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How do I measure Light? PDF Print E-mail

Photometry – Is the science of measurement of visible light in terms of its perceived brightness to human vision.

Light can be measured in several ways. Two of the most frequently used methods used in industry include Lux and foot-candles. Lux (lux) is a unit of illumination of one square metre which is one meter away from a uniform light source. One lux is equal to one lumen per square meter.

An employer has a duty to ensure the health and safety of their employees, which is covered under the health and safety at work act 1974. This act describes a duty to provide lighting that enables work to be carried out safely without putting employees health or eyes at risk.

Regulation 8 of workplace regulations 1992 says that:-

  • Every workplace should have suitable and sufficient lighting
  • There should be natural light so far as is reasonably practicable
  • Suitable and sufficient emergency lighting shall be provided where needed

Effects of Bad Lighting

  • Too little light may cause fatigue which can result in accidents.
  • Approximately 30% of all accidents are directly or indirectly a result of poor, insufficient lighting.

The amount of light needed depends on what type of work is being carried out. (see table below)

Type of Job Examples Light Levels
Movement of People Storage area & plant room 150-250 Lux
No Perception Of Detail Construction Loading Bays 300-500 Lux
Limited Perception of detail Factories, Kitchens 500-750 Lux
Demanding Work Inspection, welding, machinery 750-100 Lux
Repetitive Work Electronics, textile production 100-1500 Lux
Accurate Detail Technical Offices 1500-3000 Lux
Precision Detail Jewellers & Goldsmiths 3000+ Lux

Guide to typical outdoor light levels

Interior levels are much lower than outdoor natural light.

Some typical light levels are:-

Condition Light Level
Very Bright Summer Day Up to 100,000 Lux
Overcast summer day 30,000 – 40,000 Lux
Evening televised football match 700 – 16,000 Lux
Non-televised football match 200 – 500 Lux
Shady room in daylight 250 – 300 Lux
Floodlight on a building 60 Lux
Night-time in an urban street 10 Lux
Night-time in a car park <1 Lux

Light Measurement Meters

The two main instruments for measuring light are photometers and spectrometers,

A PHOTOMETER is any instrument that can be used to measure illuminance or irradiance. These meters are often applied in industry as ‘photometer’ is a general term for “detecting instruments”. Most photometers work by using either photo resistors or photodiodes. These work by showing a change in electrical properties when exposed to light which is easily detected using a suitable electronic current.

A SPECTROMETER is an optical instrument which is used to measure the properties of light over a specific proportion of its electromagnetic spectrum. Spectrometers use light intensity as the variable measurement and wavelength as the independent variable measurement. Spectrometer is often a term that is applied to instruments that work over a wide range of wavelength from X-rays, gamma rays & far infrared.

Castle Group have a range of quality light meters available to buy Click Here for more details.

 
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