How to determine appropriate lighting?

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In summary, the conversation was about determining the necessary lighting for a dimly lit warehouse. The person was unsure of how to go about this and asked for help and any formulas that could be useful. They mentioned that the current lighting is 400 w mercury vapor lamps in highbeam fixtures. It was suggested that they need to know the square footage of the area and the square footage covered by the current lights in order to shop for better lighting options. They were also advised to check with codes to determine the required watts per square foot for the building.
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ENGRstudent
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I have to determine the necessary lighting for a currently dimly lit warehouse, and I don't really know how to go about doing this. What do I need to know in order to determine what type of lamps or how many fixtures, etc., are necessary?

All I can tell you is that I think we're using 400 w mercury vapor lamps at the moment in highbeam fixtures (I think that's the correct terminology?)

Any help would be appreciated. Any formulas would be handy for determining how many more fixtures are necessary or anything like that.
 
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  • #2
well, for one, you'd need to know the square footage of the area you are trying to light. Two, you would probably want to know what the square foot area 1 of your current lights covers.

Once you know these figures, you should be able to simply shop around online to find something that casts light in a better manner.

I'm no expert, I've just seen lights advertised, and they usually have a rating of how many square feet they will light up.
 
  • #3
You need to check with the codes to determine how many watts of lighting are required per square foot in the type of building you are lighting. Go from there.
 

FAQ: How to determine appropriate lighting?

What factors should be considered when determining appropriate lighting?

When determining appropriate lighting, several factors should be taken into account. These include the purpose of the space, the tasks that will be performed in the space, the natural lighting available, the color temperature and intensity of the light, and any specific lighting requirements for safety or health reasons.

How can I measure the amount of light in a space?

The unit of measurement for light is called a lux. To measure the amount of lux in a space, you can use a light meter. This device measures the amount of light falling on a surface and provides a numerical value in lux. Alternatively, you can use a smartphone app that has a built-in light meter feature.

What is the recommended color temperature for different spaces?

The color temperature of a light source is measured in Kelvin (K). For general indoor lighting, a color temperature of 2700-3000K is recommended for a warm and cozy atmosphere. For workspaces, a color temperature of 3500-4000K is recommended for a more neutral and energizing light. For outdoor lighting, a color temperature of 5000-6000K is recommended for a cooler and brighter light.

How can I calculate the appropriate number of light fixtures for a space?

The number of light fixtures needed for a space depends on the size of the space, the purpose of the space, and the type of light fixtures being used. A general guideline is to have one light fixture for every 50-100 square feet. However, this can vary depending on the specific lighting needs of the space.

Are there any energy-efficient options for lighting?

Yes, there are many energy-efficient options for lighting, including LED (light-emitting diode) and CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs. These types of bulbs use less energy and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Additionally, using natural light sources, such as windows or skylights, can also help reduce energy consumption and provide a more natural lighting solution.

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