Introduction
Lighting calculation refers to a series of techniques and methods used in designing lighting systems. It aims to determine the required illumination levels and select appropriate lighting fixtures, configurations, and placements to ensure the desired lighting effects within a specific space. Lighting calculation involves numerous factors, such as site layout, lighting standards, types and wattages of fixtures, and the lenses of the fixtures. In lighting calculation, terms like Dialux, Relux, and AGI32, among others, are commonly heard as they denote specialized simulation software. Once factors influencing lighting outcomes are confirmed, these simulation tools are employed for photometric analysis, illuminance distribution, luminous intensity, and calculations of parameters such as illuminance and uniformity. These calculations are utilized to evaluate the lighting effects in specific areas and optimize them according to design parameters. Through these calculations and analyses, users can assess and optimize various design schemes, including different types of fixtures, their layouts, and positioning, as well as the control methods for lighting systems, all to achieve optimal lighting effects and energy efficiency.
Why go with lighting calculation?
Lighting calculation plays a key role in lighting design. It can not only assist in selecting appropriate lighting solutions (including type and quantity of lamps) but also optimize lighting effects. In addition, it plays an important role in energy conservation and environmental protection (avoiding excessive lighting), improving comfort, avoiding glare and light pollution, and improving space aesthetics.
Appropriate lighting solution: Lighting calculations can help us choose the most suitable type, quantity, wattage, and lens of lamps. These factors directly affect the realization of lighting effects.
Optimized lighting effects: Lighting calculations ensure that you get the right amount of lighting everywhere in your project and that the illumination, or brightness, is evenly distributed. Through continuous calculation and optimization, the implementation of the project can be carried out according to the lighting simulation, thus obtaining optimized lighting effects.
Energy saving and environmental protection: lighting calculations can optimize energy use. By rationally selecting the placement, quantity, wattage, and lenses of lamps, we can choose the best lighting solution to make the lighting project more efficient, energy-saving, and environmentally friendly.
Avoid glare and light pollution: Lighting calculations help avoid glare and light pollution. Through reasonable lighting design, glare and light pollution can be effectively reduced, thereby protecting the health and safety of humans and wildlife.
Improve the aesthetics of space: Lighting calculations can optimize the layout and angle of light sources, giving projects better visual effects and making them more attractive. In addition, the use of high-quality LED chips can improve the color reproduction performance of lighting, thereby improving the comfort of indoor lighting.
How to go with lighting calculation?
Lux is the unit used in the International System of Units (SI) to measure illuminance, representing the amount of luminous flux received per unit area. Typically, we use lux to indicate the lighting effect of fixtures. Lighting calculation enables us to determine the illuminance achieved on the illuminated area through simulated calculations, aiding in determining the required number of fixtures. However, we can also measure actual illuminance on the illuminated area using a light meter. Different formulas can be used to calculate light intensity under various circumstances. To illustrate this, we categorize these scenarios into three types:
E = F / A
E represents illumination or lux
F represents the luminous flux in lumens
A represents the surface area covered by the luminaire (in square meters)
For example, in a 3×3 meter room, a 48W 4500lm canopy light is installed. Applying the formula E=4500/3/3=500lux, it can meet the lighting needs of a normal room. If the room is used as a study room, a wattage of 72W or higher is required.
E = F x Q x MF / A
E represents illumination or lux
F represents the average lumen value of the lamp
Q represents the number of lamps
MF represents the maintenance factor of the luminaire
A represents the surface area covered by the luminaire (in square meters)
For example, a 36x18m tennis court is equipped with 8 pieces 320W 150lm/W high-power floodlights. Apply the formula E=320W*150lm/Wx8x0.8/36/18=474lux. Of course, this is only an estimate. In actual applications, outdoor lighting will cause part of the light to accidentally illuminate the target area due to various reasons, causing the illumination value calculated by this method to be much smaller than the simulated value. According to the experience of the ZGSM technical team, when calculating the illumination value through this method, it is recommended that the value of this coefficient is about 0.8.
Lighting simulation
In addition to calculating lighting effects using the above formulas, we recommend clients utilize lighting simulation results to determine the suitability of the lighting. The general steps typically involve confirming the site dimensions, selecting lighting standards, followed by fixture selection and arrangement (where we can estimate suitable fixture wattage and quantity through steps 1 and 2), importing into lighting simulation software for result computation, and finally, fine-tuning, optimizing, and exporting the report. In practical applications, different outdoor lighting simulations exhibit certain differences. Below, we explain each scenario separately.
Lighting calculation of street lighting
In outdoor lighting simulations, road lighting stands as the most common demand. Clients frequently inquire about the suitable wattage for streetlights on a 7-meter-wide road with 6-meter-high poles. Based on our experience, knowing these conditions can roughly determine the appropriate wattage (xxxW, based on M4a standards). If your lighting requirements are higher, it might necessitate increasing the wattage of the fixtures or enhancing their efficiency. In road lighting simulations, brightness is typically the primary requirement for the roadway, while illuminance is the primary consideration for sidewalks and conflict areas. For more details, please refer to another article of ours. With these settings and fixture arrangements (usually determined by project requirements), we can input these parameters into Dialux for lighting simulations. Here are the basic steps for road lighting simulation.
Lighting calculation of street lighting
Steps for street lighting design
Road composition (including carriageway, sidewalk, median, road width, number of lanes)
Lighting standards (M lighting class – M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, P lighting class, and C lighting class). Refer to road lighting design
Luminaire layout (pole height, spacing, outreach, angle, distance of poles from the road edge). Refer to luminaire-arrangement-of-street-light-led
Selection of luminaire IES, import into Dialux, and calculations (adjust or replace wattage and lens if necessary).
Exporting the report
Lighting calculation of sports lighting
For sports lighting, clients often inform us about a field that requires illumination. However, while they might be aware of the field’s size, they might not be clear about the lighting requirements, as well as the positions and heights of the light poles. To conduct a simulation for stadium lighting, we need to specify the requirements for illuminance and uniformity. ZC Lighting can confirm these requirements based on the competition level of the client’s sports field. Following this, we will calculate the required wattage and quantity of flood lighting fixtures using the illuminance calculation formula, and finally input this data into Dialux for lighting calculation. Here are the basic steps for stadium lighting simulation.
Lighting calculation of sports field
Steps for Sports Field Lighting Design
Type and size of the sports field
Lighting standards (illuminance and uniformity as per EN12193)
Luminaire layout (pole positions, pole height, number of fixtures)
Selection of luminaire(flood light or high mast light) IES, import into Dialux, and calculations (adjust or replace luminaire wattages or lenses if necessary)
Exporting the report
Lighting calculation of exterior lighting
Apart from road lighting and sports lighting simulations, we also engage in projects concerning parking lot lighting, park lighting, and lighting for industrial park roads. Such outdoor lighting projects typically involve areas with irregular shapes and dimensions. We recommend clients provide CAD drawings and refer to EN12464-1 standards for the various illumination requirements in different areas. Subsequently, based on the positions and heights of light poles, we select appropriate wattages and lenses. Finally, these data are input into Dialux for lighting calculation. Here are the basic steps for simulating lighting in other outdoor areas. Please review case studies of exterior flood lights for walking areas.
Lighting calculation of exterior area
Steps for other exterior area lighting design
Layout and size of outdoor area(CAD drawings)
Lighting standards (illuminance and uniformity as per EN12464-1)
Luminaire layout (positions, heights, and spacing)
Selection of luminaire IES for calculations (adjust or replace luminaire wattages or lenses if necessary)
Exporting the report
Summary
This article outlines the relevant knowledge of lighting calculation, including its significance and specific implementation methods. It particularly introduces various outdoor lighting calculation procedures such as road lighting, sports lighting, and other outdoor lighting scenarios. These steps encompass the selection of lighting standards, project drawings, fixture selection and placement, culminating in the final lighting calculation. In practical applications, continual adjustments may be necessary to ensure that the lighting design is both reasonable and optimized. Through this study, we can confidently navigate future projects, ensuring our lighting solutions meet the relevant standards, offer well-considered fixture selections and placements, and provide professional recommendations for fixture installation. For further information, please feel free to contact us.
When choosing the best LED lighting solutions for your parking lot, several key factors should guide your decision.
These include types of lights, energy efficiency, lighting controls, and beam angles, among others. Each element plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of your lighting installation.
Introduction
With the development of the economy, cars have become a common means of transportation for people. The urban parking lot makes the cars in the city run normally and smoothly. The parking lot is developing into an indispensable element of a city, and its illumination should also be paid attention to. Targeted lighting in the parking lot ( Click here to view case studies of LED parking lot lights for commercial districts. ). is not only a requirement to ensure use, but also a need to ensure property and personal safety.
Most parking lot lights use one of three types of lamps: high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, such as metal halide lamps, high-pressure sodium lamps, and – if they’re very old – mercury vapor lamps. However, with the development of LED technology, LED parking lot Lights are gradually replacing traditional parking lot lights.
If you have a plan to upgrade your old car park, start by taking a full inventory of the car park and adjoining areas. The list should state the total number of lamps, type of lamps, number of poles, and location of poles. We can determine the wattage of LED lamps according to the wattage of the original lamps and the type of lamps. At the same time, add lamps to places that require additional lighting, and reduce the use of lamps in places that do not require much lighting.
If your parking lot is new, we believe you must have drawings of this parking lot (approximate square feet of the parking lot), including the dimensions of the parking lot, the location of the light fixtures, and the height of the light poles. Which areas need to be illuminated and which areas should not be illuminated by lamps temporarily. Then we can quickly start working on lighting simulations and give you the right LED solution.
ZC Lighting is also a professional expert in Street Lighting, more information visit street lighting design guide.
Design considerations
When you calculate lights, be sure to pay attention to which type of lights are used in different places (Lights near parking lot entrances and doors may differ from lights installed further away in parking lots). Remember that lighting distribution is key when considering a good design. To get a good result, lighting should be fairly even for a parking lot. Of course, better lighting doesn’t mean more lighting, too much light or uneven light distribution can cause light pollution or glare problems.
General requirements for outdoor parking lot lighting
Outdoor parking lot lighting shall be designed to provide adequate vision, comfort, and safety.
Outdoor parking lot lighting shall be designed to provide uniform lighting throughout the facility with no dark patches or pockets.
Outdoor parking lot lighting shall be designed to provide a minimum value of lighting necessary for the safety and identification of features.
Outdoor parking lot lighting shall not cause direct illumination on adjacent and nearby properties or streets. Fixtures should be of a type or adequately shielded so as to prevent glare from normal viewing angles.
In order to direct light downward and minimize the amount of light spilled into the dark night sky, all lighting fixtures serving outdoor parking lots, except as allowed in a subsection of this section, shall be full cutoff fixtures as defined by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA).
The maximum allowable installation height for lighting fixtures in open parking lots shall be 15 feet within 50 feet of low and medium-density residential areas and on rooftops. Other outdoor parking lot lighting fixtures can be 25 feet.
Relative standards-Lux and light uniformity
Below is the US standard
Basic1
Enhanced Security2
Minimum Footcandles on Pavement
0.2 FC1
0.5 FC
Maximum Footcandles on Pavement
4.0 FC
7.5 FC
Uniformity Ratio Maximum: Minimum
20:1
15:1
Minimum Footcandles at five feet Above Pavement
0.1 FC
0.25 FC
1: 1 FC equals 10.7 lux
2: Enhanced security is needed where special security needs exist, or where vandalism or crime is possible.
Below is the China Standard.
Parking lot classification
Average lux on ground
Uniformity(minimum lux/ average lux)
GR
Ra
Class I: > 400 vehicles
30
0.25
50
20
Class II: 251- 400 vehicles
20
0.25
50
20
Class III: > 101-250 vehicles
10
0.25
50
20
Class IV: ≤100 vehicles
5
0.25
55
20
Lighting distribution
The important thing you must consider is to perform a photometric analysis. Lighting design and simulation will help to have the best possible lighting design so that the area is properly lit. According to the Luminaire Classification System, the light should have a BUG value: backlight, upplight, and glare. The luminaire cannot have any upplight which will spill light into the night sky. Meanwhile, if the parking lot is near a residential area, there should be less backlight to make sure that we will not get many complaints from the residents.
Lighting distribution is the main feature of LED lights. With the help of a lens, the light that comes from the luminaire can project onto an object or a surface evenly. It is determined by the point at which 50% of the fixture’s luminous intensity is met. The lighting industry has created a classification system and recognized five distinct LED distribution types – Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV, and Type V light distribution.
Generally, Type III, Type IV, and Type V are suitable for parking lot lighting, but roads entering parking areas and roads inside of parking lots often require spectrums like Type I and Type II. For example, in the below solution, we used Type I for the road in this industry area. But we used Type III for its parking lot area.
Dialux simulation
CCT
Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) is used to describe the color appearance of a light source. The value is expressed in Kelvin (K). The CCT of a warm light source is less than 3500k. The CCT of neutral light sources is in the 3500 to 4500k range. The CCT of the cold light source is greater than 4500k (see Figure 6). CCT is not a performance metric: higher numbers are not better. Rather, it is a metric that describes the temperature or temperature of the light.
Now more and more customers want the color temperature to be less than 3000K because they think that such a light source is closer to traditional lamps and does not look so dazzling which is not harmful to the eyes.
CRI
Color Rendering Index (CRI) is used to describe the color rendering accuracy of a light source. It is important to note that CRI only describes one aspect of color. CRI≤60 indicates poor color rendering, 60 – 70 medium, 70-80 good, 80-90 very good, 90+ excellent. CRI is a performance indicator, and the higher the value, the better. In parking lots, color recognition is necessary to identify clothes, faces, license plates, and vehicles. Generally speaking, a CRI greater than 70 is sufficient for parking lot lighting.
Height of Poles
Parking lot lights can be installed from 12 feet to 20 feet in height, but in some cases can be as high as 25 feet or 35 feet. The size of your parking lot will be used to determine the recommended height for your poles; larger areas are better for higher poles for better uniformity and vice versa.
Another aspect to consider is whether your area is urban (more concentrated in housing) or rural (more scattered). If your parking lot is adjacent to a lot of other houses, it is necessary to use shorter poles to ensure that the light does not interfere with the residential area. Conversely, in rural areas, you can have higher poles.
Space of Poles
Once the installation height is confirmed, you can then determine the spacing between your lamp poles. A rule of thumb: The higher your installation height, the fewer poles you’ll need.
Continuing the previous example, in more densely populated areas you should have more and closer light poles, while in rural areas you will have fewer lamp poles.
Type of mounting
There are different types of mounting for parking lot lights, including the Pole Mount and the Surface Mount. Pole mounted parking lot light is mounted on a pole, which has an arm that extends into the ground. Surface mount lights are with U-brackets or trunnion brackets that mount directly to an existing wall. Hylele LED parking lot lights have different kinds of brackets that can fulfill your installation requirements. Below is the diagram of brackets and their application. We are also providing parking lot light poles for your lighting system, so if you are interested in poles and brackets, please feel free to get in touch with us.
Lighting controls to save energy
The parking lot is lit for long periods every day. During certain hours of the night, the parking lot is with few vehicles and pedestrians. Installing energy-efficient equipment is a step toward an energy-efficient design, and lighting controls are a great addition. Ideally, it is best to install the controls at the same time as any new or replacement equipment is installed, as the electrician is already on site.
Controls are appearing in car parks due to new technologies capable of producing significant energy savings based on high-efficiency lighting. Lighting control includes a Timer switch, Photocell switch, Timing dimming, Motion sensor, and Smart control. Here we give a brief introduction, if you are interested, you can refer to our article about street light control systems.
Timer switch control system
Because parking lot lamps must be turned on and off regularly, they are typically controlled by a time switch, also known as a street lamp time switch control system. In the long run, a street lamp with a time switch management system will improve energy efficiency and service life, providing people with an outstanding user experience.
Photocell switch control system
A photocell switch is made up of two components: a photocell and a bimetallic relay. When the light intensity varies, the machine automatically switches on or off the illumination. The photosensitive resistance inside the light control gets less resistant as light shines on it. The parking lot light is then turned off and the circuit is closed.
When the ambient light is insufficient, the photosensitive resistance has a higher resistance value. The circuit is then turned on, and the parking lot light is switched on.
Timing dimming control system
Timing dimming is a technique that has been used for a long time. This is a dimmer function that allows you to modify the output of your LED parking lot light at night.
Traditionally LED drivers have a pre-programmed program. For example, we set the LED driver to run at 100% for 6 hours, 50% for the next 6 hours, and then 100% for the next 2 hours.
When the light is switched on at 18:00 and turned off at 6:00, the brightness is 100 percent from 18:00 to 24:00, and 50 percent from 24:00 to 6:00. In this way, we can save lots of energy at night when it’s not necessary to provide much light on parking lots.
Motion sensor
Motion detectors are triggered by the motion of vehicles and pedestrians. When a person enters the sensing range, the high output will continue to be maintained, while after the person leaves, the switch delay will automatically turn off the load. In this way, the utility of energy can be effectively saved without affecting the functional use of the parking lot.
Smart control system
ZC Lighting also provides a smart street lighting control solution, which is a remote management solution that guarantees the appropriate quantity of light is given where and when it is required. It allows users to turn on or off their parking lot lights, adjust the dimming level, verify lamp status, and monitor the data system. Street lighting control systems can use these features to increase energy efficiency, identify lighting outages, and resolve other maintenance concerns in real-time.
ZC Lighting parking lot lighting solutions
Easy to install and simple to maintain
Our LED parking lot lights ( Explore LED parking lot lights for commercial district applications. ) and LED floodlights are designed with high-quality mechanical solutions to ensure easy installation and simple maintenance, thereby reducing the operating costs of parking lot lighting.
Energy conservation and remote control
ZC Lighting places particular emphasis on developing solutions that can reduce the energy costs of devices with longer ignition times, such as parking lot lighting.We have designed a variety of optical components to achieve greater lighting flexibility and distribute light only where it is needed.
Our LED parking lot lights and LED floodlights are also equipped with dimming systems and remote controls, allowing for switch programming and reducing overall lighting costs.
Consultation and technical support
ZC Lighting possesses professional technical knowledge and experience, which can assist customers in designing and selecting the most suitable products to illuminate parking lots following current regulations.
Your parking lot is an important part of the first and lasting impression you make on the public. A dimly lit, the potholed parking lot is often a bad experience. What’s more, a poorly lit parking lot often leads to accidents and crime.
But a clean, well-lit, and well-maintained parking facility is a community asset. Investing in making your property stand out for security and attractiveness makes good business sense.LED street lights LED post top lights, LED area lights, and LED flood lights can all be used for parking lot lighting. And we have all these kinds of LED lights for your options. Btw, our LED light can be with different lighting distributions, different wattages, and different installation brackets. We believe that you can find a suitable solution at ZC Lighting.
Summary
Hope this article can give you a better understanding of most aspects of outdoor parking lot lighting, including lighting requirements, performance requirements of lamps, pole of street light arrangement, lamp installation, how to achieve energy saving, etc. If you have plans to install LED lighting for your parking lot, you can contact us to provide you with a detailed solution. If you are still hesitant to reform your parking lot, then you can calculate the cost of replacing traditional lighting with LED lighting and the payback period, maybe it can help you make up your mind to choose a green LED solution.
It is a very common phenomenon that LED Floodlights become dimmer as they are used. To sum up the reasons for dimming flood light lamps, there are no more than the following three points.
1. Driver damage
LEDs are required to work at low DC voltage (below 20V), but our usual mains is AC high voltage (AC 220V). To turn the mains into the electricity needed by the LEDs, a device is needed, called "LED constant current drive power supply".
Theoretically speaking, as long as the parameters of the driver match the LEDs, the power supply can be continuously supplied and used normally. The inside of the driver is more complicated. The failure of any device (such as capacitors, rectifiers, etc.) may cause the output voltage to change, which in turn causes the LEDs to dim.
Driver damage is one of the most common faults in LED luminaires, which can usually be resolved after replacing the driver.
2. LED burns out
The LED itself is composed of LEDs one by one. If one or part of them does not light up, it will inevitably make the whole lamp dim. The LEDs are generally connected in series and then in parallel - so if a certain LED is burned, it may cause a batch of LEDs not to light up.
There are obvious black spots on the surface of the burned LEDs, find it, connect a wire to its back, short-circuit it; or replace it with a new LED, all can solve the problem.
The LED burns one out every now and then, probably by coincidence. If it burns frequently, you need to consider the driver problem - another manifestation of driver failure is to burn the LEDs.
3. LED light decay
The so-called light decay is when the brightness of the light source gets lower and lower - this situation is more obvious in incandescent and fluorescent lamps.
LED lights cannot avoid light decay, but their light decay speed is relatively slow, and it is generally difficult to see changes with the naked eye. However, it does not rule out that inferior LEDs, inferior bead boards, or due to objective factors such as poor heat dissipation, lead to faster light decay of LEDs.
4. Poor heat dissipation
LED lamps generate a lot of heat when working. If the heat dissipation design is not good, the temperature of the lamp will rise and affect the light decay speed. High-quality heat dissipation design can extend the service life of the lamp and maintain brightness.
5.Environmental conditions
High temperature and high humidity environments will accelerate the light decay process of LED lamps. Poor-quality LED chips or poor-quality light bead boards will also accelerate the light decay speed.
*Average Lumen Maintenance
Introduction
The city is constantly progressing and developing, urban and rural construction is also step by step towards a higher level of progress, urban construction at the same time can not be separated from road construction, and street lights in road construction are also a very important factor. On the road we have seen a variety of shapes and colors of street lamps, but also bring a different visual experience, in the choice of street lamps, street lamp appearance, lighting effect, product quality, and price have been the topic of concern. Factors affecting the price of street lights generally depend on the lamp housing, LED driver, LED chips, and other requirements (such as light control function, microwave function, intelligent control, etc.), the price is therefore generally 30-200 US dollars (and the power of the lamp also has a great deal to do with), according to the different countries of the economic requirements of the quality of our products while ensuring that we will choose a more favorable option. This article is mainly from the street light price and discusses it with you. What points should we pay attention to when designing street lighting?
Why pay attention to the street light prices?
Why do you pay attention to the price of streetlights? This may be our subconscious behavior, just like we go to buy clothes, buy mobile phones, buy other supplies, and pay special attention to the price of the product, only in the price range we accept we will be interested to continue to check and choose, and we pay attention to the street light price may be due to the following aspects:
First of all, any project has a budget, that is, we can accept a price range, only in this range of street light prices end customers will seriously consider buying, usually in several manufacturers of products as well as quotations in all aspects of the comparison, will choose product quality is guaranteed, and the product price is also in the acceptable range of street light products.
In addition, each project has a standard ( What are the common LED lighting certification standards? ), each country may also be different, or the end customer based on the original product specified in a bidding standard, some for the function of the street lamp, some for the street lamp design ( View the city street lighting project ), in the price range, certainly want to provide as much as possible a better product, higher configuration, more features.
Main factors affecting street light prices
At the beginning of the article, we mentioned the factors that affect the street prices, which are also the composition of the street lamp price: including street light housing, LED driver, LED chips, other functions, etc. Let us explain in detail below:
Street light housing
The lamp housing is an important part of the street lamp, which can be said to directly affect the service life of the lamp. Due to the improvement of modern technology, we generally use die-cast aluminum shells. For example, our K, Rifle, and Falcon series street lamps all use die-cast aluminum materials. This generally affects the price of street lamps due to different appearance designs and requirements. In addition, depending on the design, some die-cast aluminum and some aluminum profiles may be used, such as our AL01 series and AL03 series street lamps ( Details of ALmodular design road lamp ). Different designs have different street light prices due to different material usage.
LED driver
LED driver is also an indispensable part of street lamp products, and it is also the key to the lighting of lamps. The quality of LED drivers directly affects the service life and use effect of lamps. There are many types of drivers. According to whether there is a driver or not, they can be divided into lamps with a driver and lamps without a driver. According to the brand, there are many kinds. The more common and used driver brands are: Inventronics, Mean Well, Done, Sosen, Philips, etc. According to different functions, they are divided into 0-10V, 1-10V, drivers with DALI, drivers with DALI2, and D4i functions. According to different customer requirements, there will be solutions with corresponding LED drivers.
LED chips
The quality of the LED chips directly affects the luminous efficiency and service life of the lamp. Generally speaking, the life of the LED chips is very long (unless it is an unreasonable design). As long as there is no quality problem, we don't have to worry. Luminous efficiency refers to the photoelectric conversion efficiency of LED chips (in lm/W). The higher the luminous efficiency, the more electrical energy the LED chips can convert into light energy, thereby improving the luminous efficiency of the lamp. Different types of LED chips have different luminous efficiencies, which also means that the prices are different. Generally speaking, for the same brand, the price of LED chips with high luminous efficiency will be higher.
According to the type of LED chips, LED chips can be divided into 3030, 5050, 2835, 3535, 5730, and other LED chips (where 3030 represents the size of the LED chips, which is 30mm×30mm×1.5mm). According to different brands, they can be divided into: Lumileds LED chips, Philips LED chips, Bridge LED chips, Crescent LED chips, Ledestar LED chips, etc. Our company's street lamp products usually use Lumileds LED and Bridgelux LED or other LED chips.
Other functions
Because of the different economic development of different countries and regions, different countries may have different requirements for the functions of street lights. The following are the most common ones:
1. Street lamps with photocell (generally use 1-10V drivers or no dimming driver, with 3pin, 5pin, 7pin NEMA base + photocell): can realize the function of automatic shutdown of lamps during the day and automatic lighting at night;
2. Street lamps with motion sensor functions, generally use 0-10V drivers ( What's the 0-10V dimming of LED driver? ), with special motion sensors, can realize that when people come or vehicles pass, the lamps light up, and after people leave, the lamps automatically turn off within a certain period;
3. Another is street lamps with Zigbee or LoRa systems, which can detect the status of street lamps in real time, set street lamp brightness, fault reminder, and perform other functions.
ZC Lighting LED street light solutions
ZC Lighting has engaged in the production and sales of LED lamps and lanterns for more than 10 years, we have always been from the customer's point of view to analyze and think, whether it is the appearance of the lamps and lanterns innovation, LED driver diversification, LED chips brand and luminaire efficiency selection, as well as street lamp intelligent function we have been constantly developing, to ensure the quality of the product at the same time, the price of street lamps optimization of the product.
Our street lighting solutions have also helped customers successfully obtain a lot of projects, with lamp controllers, motion sensors, with intelligent control of street lamps we have a mature program, and we also continue to innovate, for customers to achieve more intelligent urban solutions ( ZC Lighting smart lighting solution ) and efforts, as long as you have the demand for street lamps, tell us the requirements, we will be the first time to give you the most appropriate program.
Summary
This article is just a simple introduction to the composition of street light prices. Users, often focus on different aspects, some are more concerned about the appearance, and some are more concerned about the internal configuration of the product, and light efficiency ( What's luminaire efficacy and how to improve it? ). We as a producer, understand the importance of each component of the street light products ( View the case study of LED street light head ), so we are in the choice of street lamps is based on the actual needs of customers, not simply looking at the price of the product. I hope that this article for your choice of street lamps can help, in the focus on the price of street lamps and lanterns at the same time, but also pay more attention to the configuration of the lamps and lanterns composition. If you have more questions, please feel free to ask us.
Introduction
Glare, including disability glare and discomfort glare, has a significant impact on people’s visual perception, psychological state, and quality of life. Disability glare poses a safety hazard by reducing the visibility of objects and damaging eye health; while discomfort glare causes psychological discomfort and affects mood and quality of life. To mitigate these hazards, we need to optimize the lighting environment and protect visual health by adjusting the position and light distribution of lamps and using light shields/hoods. This article mainly introduces what’s UGR, GR, and TI, and their calculation methods. In addition, we will also introduce how to check and improve the glare (reduce glare) of stadium lighting and the glare (TI) of road lighting.
Reduce glare in sports lighting
What are UGR, GR, and TI?
Glare can be divided into two categories: disability glare and discomfort glare. Disability glare is reduced visibility due to scattered light in the eye, and is commonly seen with car headlights. It is not necessarily associated with physical discomfort, just reduced visibility. Disability glare tests measure a subject’s ability to detect objects in the presence of a glare source. In contrast, discomfort glare is defined as an annoying or painful sensation when exposed to bright light in the field of vision, but does not necessarily impair vision. Discussions of glare in sports lighting generally refer to the discomfort type of glare. Unlike disability glare, discomfort glare is subjective. There are many different models and variables used to quantify discomfort glare.
The measurement of glare is based on the measurement of light, so before discussing glare further, it is important to understand some basics of measuring light. The intensity of light or a light source is quantified using illuminance and brightness. Illuminance is the amount of light (luminous flux) incident on a surface or area, basically how much light enters an area, and it is measured in lux (lumensper square meter). While illuminance quantifies the light shining on an area, luminance by contrast quantifies the light emitted from an area. Luminance is the measurement of the intensity of light emitted from a specific area within a solid angle (luminous intensity), and it is measured in candela per square meter. Below we introduce the common UGR, GR and Ti.
UGR
UGR is the abbreviation of Unified Glare Rating. It is a psychological parameter that measures the subjective discomfort caused by the light emitted by the lighting device in the visual environment to the human eye. Its value can be calculated according to the unified glare formula published by the International Commission on Illumination. Application scenario: UGR is often used to evaluate the degree of uncomfortable glare in classrooms, offices, and other places.
GR
GR is the abbreviation of Glare rating, which represents the glare level of a lighting place and is used to evaluate the glare discomfort caused by lighting devices. UGR focuses specifically on indoor lighting, while GR focuses primarily on outdoor lighting. In sports lighting, glare can significantly affect the performance and comfort of athletes and the experience of spectators. Reasonable control of the value of GR is crucial to ensure visibility on the court and reduce visual discomfort.
Ti
TI, or threshold increment, is a measurement method to describe disabling glare. It represents the percentage of contrast between an object and its background that we need to increase in order to maintain visual perception (i.e., recognition) of an object in the presence of glare. In other words, if there is no glare, we may only need a lower contrast (low TI value) to see the object clearly; but once glare appears, in order to continue to see the object clearly, we need to increase the contrast between the object and the background.
UGR
GR
Ti
Meaning
Unified Glare Rating
Glare Rating
Threshold Increment
Application
Indoor lighting
Outdoor(sports lighting)
Street lighting
Formula
How to calculate UGR, GR and Ti?
UGR
The formula includes background brightness (LB), luminaire brightness (L), the solid angle between the light source and the observer (ω), and the Gus position index (р). Here we can simply think of Lb as the indirect illumination in the direction of the eye, which includes the lighting intensity of the wall, ceiling, ground, etc. The second half of the formula can be thought of as the brightness generated by the luminaire, and it is also related to the position of the luminaire.
Simplified, UGR = brightness generated by the lamp / indirect illumination in the direction of the eye. Generally speaking, the greater the luminous flux of the lamp, the lower the installation height, the larger the beam angle, the smaller the luminous surface, and the lower the indoor wall/floor reflectivity, the greater the glare it produces. In addition, glare is also affected by the installation position of the lamp, whether the light source is blocked/diffused, and the light distribution characteristics of the lamp.
GR
Glare Rating (GR) – This model was developed by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) for outdoor lighting, referring to CIE document 112-1994. The glare rating is calculated based on the illuminance at the eye when observing each point in the array of points from a single observer position. In the following formula, Lvl is the illuminance generated by the light emitted by the lamp directly hitting the eye. Lve can be understood as the illuminance caused by the environment directly hitting the eye, that is, the brightness of the illuminated site.
After simplification, GR = brightness generated by the lamp/brightness of the illuminated site. In general, increasing the installation height, using sunshades, and using asymmetric light distribution can effectively reduce the value of GR.
TI
TI is a measure of the effect of disability glare, described as an equivalent veiling luminance caused by scattering of light in the human eye. TI values are calculated in accordance with EN 13201-3 by means of an equation for the equivalent veiling luminance which represents a young person. When setting requirements for the limitation of the TI, or when evaluating calculated TI values, it should be taken into account that the scattering in the eye tends to increase with the age of the person. The definition in CIE 150:2017 is similar. The formula for calculating TI in these two documents is: TI = 65 Lv /( Lad)0.8, where Lv = veiling luminance and Lad = adaptation luminance
PS: In this formula, adaptation luminance is the sum of the veiling luminance from the scene and the background luminance. So it differs from average roadway luminance. Please review case studies of LED roadway lights.
Main principles to reduce glare in lighting
After understanding the calculation method of glare, we probably have a certain understanding of how to reduce glare. ZGSM believes that we should start from two aspects: the direction of light and the installation of lamps.
First, let’s talk about the direction of light. This is like the lamp in your home. If it is not designed well, the light will be scattered, not only illuminating the place you want to illuminate, but also running to the place you don’t want it to go, such as your eyes. At this time, you will feel glare. In order to solve this problem, lamp designers or manufacturers will work hard on lamps, such as adding lightshades, reflectors or special lenses, which is like adding sights to lamps, so that they only shine where they should go, instead of directly into the eyes.
Then let’s talk about the installation of lamps. In practical applications, the installation of lamps is also critical. Imagine if you look up on the playground, a lamp on a high pole and a lamp on a low pole, which one is less likely to make you feel glare? Of course, the short one. Because the high lamp is far away from you, the light becomes soft when it reaches you, and it is not easy to produce glare. Therefore, generally speaking, the higher the lamp is installed and the closer it is to the target area, the less likely it is to make people feel uncomfortable. However, if the position of the lamp cannot be moved, we can also try to align the center point of the lamp with a place close to the installation position, which can also reduce glare. However, there will be a problem at this time: we must reduce glare while ensuring that the target area has sufficient lighting. Therefore, we need to make reasonable choices in the installation height and the direction of illumination. For example, a high and as horizontal as possible luminous surface is often comfortable, but the cost is also high. The solution with a low installation height and a large elevation angle of the luminous surface often has higher glare, but its cost is lower. This requires lighting designers to balance the economy and comfort of lighting. When designing and installing lamps, they often need to consider various factors according to the actual situation to find the best solution. Let us explain them one by one as follows.
GR in sports lighting, TI in street lighting and how to improve them?
GR in sports lighting
In sports lighting, glare can significantly affect the performance and comfort of athletes and the experience of spectators. Different sports activities and spaces have specific GR requirements that need to be met to ensure optimal lighting conditions. Many outdoor competition venues have a maximum glare of 50, training venues have a maximum glare of 55, and the evaluation height is often 1.5 meters above the ground. In stadium lighting, we need to measure the GR value of various points in the stadium. The observer position, viewing angle, luminaire light distribution, and recommended thresholds are taken into account during the evaluation process. In the stadium lighting simulation, we need to insert a glare observer to obtain the glare value. The figure below shows the glare calculation results for a 105 x 68-meter football field. In this lighting simulation, all glare points are 50 in below the calculation surface. In the next section, we will discuss how to reduce these values.
GR in sports lighting
TI in street lighting
TI stands for Threshold Increment, a measure used in street lighting to quantify the impact of glare on visual tasks such as driving. In road lighting, motor vehicle lanes have clear requirements for TI values. M lighting classes, which from M1 to M6, require the TI 10-20%. For example, TI for M4a road lighting systems is lower than 15%. High TI values indicate higher levels of glare and reduced visibility, which can be dangerous for drivers. In the new section, we can find TIs in road lighting simulations. Some of them can meet the requirements, while others can not. What we need to do is how to adjust to meet the corresponding requirements, which we will introduce in detail below.
Standard light distribution vs light distribution with shield or hood
Glare protection, also known as visors or shields, is an essential accessory for outdoor lighting installations. Without anti glare measures such as light shield, the light emitted by the light source may directly hit people’s eyes, causing glare. On the contrary, the addition of light shield is to minimize glare and light pollution by blocking direct light from hitting pedestrians’ eyes, thereby improving visual comfort and productivity. As follows, we analyze the two situations of stadium lighting without and with light shield. In the left figure, we can see that ULR=6.5%, and its glare is also high, reaching a maximum of 47. After using the light shield, we can see that ULR=1.0%, and its glare is also effectively controlled, reaching a maximum of 44. At the same time, we can see that the former will have a higher illuminance, while the latter will have a lower illuminance, mainly because the light shield blocks part of the useful light.
Standard light distribution vs with shield or hood
Standard light distribution vs asymmetric
Asymmetric light distribution highlights the concentration of light in a specific direction without dissipating it in any direction. It can be achieved through lenses or mirrors. Therefore, it minimizes the distribution of light in unnecessary spaces and helps reduce light pollution. The best examples of asymmetric lighting are street lights, stadium and parking lot lighting, etc. Additionally, asymmetric spectra have greater potential for glare reduction. By rationally designing the luminous angle and light intensity distribution of the light source, glare can be significantly reduced and lighting quality improved. Below we compare the lighting results of using symmetrical light distribution and asymmetrical light distribution in stadium lighting. In the picture on the right below, we can see that with ULR=0%, the maximum glare value has been reduced to 39. Using symmetrical light distribution, the results are not unsatisfactory. You can refer to the results in the previous section. In addition, the use of asymmetric light distribution and hood also has a certain impact on the light efficiency of the lamp. We need to consider GR comprehensively and cost before making a final choice.
Standard light distribution vs asymmetric
Right installation height to reduce glare
The installation height of the lamp is one of the important factors affecting glare. When the installation height of the street lamp is too low, the light will directly shine into the human eye, causing glare. On the contrary, when the installation height is high, the proportion of the lamp light directly shining into the eye will be reduced. Therefore, choosing the right installation height is crucial to reducing glare. Let’s analyze the impact of different installation heights on the Ti of road lighting. The installation height of the street light on the left is 7 meters, and the TI value reaches 18, but when we increase the height to 8 meters, the Ti value drops to 14. When the height cannot be adjusted, we can also reduce the Ti value by replacing the light distribution.
PS: In the stadium lighting, we can appropriately increase the installation height and reduce the GR value.
This case study examines the upgrade of lighting in a warehouse environment by adding four 200W UFO High Bay Lights to supplement the existing six 200W Metal Halides. The warehouse, measuring 44×66 square feet with a ceiling height of 25 feet, required enhanced lighting to improve visibility and operational efficiency.
The installation of the additional UFO High Bay Lights was strategically planned to ensure optimal light distribution. The results, verified by actual measurements, indicated an average illumination of 90 footcandles (fc), with a maximum of 147 fc and a minimum of 32 fc.
Warehouse UFO High Bay Lighting Design
Here’s an example of a 3D industrial lighting photometric design developed by our professional lighting engineers. In this example, four 235W UFO High Bay Lights were added to an existing setup of six 200W Metal Halides to achieve the desired illumination in a 44×66 ft warehouse with 22-25 ft ceilings.
3D 44×66 Warehouse UFO High Bay Lights
3D 44×66 Warehouse at 147 Footcandles44×66 Warehouse Lighting Layout
Warehouse Dimensions: 44×66Warehouse Ceiling Height: 25 feetFixture Type: 200W LED UFO High BayFixture Count: 4 PCSFixture Certifications: DLC Premium, uL ListedWarehouse Illumination: 90 footcandles (fc), with a maximum of 147 fc and a minimum of 32 fc.
Results
44×66 Warehouse LED UFO Lights (Ceiling View)
44×66 Warehouse LED UFO Lights (Ground View)
Following the installation of four 235W UFO High Bay Lights in the 44x66ft warehouse with 22-25 ft ceilings, the results exceeded expectations. The client was highly satisfied with the significant improvement in visibility and the uniform distribution of light throughout the warehouse. The lighting engineers utilized advanced 3D photometric analysis to optimize the lighting setup, achieving an average of 90 footcandles, with a peak of 147fc and a minimum of 32fc, verified by actual measurements.
The client provided the following feedback:
“I just wanted to follow up. We installed the four 200W lights a little over a month ago, and it has worked perfectly. We no longer have trouble seeing, and even the photos for our reports are brightened up.”
This enhancement in light quality has greatly improved day-to-day operations, making tasks easier and more efficient. The client praised the expert recommendations and the careful planning involved, highlighting the improved visibility and functionality of the space. The upgrade not only resolved lighting issues but also increased the satisfaction and efficiency of the warehouse operations.
0-10V dimming is a game-changer for anyone looking to create the perfect lighting atmosphere. Whether you're managing a large commercial space or upgrading your home's lighting system, this innovative technology offers flexibility and control that traditional dimming methods simply can't match. Let’s explore what 0-10V dimming is, how it works, and ways to use it.
What is 0-10V Dimming?
0-10V dimming is a popular lighting control option—especially for LED lighting—known for its smooth, continuous dimming capabilities. It allows you to easily adjust light levels to suit different spaces, whether you're looking to create a calm, ambient environment or need full brightness for tasks. It’s a reliable and efficient option for those looking to enhance both the functionality and ambiance of their lighting systems.
How Does 0-10V Dimming Work?
A 0-10V dimmer sends a low-voltage control signal to a light fixture to adjust its brightness based on the voltage received. When the control signal is at 10 volts, the light runs at full brightness. As the voltage drops, the brightness decreases. At 0 volts, the fixture will either dim to its lowest level or turn off completely, depending on the design. This method allows for precise and continuous control over light levels, making it ideal for creating the perfect lighting environment.
0-10V Dimming Technology
There are a few technological components that work together to make 0-10V dimming possible. We’ve broken them down below:
Dimmable LED Drivers: These are the heart of the system. The driver converts the control signal from the dimmer into the appropriate voltage, adjusting the light output accordingly.
0-10V Dimmers: These wall-mounted devices or controls send the 0-10V signal to the LED driver, allowing you to adjust the brightness smoothly.
Wiring: A pair of low-voltage control wires run from the dimmer to the driver, separate from the main power wires, which allows for independent control over dimming without interfering with the power supply.
Compatible Fixtures: The light fixtures must be compatible with 0-10V dimming, which typically includes LED fixtures that are designed to accept this type of control signal.
Top Benefits of 0-10V Dimming
0-10V dimming offers a range of benefits that make it an excellent choice for both commercial and residential lighting systems, including:
Smooth, Precise Control: Allows for continuous dimming from full brightness to low light, creating the perfect lighting atmosphere.
Energy Efficiency: Reduces energy consumption by lowering light output when full brightness isn’t required, helping save on electricity costs.
Wide Compatibility: Works with a broad range of LED fixtures and dimmers, making it easy to integrate into existing systems.
Scalability: Ideal for both small and large-scale lighting setups, whether in homes, offices, or retail environments.
Reliability: Known for its dependable performance, 0-10V dimming provides consistent control without complicated setup or maintenance.
Why 0-10V Dimming is Preferred Over Other Dimming Systems
In general, 0-10V dimming is preferred over other dimming methods because it offers smoother, more precise control, especially for LED lighting, which can sometimes struggle with other types of dimming systems. Its continuous, flicker-free dimming makes it ideal for environments where creating the right lighting atmosphere is important, like offices, retail spaces, and homes.0-10V dimming is also highly reliable and easy to scale, whether you're managing a single room or an entire building. Its compatibility with different fixtures and dimmers makes it more versatile and easier to integrate than some older, more limited dimming technologies.
Limitations of 0-10V Dimming
While 0-10V dimming has many advantages, there are a few limitations to consider when deciding if it's the right choice for your lighting system, including:
Additional Wiring: Requires low-voltage control wiring, which can increase installation costs, especially for retrofits in older buildings.
Incomplete Dimming: Some fixtures may not fully turn off and instead dim to a low brightness level, depending on the design.
Signal Loss: Over long distances, the control signal can weaken, making it less effective for large-scale installations without careful planning.
Compatibility: Not all fixtures and light bulbs are compatible with 0-10V dimming.
Ways to Use 0-10V Dimming
Because of its versatility, 0-10V dimming is widely used across residential and commercial spaces. We’ve compiled a list of a few common applications to help you decide whether it’s right for you.
Office Lighting: In workplaces, adjust brightness throughout the day to reduce eye strain and create a comfortable working environment. Use dimming to balance natural and artificial light effectively.
Retail Spaces: Create the perfect ambiance for showcasing products with precise control over lighting levels. Adjust the brightness to highlight key areas or displays while saving energy.
Schools: In classrooms, gyms, and auditoriums, 0-10V dimming allows for tailored lighting levels depending on the activity—whether it’s bright lighting for focused learning or softer lighting for presentations and media viewing.
Residential Settings: Use 0-10V dimming to control lighting in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas, offering the flexibility to set the right mood for any occasion, from bright task lighting to soft, ambient light.
Theaters and Auditoriums: Smooth dimming is essential for these spaces, where lighting transitions must be seamless and flicker-free for performances and presentations.
Outdoor Lighting: Ideal for parking lots or building exteriors, 0-10V dimming allows you to adjust lighting levels for safety, visibility, and energy efficiency based on time of day or occupancy.
Trust ZC LightingWith Your LED Lighting Needs!
0-10V dimming is a flexible and efficient solution for a wide range of lighting needs, from commercial spaces to schools and even residential settings. With its smooth control, energy efficiency, and wide compatibility, it's easy to see why it's a preferred choice for modern lighting systems.Ready to upgrade your lighting? Contact ZC Lighting today to explore our LED lighting solutions and enhance your space.
Proper lighting is essential in creating safe, productive, and visually appealing environments across various settings. Whether in offices, schools, retail spaces, or industrial facilities, ensuring the correct lighting levels can enhance functionality, reduce accidents, and improve overall well-being. Additionally, many workplaces must meet specific illumination levels to comply with safety and operational standards, making proper lighting design essential for both functionality and regulatory compliance. This article discusses recommended lighting levels for common and specialized applications.
It’s important to note that this article is meant to be an informative guide. We recommend consulting with our professional lighting engineers to perform a photometric analysis for precise results tailored to your unique space.
Understanding “Foot-Candles”
Lighting levels are measured in “foot-candles,” a standard unit that quantifies the amount of light hitting a surface. The one-foot candle is equivalent to the illumination provided by a single candle from one foot away. This measurement helps professionals evaluate and implement lighting solutions tailored to specific tasks and environments. Horizontal foot-candles refer to light measured on a flat surface, like a desk or floor, while vertical foot-candles measure the light on vertical surfaces, such as walls or objects at eye level.
Understanding and adhering to recommended foot-candle levels is crucial for optimizing visibility, meeting safety standards, and ensuring energy-efficient lighting in commercial and industrial applications. In this guide, we will explore recommended lighting levels for various settings to help you choose the best LED lighting solutions for your needs.
Basic Lighting Levels
This section discusses common lighting recommendations for everyday areas. Proper illumination in spaces such as corridors, restrooms, and lunchrooms ensures safety and comfort for all users. Lighting recommendations for common indoor areas include,
Corridors: Horizontal average of 5-foot candles, with a range of 2.5-10-foot candles.
Restrooms: Horizontal average of 15-foot candles, with a range of 7.5-30-foot candles. Vanity areas may require higher levels of up to 20 foot-candles.
Lunch and Break Rooms: Horizontal average of 10-foot candles, with a range of 5-20 foot candles.
Lighting Levels for Commercial Offices
In office environments, appropriate lighting contributes to productivity and reduces eye strain. Recommendations for commercial office lighting include:
Open Office Areas (Desks): Horizontal average of 40-foot candles, measured at desk height.
Conference Rooms (Tables): Horizontal average of 30-foot candles, with a range of 15-60 foot-candles.
Private Offices: Horizontal average of 40-foot candles, ensuring adequate visibility for focused tasks.
Whiteboards: For reading, 15 foot-candles; for presenting, 30 foot-candles.
By tailoring lighting levels to specific tasks, office spaces can achieve a balance between comfort and efficiency.
Lighting Levels for School & Educational Facilities
Educational spaces require lighting that supports learning and minimizes eye strain for students and educators. Recommendations for educational lighting include,
Classrooms (Typical Applications): Horizontal average of 50 foot-candles, measured at desk height, ensuring sufficient illumination for reading and writing.
Classrooms (Challenging Applications): Horizontal average of 75 foot-candles for tasks like arts, blueprints, or lab work.
Auditoriums (AV and Notes): Horizontal average of 20 foot-candles, with reduced levels for areas requiring minimal glare.
Gymnasiums (Competition and Recreation): Horizontal average ranges from 30 to 50 foot-candles, depending on the level of activity and spectator needs.
Lighting Levels for Parking Lots
Adequate parking lot lighting ensures safety and security for pedestrians and drivers. Recommendations for common parking lot lighting needs include,
Covered Parking: Horizontal average of 1.5 foot-candles, with a range of 0.5-2 foot-candles. For enhanced security, consider increasing levels to 3 foot-candles.
Uncovered Parking (Suburban): Horizontal average of 1 foot-candle, with a range of 0.5-2 foot-candles.
Uncovered Parking (Urban): Horizontal average of 2 foot-candles, with a range of 1-3 foot-candles. Uniformity is key to reducing shadows and enhancing visibility.
Please note, that these numbers may vary based on the type of parking lot.
Outdoor Lighting Levels
Outdoor spaces require effective lighting to ensure visibility, safety, and security during nighttime operations. Key recommendations for outdoor lighting levels include:
Walkways and Pathways: Horizontal average of 1-2 foot-candles, ensuring safe navigation for pedestrians.
Building Exteriors (Safety): Horizontal average of 5 foot-candles, with a minimum of 1 foot-candle to enhance security.
Gas Station Canopies: Horizontal average of 20-foot candles to provide clear visibility for drivers and pedestrians.
Sports Fields (Amateur/Community): Horizontal average of 30-50 foot-candles, depending on the level of competition.
Industrial Lighting Levels
Industrial facilities demand robust lighting solutions to ensure precision, safety, and efficiency. Recommendations for common industrial lighting needs include:
Assembly & Inspection (Simple Tasks): Horizontal average of 30-foot candles, with a range of 15-60 foot-candles.
Assembly & Inspection (Difficult Tasks): Horizontal average of 50 foot-candles, with a range of 25-100 foot-candles.
Manufacturing (Large Components): Horizontal average of 30 candles, supporting visibility for handling sizable parts.
Manufacturing (Fine Components): Horizontal average of 100 foot-candles, with a range of 50-200 foot-candles to ensure accuracy in detailed work.
By implementing these lighting levels, industrial spaces can achieve optimal performance while adhering to safety standards.
Retail Store Lighting Levels
Retail environments require dynamic lighting to enhance the shopping experience and highlight merchandise effectively. Recommendations for common retail store lighting needs include:
General Retail Areas: Horizontal average of 50 foot-candles, providing ample lighting for product browsing.
Perimeter Areas: Horizontal average of 20 foot-candles, with a range of 10-40 foot-candles to accentuate displays.
Accent Lighting (Displays): Typically 3-10 times brighter than ambient lighting, ensuring featured products stand out.
Grocery Store Lighting Levels
Grocery stores need well-distributed and focused lighting to create a comfortable shopping environment while showcasing products. Recommendations for common grocery store lighting applications include,
Circulation Areas: Horizontal average of 30 foot-candles, ensuring visibility in walkways.
Perimeter Areas: Horizontal average of 20 foot-candles, enhancing visibility for shelf browsing.
Product Displays: Horizontal average of 50 foot-candles, highlighting fresh produce and packaged goods.
Warehouse Lighting Levels
Warehouses require functional lighting to support logistics and operational efficiency. Recommendations for common warehouse lighting applications include,
Bulky Items (Large Labels): Horizontal average of 30 foot-candles, ensuring visibility for larger packages.
Small Items (Small Labels): Horizontal average of 50 foot-candles, facilitating precise identification.
Receiving and Staging Areas: Horizontal average of 20 foot-candles, with a range of 10-40 foot-candles to ensure safe handling and sorting of goods.