Pre-Installation Phase (Week 0)
Planning and Scheduling
After you sign your upgrade agreement, the scheduling process begins. Your project manager coordinates with electricians, Lutron specialists, and installers to find optimal dates. This phase involves:
- Final system design review and component ordering
- Electrical panel assessment and power planning
- Scheduling on-site installation dates (typically arranged for weekdays or weekends per your preference)
- Identifying processor location and preparing the electrical closet
- Creating a detailed scope document for your reference
What you should do: Clear your electrical closet if necessary. Ensure access to the processor location is clear. Plan for the technician visits.
Week 1: Preparation and Pre-Work
Site Assessment and Wiring Planning
A technician visits your home to conduct a final assessment. This involves:
- Verifying existing control wiring condition and routing
- Confirming dimmer circuit locations and capacity
- Testing existing system to document baseline functionality
- Creating detailed wiring diagrams for the new installation
- Identifying any challenges or complications
On-site disruption: Minimal. Visit typically takes 2-4 hours. No loss of lighting control.
Week 2: Installation Phase (Most Intensive)
Day 1-2: Hardware Installation in Electrical Closet
The main installation work begins. This is the most visible/disruptive phase:
- New QSX processor installed in designated location
- New dimmer modules installed in replacement dimmer panels
- Power distribution updated and safety-checked
- Control wiring tested and labeled
- Backup power system installed (if included)
On-site disruption: Moderate. You may experience brief interruptions to lighting control as old components are replaced. Technicians work to minimize outages by using phased switching.
Day 3-4: Keypad and Control Installation
Wall controls are installed throughout your home:
- Old keypads removed, new QSX keypads installed
- Control wiring routed and terminated at each keypad
- Shade controllers installed (if applicable)
- Wireless remotes and additional controls set up
- All control points tested for responsiveness
On-site disruption: Moderate. Work occurs throughout your home. Most lighting control is maintained; specific areas may lose control briefly during keypad replacement.
Week 3: Configuration and Testing
System Programming and Scene Creation
The system is configured to match your preferences:
- Every dimming circuit is tested and calibrated
- All scenes are programmed to your specifications
- Shade automation sequences are created and tested
- Scheduling features are configured
- Voice control integration (Alexa/Google Home) is set up
- Mobile app is provisioned and tested
On-site disruption: Minimal to moderate. Most programming happens remotely. Final testing and training require on-site visits but don't interrupt normal lighting use.
Comprehensive Testing and Quality Assurance
Rigorous testing ensures everything functions perfectly:
- Every circuit tested for proper dimming response
- All scenes executed and verified to match specifications
- Voice commands tested across all zones
- Mobile app control verified from multiple devices
- Shade operation tested in all positions
- Emergency overrides and manual controls verified
- System documentation finalized
On-site disruption: None to minimal. Testing occurs during normal daytime hours without interrupting your use of the system.
Week 4: Training and Handoff
User Training and System Handoff
You receive comprehensive training on your new system:
- Walk-through of physical controls and keypads
- Mobile app tutorial and remote access setup
- Voice control setup and command examples
- Scene management and modification (if desired)
- Scheduling features and automation setup
- Troubleshooting basics and support contact info
- Warranty details and service plan overview
On-site disruption: None. This is training and orientation, scheduled at your convenience.
After Installation: Support Phase
Follow-up Support and Optimization
After initial installation, we remain available for adjustments:
- Scene fine-tuning if you want to adjust brightness levels
- Adding new scenes or automations
- Troubleshooting any issues that arise
- Helping family members learn the system
- Integration with other smart home devices
Support availability: 24-hour emergency response for critical system issues. Standard phone/email support during business hours.
Total Timeline Summary
Pre-Installation: 1-2 weeks (mostly waiting for scheduling)
On-Site Installation: 3-5 days of actual technician presence
Programming & Testing: 3-5 days (often split across multiple visits)
Training & Handoff: 1-2 hours
Total Calendar Time: 2-4 weeks from contract signing to full operation
Preparing for Your Upgrade
- Clear the electrical closet: Remove any items blocking access to the processor location
- Plan for on-site visits: Schedule them at times that work for your household
- Document your current scenes: Write down scene names and brightness levels if you want to replicate them exactly
- Prepare for brief interruptions: Have backup lighting (flashlights, temporary lamps) available just in case
- Arrange for someone to be home: Technicians need access to your home during scheduled visits
- Clear wall areas: Remove any obstacles near keypads that are being replaced
Ready to Plan Your Upgrade?
Let's discuss your timeline and schedule your system assessment. We'll work around your schedule to minimize disruption.
Schedule Assessment