Lighting University

Application Bundles - Training Tool

Measuring Light

Illuminance

The amount of light falling on a unit area of a surface.

Building regulations and standards use illuminance to specify the minimum light levels for specific tasks and environments – to ensure optimal visual comfort

  • Light levels that are lower than required can induce eyestrain and headaches.
  • If the light level begins to exceed what is required, it becomes an energy waste issue.

Levels of illumination recommended for different function of tasks performed.

Summer –
bright day
100 000 lux
Overcast
sky
5 000 lux
Office,
illuminated
750 lux
Living or
hotel room
100 lux
Moonlight –
clear sky
0.25 lux

Levels of illumination recommended for different function of tasks performed.

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