A method for configuring an electronic element (e.g., a ballast) in a lighting system prior to powering up the lighting system uses a wireless communication interface in the electronic element based on near field communication or radio frequency identification communication. An external configuring device, such as a programmed smartphone or tablet, is equipped with a wireless communication module and transmits configuration data to the wireless communication interface which in turn writes the data to memory in the electronic element without power being supplied to the electronic element. The control for the electronic element reads the configuration when it is powered up.