system and method include luminaires , control switches , occupancy detectors , and photocells connected to central control module for setting up , testing , commissioning and maintaining the system . memory card interface and associated memory card provided for loading , saving and / or transferring configuration , update firmware , and log system operation data , which can be automatically recognized to perform appropriate actions . system and method provide switching between different mutually exclusive lighting modes where lighting of each mode is sequenced such that second lighting mode is initiated before first mode is terminated , resulting in continuity of lighting in controlled area . other features include daylight harvesting control with multiple zone dimming and switching , programmable attack and decay dimming rates , ability to return system to previous dimming level after lights have been turned off , and ability to start controlled lights at full light level then dim down to previous level to ensure lighting ballasts have sufficient start up voltage .