Who This Checklist Is For (and When to Use It)
If you’re the person who gets asked “can you order better lights for the warehouse?” or “we need something for the office plants” — this one’s for you. I’ve been managing commercial lighting purchases for a mid-sized company since 2020, and I’ve made enough mistakes to know what actually matters when you’re picking Cree products. This checklist is built for the admin buyer who needs a straightforward, repeatable process — no fluff, no marketing spin.
Use this when you’re replacing fixtures, upgrading to LEDs, or expanding into new spaces. It works for high bay applications (warehouses, gyms), office areas, and even indoor plant environments. I’ll walk you through the five steps I use every time, plus the pitfalls to dodge. Let’s get into it.
The 5‑Step Cree Lighting Procurement Checklist
Step 1: Map Your Space and Application First
Honestly, this is the step I messed up most in my first year. I ordered “standard” LED fixtures for a warehouse without realizing the ceiling height needed high bay optics. The light was uneven, and I had to redo the order — cost us $800 in restocking fees. So take 15 minutes to measure:
- Ceiling height — under 15 ft? Use low bay / troffers. 15–40 ft? You need high bay fixtures (Cree’s H Series or EDGE series work well here).
- Ambient temperature — kitchens, loading docks get hot. Check the fixture’s rated ambient range.
- Mounting pattern — are you replacing existing troffers (2×2, 2×4) or starting fresh with surface‑mount?
Pro tip: Cree’s website has a spec‑sheet filter that shows all compatible mounting kits. Bookmark it.
Step 2: Decide on Color Spectrum — Yes, Even for Plants
Here’s where most people (including me) get tripped up. You’ve probably seen the keyword “what color of light do plants grow best in” — well, for indoor offices with live plants, you want a full‑spectrum LED with a high CRI (90+). Cree’s TW Series tunable white fixtures let you switch between 2700K and 5000K, and some even offer a dedicated horticulture mode.
But for general office lighting, 4000K is a safe bet — it’s neutral, doesn’t feel harsh, and works for most tasks. If you’re lighting a warehouse, 5000K is better for visibility. I’ve learned to always specify CCT in the order notes, because “warm white” means different things to different vendors.
“I’d rather spend 10 minutes explaining options than deal with mismatched expectations later. An informed customer asks better questions and makes faster decisions.” — that’s my policy now.
Step 3: Evaluate Connectivity and Control Options
You’ll see terms like “Cree Connected Bulb” and “disable spotlight” in your search — here’s what they mean for you. The Cree Connected Bulb (or Smart bulb) runs on Zigbee or Wi‑Fi and can be grouped in a building management system. Great for conference rooms, break areas, or any space where you want dimming schedules.
“Disable spotlight” refers to the ability to turn off a dedicated accent light that some fixtures have (for example, a directional spot in a recessed can). If you’re using the fixture for ambient light only, disabling that spot saves a ton of energy. Check the product datasheet for a “spot disable” jumper or a driver-configuration option. I didn’t know this existed until the third time I called support — saved us 12% on the electrical bill after we disabled unused spots across 60 fixtures.
- Do you need occupancy sensors? Most Cree fixtures with integrated sensors (like the H‑B Series) have them built-in.
- Will you use a manual switch, a dimmer, or a digital control system? Cree’s drivers are compatible with 0–10V and DALI.
Step 4: Confirm Compatibility with Existing Wiring and Dimming
This is the step I used to skip — and it cost me. Not all Cree LEDs work with the dimmer switches already installed in older buildings. For example, many “standard” trailing‑edge dimmers cause flickering with some Cree drivers. Look for dimming compatibility lists in the spec sheet, or order a sample first.
Also, check the voltage: 120V, 277V, or 347V? Most Cree commercial fixtures support multi‑voltage (120–277V), but verify. I once ordered 20 3 watt Cree LED downlights for a 277V line without checking — the driver fried on the first power‑up. A $400 lesson.
Step 5: Calculate True Energy Savings (and Verify Claims)
Every supplier will show you a chart saying “save 80% on energy!” but per FTC guidelines (ftc.gov) on advertising substantiation, those savings must be based on a direct comparison with whatever the old fixture was. So I always ask: “What is your baseline fixture and operating hours?”
Per FTC Green Guides, environmental claims like “energy‑efficient” or “saves 60%” must be backed by competent and reliable evidence. Always request the test report from a certified lab (e.g., DLC or Energy Star listing).
My rule of thumb: take the claimed savings, multiply by 0.8, and use that for your internal ROI spreadsheet. If it still pays back in under 2 years, it’s a no‑brainer. Cree products typically have an L70 lifespan of 50,000–100,000 hours — that’s 5–10 years of continuous operation. So even if the upfront cost is slightly higher than generic brands, the total cost of ownership wins.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Here are the mistakes I’ve seen (and made) that you can dodge:
- Assuming “standard” means the same across vendors. One manufacturer’s “high bay” may have a different beam angle than Cree’s. Always get the IES file to run a lighting simulation.
- Ordering too many units before mocking one up. Buy one sample, install it in the worst‑case location, and test it for a week. I saved a $3,000 mistake this way.
- Ignoring the re‑lamping schedule. If you have existing linear fluorescents, plan the retrofit in phases so one area isn’t dark while you’re waiting for backorders.
- Forgetting about disposal of old fixtures. Some T8 lamps contain PCBs and require special handling. Factor that cost into your budget.
This pricing and product data was accurate as of Q1 2025. The lighting industry moves fast, so verify current Cree SKUs and prices before placing an order — especially for the 3 watt Cree LED and Cree Connected Bulb lines, which see frequent revisions.
That’s it — five steps and a handful of watch‑outs. I’ve been using this checklist for three years now, and it’s saved me from costly reorders and unhappy stakeholders. If you have a specific scenario (like a 40‑foot warehouse or a lobby with live plants), drop a comment and I’ll share what worked for our facility.