm the control suits the room, the load and the wiring, and a reviewer can trace each value to the manufacturer's specification or installation sheet.

The lighting controls attribute template

18 candidate fields in 5 groups, ordered the way a record gets built: identify the item, capture its specifications, then record fit and the evidence behind any claim. 10 are marked Core: without them the item cannot be identified or filtered. Example values show the expected format only; they do not describe a real SKU.

Identity

Which exact item, variant and pack this record describes.

Check before use: Preserve leading zeros and punctuation, validate against the manufacturer record, and check the GTIN check digit and packaging level before linking.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Manufacturer Part Number manufacturer_part_number	Identifier	Core	OS-DT-WS-DV-WH
GTIN / UPC gtin_upc	Identifier	Core	081234502775

Technical specifications

Measured or rated values that must travel with their unit and test conditions.

Check before use: Store the number and unit separately. Convert only when the source unit and test conditions are known.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Supply Voltage supply_voltage	Controlled list · V	Core	120/277 VAC, 60 Hz
Load Rating by Load Type load_rating_by_load_type	Text · W	Core	120 V: 800 W; 277 V: 1200 W (LED and fluorescent ballast)

Selection attributes

The type, material and option choices buyers filter and compare on.

Check before use: Map supplier wording to a governed vocabulary only after checking the source text and which variant it applies to.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Control Device Type control_device_type	Controlled list	Core	Wall Switch Occupancy Sensor
Sensing Technology sensing_technology	Controlled list	Core	Dual Technology (PIR + Ultrasonic, 40 kHz)
Switching Mode switching_mode	Controlled list	Core	Manual-ON / Auto-OFF (vacancy)
Neutral Required neutral_required	Controlled list	Core	No (uses ground)
Color / Finish color_finish	Controlled list	Core	White (WH)
Coverage Area & Field of View coverage_area_field_of_view	Text · sq ft	Buyer decision	900 sq ft major motion; 300 sq ft minor motion; 180°
Dimming Output Protocol dimming_output_protocol	Controlled list	Buyer decision	0-10 V sinking (ANSI C137.1)
Network / Control Protocol network_control_protocol	Controlled list	Buyer decision	Bluetooth Mesh
Time Delay Range time_delay_range	Text	Buyer decision	5 s to 30 min, DIP-selectable
Plenum Rated (UL 2043) plenum_rated_ul_2043	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	No

Fit & compatibility

What the item mounts to, mates with, replaces or works alongside.

Check before use: Keep model and series qualifiers. A similar-looking part is not a verified fit until a source says so.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Mounting Type mounting_type	Controlled list	Core	Wall switch box, single gang

Evidence & compliance

Listings, standards, classifications and origin claims that need a document behind them.

Check before use: Link the manufacturer document or label with its edition or date. Never copy a certification from a neighboring SKU.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Safety Listing Standard safety_listing_standard	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	cULus listed; FCC Part 15
Energy-Code / Rebate Certification energy_code_rebate_certification	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	CEC Title 20 listed; DLC NLC QPL
Country of Origin country_of_origin	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	Mexico

Normalize supplier values

The same value arrives in many spellings. Map each raw string to one governed value, and keep the raw text beside it so a reviewer can see what the supplier actually wrote.

Often missing from supplier files

These fields are commonly absent from price lists and basic feeds, even though the information usually exists in a datasheet, label or installation manual. Treat an empty value as a request for evidence, not as permission to fill it from a similar model.

• Switching Mode (occupancy vs vacancy)
• Load Rating by Load Type
• Neutral Required
• Plenum Rated (UL 2043)
• Coverage Area by Motion Class

Questions the record must answer

Buyers and counter-sales reps choosing lighting controls ask questions like these. Each one needs a specific field, sourced for the exact variant.

• Can this sensor go into an older switch box with no neutral wire?
• How many LED fixtures can it switch at 120 V?
• Can it be set so the lights only come on when someone presses the button?
• Will it cover a 20 x 25 ft classroom from the wall position?

From supplier file to record

1. Resolve identity first. Link the supplier SKU, manufacturer part number and packaging identifiers without merging distinct variants or pack sizes.
2. Extract with the source attached. Pull values from rows, tables and datasheets, keeping the raw text, unit and page or row reference.
3. Map to your classification. Assign the ETIM, ECLASS, UNSPSC or internal class your company licenses, and keep the supplier's original terms.
4. Review, sync and watch. Hold conflicts and safety-related values for a category expert, write approved values to ERP or PIM, and recheck when the supplier sends a new file.

For the full method, see how to build a category attribute template and the category catalog gap audit.

FAQ