What is the Lighting ?
Light is that part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is perceived by our eyes. The wavelength range is between 380 and 780 nm.
By day we see in colour, while at night we can only see in shades of grey.
Light has a triple effect
Light for visual functions
– Illumination of task area in conformity with relevant standards
– Glare-free and convenient
Light creating biological effects
– Supporting people’s circadian rhythm
– Stimulating or relaxing
Light for emotional perception
– Lighting enhancing architecture
– Creating scenes and effects
Basic parameters used in lighting
- Luminous flux Φ
The luminous flux describes the quantity of light emitted by a light source. The luminous efficiency is the ratio of the luminous flux to the electrical power consumed (lm/W). It is a measure of a light source’s economic efficiency.
Abbreviation: Φ Phi , Unit: lm Lumen
- Luminous intensity Ι
The luminous intensity describes the quantity of 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 : Ι Unit: cd Candela
- Illuminance E
Illuminance describes the quantity of luminous flux falling on a surface. It decreases by the square of the distance (inverse square law). 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 L
Luminance is the only basic lighting parameter that is perceived by the eye. It specifies the brightness of a surface and is essentially dependent on its reflectance (finish and color).
Abbreviation: L Unit: cd/m2
Ω = solid angle into which luminous flux is emitted
A = area hit by luminous flux
п = 3.14
* = for diffuse surface areas
Light is that part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is perceived by our eyes. The wavelength range is between 380 and 780 nm.
By day we see in colour, while at night we can only see in shades of grey.
Light has a triple effect
Light for visual functions
– Illumination of task area in conformity with relevant standards
– Glare-free and convenient
Light creating biological effects
– Supporting people’s circadian rhythm
– Stimulating or relaxing
Light for emotional perception
– Lighting enhancing architecture
– Creating scenes and effects
Basic parameters used in lighting
- Luminous flux Φ
The luminous flux describes the quantity of light emitted by a light source. The luminous efficiency is the ratio of the luminous flux to the electrical power consumed (lm/W). It is a measure of a light source’s economic efficiency.
Abbreviation: Φ Phi , Unit: lm Lumen
- Luminous intensity Ι
The luminous intensity describes the quantity of 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 : Ι Unit: cd Candela
- Illuminance E
Illuminance describes the quantity of luminous flux falling on a surface. It decreases by the square of the distance (inverse square law). 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 L
Luminance is the only basic lighting parameter that is perceived by the eye. It specifies the brightness of a surface and is essentially dependent on its reflectance (finish and color).
Abbreviation: L Unit: cd/m2
Ω = solid angle into which luminous flux is emitted
A = area hit by luminous flux
AL · cos ६= visible areas of light source
ρ = reflectance of areaп = 3.14
* = for diffuse surface areas