Lighting 101: Guidelines in lighting

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June 15, 2021 | 0 Comment(s)

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Lighting focused onto individual visual task areas provides for varied light design in the room. By illuminating walls, for instance, rooms, can be designed to be much more open and attractive; dynamic lighting situations can enhance their visual quality. More and more consumers are getting interested on buying new lighting fixtures for their homes and offices. The question is, which parameters are you going to use as a consumer to determine the right luminaire? Here are some basic parameters used in lighting that will DEFINITELY help you choose your lighting fixture, whether it uses LED Lights or older and less-efficient Incandescent and Fluorescent Lights

Basic parameters used in lighting

Luminous flux - Luminous intensity - Illuminance - Luminance

â„¦ = solid angle into which luminous flux is emitted
A = area hit by luminous flux
A_LÂŸcosâ‚¬ = visible areas of light source
p = reflectance of area
Ï€ = 3.14
* = for diffuse surface areas

Luminous Flux

The luminous flux describes the quantity of light emitted by the light sources.

The luminous efficiency is the ratio of luminous flux to the electrical power consumed (lm/W). It is a measure of the light source's economic efficiency.

Abbreviation: Î¦ Phi Unit: lm Lumen

Luminous Intensity

The luminous intensity describes the quantity of the light that is radiated in a particular direction. This is a useful measurement for directive lighting elements such as reflectors. it is represented by the luminous intensity distribution curve (LDC).

Abbreviation: I Unit: cd Candela

Illuminance

Illuminance describes the quantity of luminous flux falling on a surface. Relevant standards specify the required illuminance. (e.g. EN 12464 "Lighting of indoor workplaces").

Illuminance : E(lx) = luminous flux (lm)
area(m²)

Abbreviation: E Unit: lx Lux

Luminance

Luminance is the only basic lighting parameter that is perceived by the eye.

It describes on the one hand a light source's impression of brightness, and on the other, a surface and therefore depends to a large extent on the degree of reflection (color and surface).

Abbreviation: L Unit: cd/m²

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