QUALITY, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND COMPLIANCE

1. Introduction

This page sets out the general principles of quality, manufacturing, technical control and conformity applied by Illumus Unipessoal, Lda., hereinafter referred to as “Illumus”, in the development, manufacture and supply of decorative lighting, bespoke lighting solutions and other related products.

Due to the bespoke nature of Illumus’ activity, the technical characteristics, materials, manufacturing processes, controls, tests and documentation applicable are defined according to the final configuration of each product, its intended use, the installation site, the destination market, the applicable legal requirements and the conditions previously agreed with the client.

2. Project-Based Production

Illumus predominantly develops and manufactures products to order, as one-off pieces or in production series of different sizes, based on drawings, specifications, samples, visual references and technical requirements defined and approved for each project.

Each solution may require a specific combination of materials, electrical components, fixing systems, finishes, dimensions, light sources, control systems and installation methods.

For this reason, the characteristics of a product developed for a particular project must not be regarded as automatically applicable to another product, space or installation. The bespoke nature of a product or the manufacture of a one-off piece does not remove the obligation to comply with the applicable legal requirements on safety and conformity.

3. Materials and Components

Materials and components are selected according to the aesthetic, structural, electrical, thermal and functional requirements of each project, as well as the intended use and the conditions of the installation site communicated to Illumus.

Depending on the product, materials and components may include, among others:

• brass, steel, stainless steel, aluminium or other metals;
• glass, crystal, acrylic, polycarbonate or other diffuser materials;
• wood, stone, ceramic, fabric or decorative materials;
• LED light sources, modules, lamps and their respective holders;
• drivers, transformers, wiring and control systems;
• suspension, fixing and structural reinforcement elements.

Whenever technically necessary, Illumus may propose alternative materials or components offering greater safety, stability, compatibility, availability or suitability for the intended use. Any relevant change to the approved solution will be communicated to the client and, where it may affect appearance, performance, installation or commercial conditions, will be subject to prior approval.

4. Manufacturing and Handcraftsmanship

Illumus products may combine industrial processes with manual operations involving cutting, forming, welding, polishing, assembly, finish application and integration of decorative components.

This handcrafted element is part of the nature of bespoke pieces and may result in minor variations between units, including texture, colour tone, patina, polishing, material orientation, welds, joints or other finishing details.

Only reasonable, proportionate and technically unavoidable variations inherent to natural materials, hand-applied finishes or production processes do not, in themselves, constitute manufacturing defects, provided that they remain consistent with the approved sample or overall appearance and do not compromise the product’s safety, functionality, durability, installation or conformity. This provision does not limit the client’s statutory rights or exclude defects in application, adhesion or workmanship attributable to Illumus.

5. Dimensional and Technical Tolerances

Dimensions, weights, power ratings, luminous fluxes, colour temperatures, cable lengths and other values stated in drawings or technical documentation may be subject to the technically acceptable tolerances of the materials, components and processes used.

Whenever a dimension, alignment, maximum weight, fixing point, electrical position or other parameter is critical to installation or coordination with the works, that requirement must be identified and agreed before final approval and the start of production. Specifically agreed critical tolerances prevail over general manufacturing tolerances.

Weights and other values communicated before development is complete may be estimates, and their provisional nature must be identified. Values relevant to structural design, transport, lifting or installation must be confirmed after the construction, materials and components have been fully defined.

6. Finishes and Samples

Metallic, lacquered, patinated, brushed, polished, painted or hand-applied finishes may display variations resulting from the base material, the geometry of the piece, the incidence of light and the application process.

Physical samples are the most appropriate reference for approving colour, gloss, texture and appearance. Photographs, digital images, renders and on-screen visualisations may show differences in colour, scale, gloss or texture and may not reproduce the actual finish exactly.

Even where a sample has been approved, minor technically unavoidable differences may occur between the sample and the final product or between different production batches. Such differences will be assessed taking into account the material, the approved process, the overall appearance and the intended use, and do not include defects in application, adhesion or workmanship.

7. Approval of Drawings and Specifications

Before manufacture, Illumus may submit drawings, specifications, images, samples or other materials for the client’s approval.

Within the information presented, approval confirms acceptance of the dimensions, configuration, distribution of elements, materials, finishes, components and other identified characteristics, allowing Illumus to proceed with development or manufacture of the approved version.

The client, designer, party responsible for the works and installer, according to their respective roles, must confirm the product’s compatibility with the available dimensions, support structure, electrical points, control systems, access and other site constraints outside Illumus’ control. Illumus remains responsible for the characteristics of the product it manufactures and for the legal obligations applicable to it as manufacturer.

The client’s approval does not transfer to the client responsibility for manufacturing defects, technical errors attributable to Illumus, safety breaches or lack of legal conformity of the product.

Changes requested after approval may require revision of the price, lead time, drawings, technical documentation, conformity assessment and the technical feasibility of the product itself.

The general rules concerning approval, amendments and the precedence of the specific documents applicable to each order are also set out in the Terms and Conditions.

8. Quality Control

Illumus applies quality controls appropriate and proportionate to the nature, configuration, risks and complexity of each product during the relevant stages of development, production, assembly and preparation for dispatch.

Depending on the product, these controls may include:

• dimensional and visual inspection;
• inspection of materials, components and finishes;
• verification of electrical connections, insulation and components;
• functional testing of the lighting and control systems integrated into the product;
• verification of fixing, suspension and assembly elements supplied by Illumus;
• confirmation of applicable identification, traceability and documentation;
• inspection before packaging and dispatch.

The type and extent of the controls are defined according to the final product configuration, foreseeable risks, applicable legal requirements and specifications agreed for the project. Production controls do not replace laboratory tests or additional verifications where these are legally required or contractually agreed.

9. Safety, CE Marking and Conformity

Electrical products placed on the market by Illumus are developed and assessed in accordance with the legal requirements applicable to their final configuration, voltage, intended use and destination market. This assessment covers the complete product manufactured by Illumus and not merely the separate conformity of the components used.

Depending on the product, requirements may apply in relation to electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, restriction of hazardous substances, general product safety, ecodesign, energy information, waste electrical and electronic equipment, traceability, instructions, warnings and other legally required obligations.

Where the European Union harmonisation legislation applicable to the product requires CE marking, Illumus, as manufacturer, is responsible for ensuring the conformity assessment of the product’s final configuration, preparing and retaining the applicable technical documentation, issuing and signing the EU Declaration of Conformity and affixing the CE marking before the product is placed on the market.

Whenever technical evidence of conformity or validation of specific product characteristics is required, Illumus may use competent or accredited laboratories to carry out the applicable tests. The resulting test reports form part of or support the technical documentation, but do not replace Illumus’ responsibility as manufacturer or the EU Declaration of Conformity issued by Illumus.

CE marking does not constitute certification of the company or a commercial certificate issued by a laboratory. The involvement of a notified body is required only where the legislation specifically applicable to the product so provides.

Technical documentation, the EU Declaration of Conformity, test reports and certificates or declarations relating to components are distinct documents. Their availability to the client depends on the nature of the document, the applicable legal requirements and the agreed conditions, without prejudice to mandatory disclosure to the competent authorities where legally required.

The existence of CE marking or conformity documentation for an individual component does not, by itself, demonstrate conformity of the complete luminaire. Likewise, alterations, integrations or assemblies carried out by third parties may require a new assessment where they affect the product’s safety, performance or conformity.

Where applicable, Illumus ensures product identification and traceability and adopts the corrective measures legally required if it becomes aware of a safety risk or significant non-conformity attributable to a product placed on the market.

10. Light Sources, Drivers and Control Systems

Light sources, LED modules, drivers, lamps, DALI systems, dimming systems and other components are selected according to the technical requirements defined for the project, the product configuration, compatibility between components and manufacturer availability.

Compatibility between the luminaire, drivers, dimmers, automation systems and electrical installation must be confirmed before production and installation. Where Illumus supplies only the luminaire or certain components, integration, programming, commissioning and validation of the external control system are the responsibility of the parties responsible for the electrical installation or automation, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Illumus cannot guarantee correct operation with equipment, protocols, control systems or components that have not been identified or approved, are incompatible, or are subsequently altered or replaced by third parties.

Replacement of components with technically equivalent models may become necessary due to discontinuation, unavailability, regulatory change or technical development. Equivalence must preserve, where applicable, safety, compatibility, functional characteristics and the agreed performance. Where replacement may materially alter the product’s appearance, dimming, maintenance or performance, it will be communicated to the client in advance.

11. Installation

Installation must be carried out by qualified professionals in accordance with the instructions supplied, good technical practice, safety rules and the legislation applicable at the installation site.

Before installation, the support structure, fixing points, load capacity, electrical supply, access for assembly and maintenance, and compatibility with existing control systems must be checked.

Unless expressly stated in the commercial proposal, installation, lifting equipment, structural reinforcements, building works, verification of the building structure and alterations to the electrical installation are not included in the supply. Illumus is responsible for the structural, suspension or fixing elements incorporated into the product or expressly supplied by it; the suitability of the building structure and anchoring points must be confirmed by a competent professional responsible for the works.

Products intended for dry indoor use only must not be installed outdoors, in wet areas, marine environments, areas exposed to salt air, corrosive atmospheres, extreme temperatures or locations subject to water, steam, dust or chemical agents, unless such use has been expressly considered, specified and approved by Illumus.

Unauthorised modifications, drilling, cutting, wiring changes or component replacements may compromise safety, operation, conformity and warranty coverage, but only to the extent that a causal relationship exists between the intervention and the defect, damage or risk identified, without prejudice to applicable statutory rights.

12. Use, Cleaning and Maintenance

Products must be used exclusively for the purpose, environment and conditions for which they were designed and specified.

Cleaning and maintenance must respect the characteristics of the materials and finishes. Abrasive products, solvents, corrosive substances, unsuitable chemicals or methods capable of damaging surfaces, electrical components or decorative elements must not be used.

Certain finishes and materials may change naturally over time as a result of exposure to light, humidity, temperature, handling or environmental conditions. Natural ageing, patina or oxidation characteristic of certain materials does not necessarily constitute a defect, provided it is consistent with the nature of the material, the intended use and the conditions communicated to the client.

Whenever specific instructions for use, cleaning or maintenance are provided, they must be followed by the client, installer and end user. Lack of maintenance or improper use may affect the warranty only to the extent that it caused or contributed to the defect or damage claimed.

The applicable coverage, exclusions, reporting procedures and assistance conditions are described on the Warranty and After-Sales Service page, without prejudice to any mandatory statutory rights.

13. Project Documentation

The documentation supplied varies according to the type of product, its final configuration and the applicable legal, technical and commercial requirements.

Where applicable, it may include:

• approved drawings;
• technical specifications;
• information on materials and finishes;
• assembly or installation instructions;
• instructions for use and maintenance;
• identification of electrical components;
• the EU Declaration of Conformity or other legally required regulatory documents.

Legally required regulatory documentation forms part of the product conformity process and does not depend on an additional request from the client.

Requests for tests, laboratory reports, engineering calculations, voluntary certifications, documentation in special formats or additional verifications that are not legally required for the product should, where possible, be submitted before the order is placed, as they may affect the price, lead time and technical solution.

Drawings, studies, specifications, technical solutions and other project materials remain subject to the applicable conditions of use, confidentiality and ownership described on the Intellectual Property page and in the specific agreements entered into for each project.

14. Limits of the Published Information

The information on this page is general in nature and does not replace the drawings, specifications, proposals, approvals, instructions or contracts applicable to each supply.

The conformity of each product is determined on the basis of its final configuration, intended use, destination market and the legislation applicable on the date it is placed on the market.

Not all luminaires are subject to an individual energy label. Ecodesign, energy information and registration obligations apply according to the legal classification of the light source and the product containing it.

In the event of any discrepancy, the specific documents formally approved or agreed for the relevant project will prevail, without prejudice to mandatory legal provisions and applicable safety and conformity obligations.

15. Updates

Illumus may update this page to reflect changes to its processes, materials, components, quality practices, technical requirements or legal obligations.

The version published on the date of consultation applies as general information, without retroactively changing the specific conditions formally agreed for projects already ordered and without prejudice to mandatory applicable law.

16. Contact

For information regarding the quality, materials, manufacture, technical documentation or conformity of a product or project, please contact:

Illumus Unipessoal, Lda.
Email: geral@illumus.pt
Telephone: (+351) 938 777 726