Which Number Of Outdoor Foot Candles Is Good?

Foot-candle levels, a measure of light intensity perceived by the human eye, are crucial in planning and evaluating outdoor lighting projects. These levels vary depending on the area’s function and are the most common unit of light used by lighting professionals. To achieve adequate illumination and safety levels, one must understand footcandles, which are the intensity of light falling on a surface, equivalent to the light cast by one candle from one foot away.

Exterior spaces generally require more and better lighting than interior spaces, with requirements for exteriors generally falling between 100 and 10,000-plus foot-candles and for interiors usually falling between 10 and 100 foot-candles. Footcandles are the most common unit of measure used by lighting professionals to calculate light levels in businesses and outdoor spaces. This foot candle chart recommends how many footcandles are needed for both indoor and outdoor spaces, such as parking lots, construction sites, playgrounds, and more.

Understanding lumens, wattage, and foot candles is essential in selecting the right commercial outdoor lighting. One foot-candle can be used to determine sufficient lighting levels for LED lighting projects. However, light trespass must be taken into account, as most outdoor fixtures come with a lumen value of 0.092903 foot-candles.

A lumen is the amount of light that a foot candle emits, and one foot-candle can provide up to 100 lumens. It is recommended to have lighting that is at least 75-100 foot candles, but upwards of 200 foot candles for tasks that demand more specific tasks, like medical work.

How many foot candles for an outdoor patio?

Exterior spaces require more and better lighting than interior spaces, with requirements ranging from 100 to 10, 000-plus foot-candles for exteriors and 10 to 100 foot-candles for interiors. Factors like direction, distribution, and color temperature also play a role in estimating lighting needs. It’s best to provide too much lighting rather than too little to ensure everyone has enough light, except for valuable artwork and artifacts that may be damaged by excessive lighting.

What is the minimum foot-candle requirement for an outdoor parking lot often?

Parking lot lighting can be influenced by various factors, including foot-candle ratings, light uniformity, and pole heights. Low-activity areas can have 0. 5 foot candles, while high-activity areas can have up to 5 foot candles. A minimum of 1 footcandle is recommended, with 2 to 4 uniform footcandles for optimal visibility. A typical lot should have a uniformity of at least 3:1, with the brightest point no more than 3 times the footcandle rating of the darkest part.

LED parking lot fixtures generally have excellent light uniformity, but factors like pole spacing, number of fixtures, and landscaping can affect uniformity levels. Pole heights can vary between 15-40ft, and obstacles like trees and buildings may require additional fixtures or poles. Local ordinances and city regulations may also have a maximum pole height allowance, but larger lots typically require taller poles.

How many foot candles is a full moon?

Illumination is defined as the luminous intensity of a light source, such as a candela, at a distance of 1 ft. In conditions of full sunlight with the sun at its zenith, the intensity of light reaching a horizontal surface is 10, 000 foot-candles. In comparison, the intensity of light reaching a horizontal surface from a full moon is 0. 02 foot-candles. For reading, an adequate level of illumination is 10 foot-candles, while for machine shop work, a level of 40 foot-candles is required.

Is 50 foot-candle bright?

Commercial spaces require slightly brighter lighting for productivity and visibility, with 30-50 foot candles for a well-lit environment. Industrial spaces, like workshops and warehouses, require higher foot-candle levels for precision-focused tasks and safety requirements. For tasks like medical laboratories, it’s recommended to have 75-100 foot candles, with upwards of 200 foot candles for more specific tasks. LED lights are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and require minimal maintenance, making them popular choices for residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.

What is the standard foot candles for a parking lot?

The illumination levels in parking areas, covered and connector walkways, and entrances and exits have been set at 1 footcandle (10 lux) and 2 footcandles (20 lux), respectively.

How many foot candles is a sunny day?

Foot-candles are a unit of measurement used to measure the intensity of light in specific areas. They are commonly used in the United States, where they are used to determine the amount of light needed for specific tasks. In Europe, the SI-derived measurement “lux” is used, which is equivalent to foot-candles but defines the area being lit as a one-meter square. The purpose of foot-candles is to ensure that areas that require specific light levels are receiving those levels, which is crucial for electrical construction.

How many foot candles is a cloudy day?

Full sunlight can reach up to 930 fc, while overcast days produce around 100 fc. The intensity of light near windows can range from 100 to 460 fc, depending on the window’s orientation, time of year, and latitude. Indoor lighting for residences should be 5-40 fc for general spaces and 70-90 fc for work spaces, while commercial spaces require lighting from 5 fc for storage to 200 fc for visually intensive work.

How many foot candles is 800 lumens?

Footcandles are directly influenced by the distance from the source of lumens and can be expressed in a formula: 800 / 1 = 800 Footcandles. When replacing an old incandescent bulb, it is important to choose the correct bulb based on lumens, footcandles, and Lux for those using the metric system. Footcandles change with the square of the distance and can be calculated using foot candles. It is essential to buy the Lumens, not the Watts, when replacing light bulbs, as this method is no longer effective due to the increasing use of LED lights and the need for increased energy efficiency.

What is a good foot-candle?

Lighting requirements vary depending on the space and the type of work. Public areas with dark areas require 2-5 foot-candles, or 20-50 lux, while offices and classrooms need 10-20 foot-candles or 200 lux. Offices with intensive use and showrooms need 50-100 foot-candles or 500 lux, while intricate work may require 1, 000-2, 000 foot-candles or 10, 000-20, 000 lux. Exterior spaces generally require more lighting than interior spaces, with requirements ranging from 100-10, 000+ foot-candles for exteriors and 10-10 foot-candles for interiors. Other factors like direction, distribution, and color temperature also play a role in estimating lighting needs.

How many foot candles is a street light?

LED street lights have a lumen output of 125-150 lumens per watt, but the actual light hitting the road surface should range from 0. 3 FC (foot candles) to 1. 2 FC, according to lighting and roadway authorities like IES and AASHTO. The actual foot candle requirements depend on factors like the number of pedestrians using the road, the type of road, and the likelihood of high pedestrian and vehicle interactions. For instance, a major arterial road in an urban environment with high foot traffic will have the highest foot candle requirement of 1. 2 FC.

How many foot candles is 1200 lumens?

A 1200-lumen lamp can provide 60 lumens per square foot, but dividing by 10. 764 results in 5. 57-foot candles. This indicates a lower foot candle level, suggesting a larger lumen output or smaller area could benefit the space’s intended function. To calculate the lumens needed, multiply the foot candles by the area and then by 10. 764 to get the required lumens. This conversion is not just academic but also serves practical applications, helping interpret lighting specifications, ensuring an educated purchase, and tailoring lighting solutions for optimal brightness, energy efficiency, and mood setting.