The Best Recommended Lux Levels For All Environments

When we think about light levels for an application, we are typically talking about foot candles or lux. What this is, is the amount of light at a specific plane. Foot candles and lux are completely different calculations but provide the same information. For example, 1-foot candle = 10.752 lux and if it’s put the other way around its 1 lux = 0.0929-foot candles. We are going to provide below the recommended foot candle guidelines for common areas and applications, for example, offices and factories. The below information will provide you with the guidance that is important on how to get these projected measurements.

Understanding Photometrics

When you have a Photometric Study, you will receive a report detailing a location (either indoors or outdoors). It’s done by software that is designed to do light studies. This fantastic bit of software allows you to design an area, import fixtures and set mounting heights. The software then runs and produces a report that shows the average, max and min foot candles. For this discussion, the numbers we discuss will be the average recommended foot candles. The max/min ratio is just as important. The higher the number is, the spottier the lighting is going to be. It’s one thing to hit the recommended average but, it’s another to design a complete lighting solution with even light distribution. We can help you with any lighting installations in London if it is just for a free quotation or just a quick question.

Understanding Lumens

What is a lumen? A lumen is a measurement of light created by one bulb, lamp or fixture. When a photometric is being completed, lights are added at specific locations. The lights then provide their lumens to determine how many foot candles are present. You have to choose the correct optic along with the lumens as this aids in getting an even distribution of light.

Understanding Light Efficiency

Although LED lights look the same, they’re not. They all product lumens, some of which are a lot more efficient than others. Let’s look at a couple of examples. One LED is 130 lumens/watt. The is 180 lumens/watt. To produce 20,000 lumens, the first light would need 153 watts on average. The second light would only need 111 watts on average. As you can see there is a difference of roughly 42 watts. This is what helps your business in London save money on its lightning bill! Both of these bulbs produce the same amount of light.

Putting it all together

This post is about recommended light levels. It’s almost impossible to pick a light and hope for proper light levels and distribution. If you require assistance with your lighting in London or are just curious you can contact us.

Recommended Light Levels

Lighting system are not all equal. What could be ideal for one location in the building may not be suitable for another. For example, a big storage warehouse will not need the same amount of light in a packaging warehouse. Even if these two facilities have the same size building, the activities carried out are different. The work that is performed in a building usually dictates which fixtures are required for illumination. That is why a one size fits all approach is never recommended when you are choosing your lighting.

Lighting systems are not equal. What may be ideal for one location may be unsuitable for another. For instance, a big box store does not need the same amount of light as a packaging warehouse. Even if two facilities have the same square feet, the activities carried out may be different. FBS Electrical Services has put together a table below to show the recommended Lux levels for different areas.

How much do you need?

The best and safest way to proceed is to contact your local electrical contractor in London. If you require any advice or assistance on deciding how your new lighting installation is going to go then please contact us

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