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CHAPTER 2
INTRODUCTION TO ILLUMINATION
2.1. LIGHTING
` Light is defined as the radiant energy from a hot body, which produces the visual
sensation upon the human eye. The sensation of colour is due to the difference in
wavelength of the light radiations. White light, such as given by the sun, is composed
of different colour each having different wavelengths. These are:
0.300 0.436 micrometer--------------------Violet
0.436 - 0.495
>>
---------------------Blue
0.495 - 0.566
>>
---------------------Green
0.566 - 0.589
>>
----------------------Yellow
0.589 - 0.627
>>
----------------------Orange
0.627 - 0.780
>>
-----------------------Red
` In general, light is an electromagnetic radiation such as radio waves, x-rays e.t.c. We
can classify electromagnetic waves as visible and invisible waves.
* Visible waves: daylight, radiations from candles and lamps.
* Invisible waves: x-rays, gamma rays, radio waves.
v = f
(v is speed of light, f is frequency and, is wave
length )
Angstrom unit (): 1=10-8cm=10-10m
of red light
= 7500
of violet light
= 4000
of blue light
=5000
of yellow light
=6500
`

Those colours of white light having wave lengths of less than 0.3 micro meter
belongs to the ultra violet range and those with wave lengths greater than 0.8 micro
meter belong to the infrared range. The visible spectrum ranges is from 0.4 to 0.7
micrometers.

` Human eye is most sensitive to light having wavelengths of about 0.555 micrometer
in the green portion of the spectrum.
Maximum power of light is radiated when the wavelength is about 0.5 micrometer,
which is approximately the wavelength at which the human eye is most sensitive.
` Illumination refers to the provision of sufficient lighting either by natural means
(e.g. sun light) or artificial light sources (e.g. electric lamps).

Terms used in Illumination

1. Luminous Flux: It is the total quantity of light energy radiated/ produced from a luminous
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body in the form of light waves. It is measured in lumens. It is represented by symbol .

2. Luminous Intensity (I): It is the amount of luminous flux emitted by a source per unit
solid angle. It is measured in candela or lumens per steradian. i.e.
I = / ,
1 Candela = 1 Lumen / steradian
Where the solid angle is measured in Steradians (). It is the angle generated by the
surface passing through the light point in space and periphery of the area. It was denoted
by . Solid angle was given by the ratio of the area of the surface to the square of the
distance between the area and the point. i.e. A / r2 . Since the surface of a sphere has an
area equal to 4r2;
Total angle, =4r2 / r2 = 4 stradians
3. Illumination (intensity of illumination) (E) - it is the luminous flux received by a surface
per unit area of surface. Its unit depends upon the units in which area is measured. It is
measured in lumens per square meter or lux or meter candle. Mathematically,
E=/A
4. Luminous efficacy (k): a measure of unit lumens per watt (lm/W). It can be thought of as
the efficiency of the light source.
5. Luminance, L: The luminous intensity (I) per unit of the apparent area of
the source of light (or illuminated areas).
L = I/A [cd/m2]
6.
Coefficient of utilization:
This is a factor showing the ratio of the lumens reaching on the working plane to the total
lumens generated by the source. It depends on the dimension of the room to be illuminated,
the reflectance of the walls, ceilings, and floors, the lamp out put of reflectors and diffusers
used and the position of the lamp.
7.
Maintenance Factor: The light obtained from a light source may be affected by
variables due to dire, ageing of the lamp, e.t.c. The MF takes in to account such effects.

Illumination Laws

Inverse square law:

The illumination of a surface is inversely proportional to the distance between
source & surface provided that the distance between the surface & the source is
sufficiently large so that source can be regarded as a point source. This is known as
Inverse square Law.
Let, E1 be the illumination on surface A1,
E2 be the illumination on surface A2,
Since exactly the same luminous flux falls on A1 & A2 we can have the relation,
= E1A1= E2A2
E2 = E1A1/A2
= E1 (d1/d2)2
i.e. E ~ 1/d2
Where d is the perpendicular
distance from the light source.

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Thus the illumination of the surface varies inversely as the square of the distance
from the light source.
A1 d2 A2
Light source
...
d1
2. Cosine Law

x
EQ = Icos/h2
Or
cos = d/h, h = d/cos
EQ =Icos3/d2 this is known as Lambert Cosine Law
Thus the illumination depends not only on the perpendicular distance from the light source but
also on the angle that the light falls on the area to be illuminated.
Examples:
1.
A 250W sodium-vapour street lamp emits a light of 22,500 cd and is situated 5m above
the road. Calculate the luminance
a) directly below the lamp and
b) at a horizontal distance along the road of 6m
c)
2.
Two light sources each having a uniform intensity of 64,000 cd is mounted 8m high. If
the illumination midway between the lamps on ground level is same as the illumination
level produced by one of the lamp vertically below it, calculate the distance between the
poles.

2.2. LIGHT SOURCE AND APPLICATION

Light is a form of energy, which is radiated or sent out from a source in a waveform. It is part
of a whole family of electromagnetic wave. Light sources can either be natural (sun) or
artificial (e.g. electric lamps).
Generally, electric lamps can be classified in to:
a) Incandescent lamps
b) Discharge lamps.
When an electric current passes through a fine metallic wire, heat is produced and the
temperature of the wire increases. At low temperature the wire radiates heat energy. As the
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temperature of the wire increases due to heating, it radiates heat as well as light energy.

Incandescent lamps
The incandescent lamp consists of a glass globe completely evacuated or gas filled and a fine
wire known as filament, which is heated to white heat by the passage of electric current. The
filament of modern lamps are normally made of tungsten since this material has a very high
melting point (34000c) and can be manufactured in the form of a suitably thin wire. The bulbs
of smaller lamps are evacuated to prevent oxidization of the filament. But, in many lamps, an
inert gas such as argon is introduced. This enables the filament to operate at a higher
temperature without undue deterioration due to the evaporation, which tends to take place in a
vacuum.
The materials, which can be used for the filament, are: carbon, osmium, tantalum and tungsten.
These metals are selected due to their high melting points.
` The main advantages of incandescent lamp are:
a) The filament has a more compact formation.
b) Heat losses due to conviction currents in the gas are reduced, thus giving a higher
efficiency.
` There are two types of incandescent lamps:
1. Vacuum lamps
- air is evacuated from the glass bulb.
- operates only up to around 20000c.
2. Gas-filled
- the glass bulb is filled with inert gases(Ne or Ar)
- operates up to around 25000c.
- in gas-filled lamps, the bulb is so bright that it is given an opaque coating
internally.
` The light out put of incandescent lamps is about 10 to 15 lm/W. Thus:
- a 25W IL produces about 250 to 375 lm.
- a 40W IL produces about 400 to 600 lm.
- a 60W IL produces about 600 to 900 lm.
` The average lifetime of incandescent lamps is about 2000 hours when operating at rated
voltage.
` An incandescent lamp gives out light at all frequencies including DC.
` Incandescent lamps suffer from two disadvantages
- low efficiency and
- coloured light.
To overcome these drawbacks, the gaseous discharge lamp has been developed.

Discharge Lamps
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When an electric current is passed through certain gases visible light is produced. Gases are
normally pure conductors especially at atmospheric pressure, but applications of suitable
voltage called, ignition voltage, across the two electrodes can result in a discharge through the
gas, which is accompanied by electromagnetic radiation. The wavelength of the radiation
depends up on the gas, its pressure, and the metal vapour used in the lamp. Although the
current is small, a fairly high voltage is required to maintain the discharge. For most discharge
lamps the striking voltage required is higher than the running voltage. So some means of
limiting the running current is required.
Argon gas and sodium vapour are commonly employed in the manufacture of gaseous
discharge lamps.
Colours of Discharge Lamps
The colour of the light emitted depends upon the type of gas used. The colour obtained from
some of the gases and vapours commonly employed are listed in the table below
Electric discharge lamps can in general be classified as cold-cathode and hot-cathode.
Gas or vapour

Colour of Light

Neon
Hydrogen
Nitrogen
Mercury (low pressure)
Mercury (high pressure)
Sodium

Red
Pink
Ivory
Buff
Blue together with strong ultra-violet emission
Bluish white with less ultra-violet emission Yellow

Cold-cathode:
In some type of discharge lamp the electrodes are not heated. These types are therefore
known as cold cathode lamps, an example of this being the ordinary neon tube.
Uses a high voltage (3.5KV) for its operation.
They are familiar as fluorescent tubes with 25mm in diameter, either straight,
curved, or bent to take a certain form for general lighting purpose.
The electrodes of these lamps are not preheated. e.g. Neon lamps.
Hot-cathode:
In other type of discharge lamp the electrodes are heated, as this reduces the voltage
required to strike and maintain the discharge. Lamps using heated electrodes are known
as hot cathode lamps. A typical example is the ordinary fluorescent lamp. The hot
cathodes are usually in the form of short filament which may be heated either by passing
a heating current through it or by the discharge current itself.
Are commonly called fluorescent lamps.
Are more commonly used type of discharge lamps.
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Available in tube lengths of 2.5m, 1.7m 1.3m or 30cm.

Electrodes are heated and operating voltage is low or medium.
To assist starting the mercury vapour is mixed with argon gas.
Hot cathode lamps are produced as sodium vapour lamps, high-pressure mercury vapour
lamps, and fluorescent lamps.
High pressure mercury vapour lamps:
It consists of a quartz tube containing mercury at high pressure and a little argon gas to
assist starting. There are two main electrodes and auxiliary electrode connected through a
high resistance. The auxiliary electrode is used to start the discharge. A choke is provided
to limit a current to a safe value.

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Fig.2.1 typical high-pressure mercury vapour lamps: (a) basic circuit (b) modern mercury
vapour lamp.
A capacitor is connected in parallel to the lamp to improve its power factor. The initial
discharge takes place in the argon gas between the auxiliary (starting) electrode and main
electrode close to it. This causes the main electrode to heat up and the main discharge between
the main electrodes takes place.
The high pressure mercury vapour lamp has an efficiency of about 40-50lm/W they are
manufactured in 250 and 400W ratings for use on 220-250v a.c. supply mains. Their
application is mainly for industrial and street lighting, commercial and display lighting.
Sodium vapour lamps:
Is a double glass container, the inner glass tube filled with Neon and Argon gas and some
sodium drops. When the supply is switched on, the lamp would not start as the supply
voltage is too low to start the discharge. The leak transformer is connected across the
mains produces a starting voltage of about 400v. Then the Neon Argon gas starts the
discharge, and afterwards the sodium vaporizes and the discharge continues.

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Fig. 2.2 Sodium vapour lamps.

Fluorescent lamp (Low pressure mercury vapour lamps):
Certain materials, such as calcium halo phosphate, emit visible light whenever they absorb
ultra-violet light. This phenomenon is known as fluorescence and may be used to produce
a very efficient type of lamp. If a tube of a discharge lamp containing mercury vapour is
coated internally with an even layer of fluorescent material a considerable proportion of
the ultra-violet light caused by the discharge is converted into useful visible light. Lowpressure mercury vapour lamps:
- consists of glass tube filled with mercury vapour at low pressure.
- is provided with two electrodes coated with electron emissive material.
- the inner wall of the tube is coated with fluorescent powder which
transforms ultraviolet radiation in to visible radiation or light.
` The light out put of fluorescent lamp is 70 lm/w and has an average life of about 7500 hrs.
` The application includes lighting of shops, homes, factories, streets, ships, transport (buses
and trains), e.t.c.
` Using this tubes it is quite possible to achieve high lighting intensity without excessive
temperature rise and, owing to the nature of light sources, the danger of glare is minimized.
` The efficiency of fluorescent lamp is about 40 lumens per watt, which is about three times
the efficiency of an equivalent tungsten filament lamp.
Fluorescent tubes are available in the following sizes:
length
wattage
length
wattage
length
wattage
38 cm
14 w
100cm
25 w
152 cm
65 w
46 cm
15 w
122 cm
40 w
152 cm
80 w
61 cm
20 w

Fluorescent lamp circuits

AC supply
Inductor
L

Lamp
Electrode

Starter switch
Fig 2.3 shows the basic switch start circuit, which operates as follows:
When the supply is switched on with the starter switch, s, closed a current flows through the
inductor, L, and through the lamp electrodes. The initial current heat the lamp electrodes in
readiness for striking the lamp. The starting switch is now opened making a sudden
interruption in the current flowing through the inductor and so causing a high voltage to be
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momentarily induced (Note that breaking an inductive circuit causes high voltage to appear
across the break in contacts, and energy is released in the form of an arc. in this case, however,
there is an easier way for the energy to dissipate- via the gas, and the high voltage appears
across the end of the tube). This voltage starts a discharge between the two lamp electrodes
and the current rapidly rises to value determined mainly by the inductance of inductor. The
starter witch is left open while the lamp is alight, the electrodes maintaining their operating
temperature as long as they continue to pass the discharge current. In practice it is desirable
that the starter switch should operate automatically, switching on when the supply is first on
then switching off to strike the lamp and remaining of all the time that the lamp is alight. Due
to the inductor the lamp current loges the supply voltage (at approximately 0.5 p.f) a capacitor,
C, is usually connected between the lamp terminals to improve the overall power to an
acceptable value.
Starters
Three methods are commonly available for starting the discharge in a fluorescent tube: the
thermal starter, the glow start and the quick start.

Thermal type start

The thermal type starter switch has two contacts mounted on bi-metal strips, a small heating
coil being fitted very close to the bi-metal strips but not electrical contact between them. The
contacts arc normally closed so that the main supply is first switched on full heating current
passes through the lamp electrodes as before. The current also flows through the starter heater
and so warms the bi-metal strips. After a short time the be-metal strips warms sufficiently to
bend and open the contacts thus striking the lamp. As long as the lamp remains alight current
flows through the starter heater keeping the contacts apart. a small capacitor is often
connected in parallel with the starter switch contacts to suppress radio interference.

Glow type start

The glow type starter switch consists of a small bulb filled with helium and containing two
contacts, one of which is mounted on a bi-metal strip. The contacts are normally open so that
when the main supply is firs switched on full main voltage is applied to the starter contacts.
This causes a glow discharge, which warms the bi-metal strip making it bends, so closing the
starter contacts. The closing of the starter contacts allows full heating current to pass through
the lamp electrodes and also extinguish the glow discharge. After a short time the bi-metal
strip cools sufficiently to open the circuit thus striking the lamp. As long as the lamp remains
alight the voltage applied to the starter is insufficient to initiate a glow discharge and so the
starter contacts remain open until the next starting operation. A small capacitor is often
connected in parallel with the starter switch contacts to suppress radio interference.

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Fig.2.4 Stages in striking of a fluorescent tube, using glow-type starter switch

(a)
Contacts snap open, causing arc to strike between electrodes
(b)
Glow discharge between bimetal contacts
(c)
Bimetal heated; contacts close, bimetal then cools

Quick type start or Instant type start

In the case of the quick start or instant start, starting is achieved by the use of
autotransformer and an earthed metal strip in close proximity to the tube.
When the supply is switched on, mains voltage appears across the end of the tube, and the
small part of the winding at each end of the transformer energizes the filaments, which heat
up. The difference in potential between the electrodes and the earthed strip causes
ionisation, which spreads along the tube.

Stroboscopic Effect
A disadvantage of fluorescent lamp is that as the alternating discharge current passes through
zero twice every cycle the light produced tend to flicker at twice of main frequency.
Although this effect is not noticeable to the eye, machinery rotating at certain speed may
appear to be stationary or moving more slowly than it really is. This is known as the
stroboscopic effect and is obviously a cause of danger in situations such as workshops where
rotating machinery is in use.
a)

If a three-phase supply is available the stroboscopic effect can be minimized by

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2.3.

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connecting lamps to alternate phases. As the lamps in the circuit attains their maximum
and minimum values, the light output in sequence of overall illumination is kept
practically constant thereby keeping the stroboscopic effect to a minimum.
If only a single-phase supply is available then the lead lag circuit shown in figure
below may be used. In this circuit lamp A, is supplied via and inductor and so has a
lagging current, Both an inductor and a capacitor are connected in series with lamp B.
The inductor is required to supply the initial starting surge. But, when the lamp is a
light, the effect of the capacitor predominates so that the lamp takes a leading current,
It follows that when one lamp is producing its minimum light output the other is
producing its maximum and so, by using this circuit the stroboscopic effect is greatly
reduced.

PRACTICAL LIGHTING SCHEMES

A good lighting system should produce uniform illumination of not less than the required
value. It should be free from glare and hard shadows. In fact and endeavour should be made to
have quality of light as close to day light as possible.
The interior lighting schemes may be classified as: i. Direct light
ii. Semi- direct lighting
iii. Semi-indirect lighting
iv. Indirect lighting and
v. General lighting

1. Direct light: - the most commonly used type of lighting scheme. In this scheme more than
90% of total light flux is made to fall directly on the working plane with the help of deep
reflectors. Though it is more efficient but causes hard shadows and glare. It is mainly used
for industrial and general out-door lighting.

2. Semi-direct lighting: - in this lighting scheme 60-90% of the total light flux is made to fall
down wards directly with the help of semi-direct reflectors. The remaining light is used to
illuminate the ceiling and walls. Such a lighting scheme is best suited to rooms with high
ceiling where there is a high level of uniformity of illumination is desired.
Besides this scheme avoids glare, it also improves the efficiency of the system with
reference to the working plane.

3. Semi indirect lighting: -in this scheme 60-90% of total light flux is thrown up wards to the
ceiling for reflection and the rest reaches the working plane directly except for some
absorption by the bowl. This lighting scheme has soft shadows and is glare free. It is mainly
used for indoor decoration purpose.

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Fig 1 a) Type of reflectors

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b) Lighting fittings, types and performance

4. Indirect lighting scheme: - in this scheme more than 90% of total light flux is thrown
upwards the ceiling for diffuse reflection by using inverted or bowl reflector. In this scheme
the glare is reduce to minimum. The resulting illumination is soft and more diffused. The
shadows are less prominent and the appearance of the room is much improved. It is used for
decoration purpose in cinemas, theatres and hotels etc. and in areas where troublesome
shadows are produced if direct light in lighting is employed.

5. General lighting: - in this scheme lamps made of diffusing glass are used, which gives
nearly equal illumination in all directions.
All fittings may be reduced to five basic types according to their light distribution as
shown in Fig

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Design of lighting schemes

The lighting scheme should be such that it may,
I. provide adequate illumination
II. provide light distribution all over the working plane as uniform as possible
III. provide light of suitable colour.
IV. avoid glare and hard shadows as far as possible
1. Illumination level: - In order to see the details of the things that surround us the source has
to illuminate them very well in order the objects take the necessary brightness. For each
type of work there is a range of brightness most favourable to output in terms of quality
and quantity.
Degree of illumination, to give necessary brightness to objects, depends upon:
I. the size of the object and distance of the observer.
II. contrast between the object and background. Greater the contrast greater
will be the illumination required to distinguish the object properly.
III. speed of object - Speedy object require more illumination.
IV. duration of gazing - Object seen for long duration of time require more
illumination.

2. Uniformity of Illumination: - It has been found that visual performance is best if the range
of brightness within the field of vision is not greater than 3:1, which can be achieved by
employing general lighting in addition to localised lighting. Otherwise due to the frequent
accommodation of pupil or iris of the eye, fatigue is caused and it creates psychological
felling of loneliness, gloom and unfriendliness.

3. Colour of light: - The appearance of the body colour entirely depends upon the colour of
the incident light. In general the composition of the light should be such that the colour
appears natural.

4. Shadows: - In lighting installation, formation of long and hard shadows causes fatigue and
are undesirable. However a certain amount of shadow is desired as it helps to give shapes
to solid objects and make them easily recognised. But there is one exception to this i.e. in
drawing offices, where we are to see flat surfaces. Hard and long shadow can be avoided
by:
a) rising a large number of luminaries mounted at a height not less than 2.5m.
b) by using wide surface of light - using globes or indirect lighting system.

5. Glare: - Glare is generally produced by very bright sources of light, which emit light
directly or at very low angle towards the viewer. This causes the person to neglect the
other surrounding objects, as they appear darker and is a major cause of road accidents.
The glare is also caused by highly polished surfaces when the angles are incorrect. This
also tends to damage retina of the eye. Glare may be direct or indirect. Motorcar headlights
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produces direct glare.

In other words glare may be defined as the brightness within the field of vision of such a
character as to cause annoyance, discomfort interference with the vision or eye fatigue.
Therefore, glare is to be avoided at any cost. For this purpose very bright point sources of light
should be avoided. Highly reflective surfaces should be replaced by Mat surfaces, which cause
diffusion. The angle of light should be such that it does not dazzle the person. A surface, which
is almost free from mirror reflection, is called a mat surface. The factories act discusses the
matter and lays down regulations to prevent it. If a glare is produced by a lighting point, such
as incandescent lamp, it can be avoided by the use of globes or making the light source at such
a height that to place them above the ordinary range of vision.

In fulfilling the above requirements, in designing a good lighting scheme, we have to consider

i. The intensity of illumination required

ii. The selection of the required lamps and fittings
iii. The size of the room
iv. The conditions under which the illumination is used etc
The recommended illumination level for various occupancies is shown in Tables given on
page 40 and subsequent.
The choice of lamps for different type of occupancies differs. Tubular fluorescent and tungsten
filament lamps can be used when lighting is to be done in small premises. But in large
premises, the lighting can be carried out by using high intensity sources such as mercury or
sodium discharge lamps.
The following are some of the conditions that should be considered when the illuminations are
used:

Utilisation Factor (B) - the whole light radiated by the lamps doesnt reach the
working plane. The ratio of lumens reaching the working plane to the total light
given out by the lamp or lamps, when the installation is new, is known as
utilisation factor or coefficient of utilisation. The value of utilisation factor
depends upon
i) the mounting height of lamps
ii) area to be illuminated
iii) type of lighting scheme
iv) colour of the surrounding, etc.
B

Spacing Luminaries: - correct spacing is of great importance to provide uniform

illumination over the whole area. The ratio of the horizontal spacing between
rows to the height of the luminaries above the working plane, called space to
height ratio, depends quite on luminous output, type of lighting scheme
and on the extent of candlepower distribution curve of the luminare. Mounting
height is largely governed by the type of the building and type of lighting scheme
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employed.
The term general lighting implies that the illumination at the working level
should not vary substantially throughout the room. Therefore it is apparent that
the fitting for general lighting should not be so placed that the illumination
received from each fitting overlaps and builds up that of its neighbours. That
means the distance lights source from the wall should be equal to one half of the
distance between two adjacent light sources. Also distance between lighting
fittings should not exceed 1.5 times the mounting height.
In the case of direct and semi-direct luminaries, it is generally advisable to mount
them high considering a normal ceiling height and average size floor area. With
fluorescent luminaries it is good practice to aim at a value of unity for this ratio
and to set on upper limit of 3/4. In the case of indirect and semi-indirect
luminaries, it is a good practice to aim at a horizontal spacing between rows
approximately equal to the height of the ceiling above the working plane, and in
no case should the horizontal spacing exceed 11/3 times this height. In case of
direct and semi-direct lighting scheme.

Colour of Surrounding Walls: - the illumination in a room depends upon the light
reflected from walls and ceilings. White walls and ceilings reflect more light as
compared to collared ones.

Maintenance Factor - as we are to continue to use the installation, the illumination

produced considerably decreases due to ageing of the lamps and accumulation of
dusts on the lamps, reflectors, ceiling and walls. Its value is more if there is much
as the ageing problem increases, etc. The value is mostly ranges between 0.8 and
1. The other term used is depreciation factor, which is merely the inverse of the
maintenance factor. Its value is more than unity.

Methods of lightning calculation

In order to estimate the number and the type of light fittings required to suit a particular
environment, it is necessary to know what level of luminance is required, the area to be
illuminated, the maintenance factor and the coefficient of utilization, and the efficiency of
the lamps to be used. A number of methods have been employed for lighting calculations
among which may be mentioned:

A. Watts per square metre method

B. Lumen or Light flux method
Watts per Square Meter method: - applicable for rough calculations. It consists in
making an allowance of watts per square meter of area to be illuminated accordingly to
the illumination desired on the assumption of the average figure of an overall
efficiency of the system. According to NEC 220-3(d) this figure is about 3 watt per ft2.
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Example: - A house has an external dimension of 30ft by 50ft. If an 80w fluorescent

lamps, and 220V supply is used, determine the size of the service wire and the
number of lamps required.
Solution:
A = 30ft X 50ft
= 1500ft
Total wattage required = 1500 X 3w
= 4500w 4.5Kw
No of lamps required = 4.5Kw/80w = 56.1
56 lamps - each 80w
Current carrying capacity = 4.5Kw/220V = 20.5A
Therefore, the size of the cable will be
factor.

conductor if there is no any correction

Lumen or Light flux or efficiency method: - it is the most advisable method to be

used. Lumens' reaching the working plane is calculated as:

Total flux output of the lamps in the room *

Required Level of
= Correction Factor
Illumination in the room
Total area of the room
No. of Fixture * Flux output per Fixture * Correction
Required Level of
= Factor
Illumination in the room
Total area of the room
No. of Fixture * No. Lamp per Fixture * Flux output per
Required Level of
= lamp * Correction Factor
Illumination in the room
Total area of the room
Correction Factor = Utilization Factor * Maintenance Factor
Thus
E =

N * n * L * UF * MF
A

N =

A*E
n*L*UF*MF

For New Installation

N =
Where

1.25 * A * E
n * L * UF * MF

E Required Illumination level

A - Working surface in m2

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L - Luminous flux of one lamp in lm

UF - Utilisation factor
MF- Maintenance Factor

Examples: 1. A road 300 m long is required to be illuminated by providing 40W fluorescent lamps.
The width of the road is 4m. Design a street lighting scheme for obtaining minimum
level of illumination of 0.6 lux assuming a mounting height of 9m and a 0.5 coefficient
of utilization. (In designing you have to determine the distance between the poles and
find out the number of poles required for the given distance.)
2.

A light assembly shop, 15m long, 9m wide and 3m up to trusses, is to be illuminated to

a level of 200 lux. The utilisation and maintenance factors are respectively 0.9 and 0.8.
Make a scale drawing of the plan of the shop and set out the required lighting points,
assuming the use of tungsten lamps and dispersive metallic reflectors. You may assume
a lamp efficiency of 125 lm/W, and spacing height ratio of unity.

2. A hall 30m X 15m height is to be provided with a general illumination of 120 lm/m2
taking a coefficient of utilisation of 0.5, depreciation factor 1.4 and appropriate spaceheight ratio, determine the no. of fluorescent tubes required, their spacing, mounting
height and total wattage. Take luminous efficiency of fluorescent tubes as 40lm/W for
80-watt tube.
Allowable Illumination Levels To Various Locations & Rooms Of (Roads, Offices, Schools
And Factories)

ROADS
Classification of
Lighting Installation

Type of Road

Group A1
Group A2
Group B1
Group B2

Important traffic route carrying fast traffic

Other main roads carrying a mixed traffic
Secondary roads with considerable traffic
Secondary road with light traffic

Average level of
illumination on road
surface
30
15
8
4

Note- Excellent illumination is considered when the distance apart is not more than 8 times
the height of the luminaries. Normal spacing for standard lamps is 50 metres with a
mounting height of 8 metres.

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Illumination

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Offices
Level of Illumination (lux)
1500 - 750
750 - 300
300 - 100

Schools
1500 - 300
750 - 200
300 - 75

Factories
Level of Illumination (lux)
3000 - 1500
1500 - 750
750 - 300
300 - 150

_____________ _ Electrical Installation

Place
Offices, design and drawing rooms
Offices, conference rooms, computer rooms
Kitchens, ordinary work rooms, corridors, stairways and
toilets

Precision drawing or drafting, laboratory rooms

Class rooms, library reading rooms, experiment
demonstration rooms, staff rooms and gymnasium
Lecture halls, assembly rooms, locker rooms, corridors,
stairways and toilets

Place
Where such work as inspecting, testing, selecting and
specially as machine tool operation is carried out
Inspecting, testing, selecting, welding and machine shops
Inspecting, testing, selecting, welding and machining and
wrapping.
Wrapping and crating, welding and machining.

Data On Commonly Used Light Sources

High Pressure Mercury Vapour Lamps
Wattage
Nominal
A.C.
Nominal
Without
With
Voltage
Current
Ballast
in watt
in watt
in voltage
in amp
With yttrium vanadate luminescent material
50
59
220
0.6
80
89
220
0.8
125
137
220
1.15
250
266
220
2.15
400
425
220
3.25
700
735
220
5.4
1000
1045
220
7.5
Metal halide lamps (with dysprosium iodide)
250
275
220
3.0
360
385
220
3.5
1000
1040
220
9.5
2000
2070
380
8.8
3500
3650
380
18.0

Luminous Flux
Without
With
Luminescent material
in lumen
in lumen

Base

---------------

2000
3800
6300
13500
23000
40000
55000

E 27
E 27
E 27
E 40
E 40
E 40
E 40

21000
28000
80000
190000
300000

17000
26000
80000
80000
---

E 40
E 40
E 40
E 40
E 40

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High-pressure sodium vapour lamps

Wattage
Nominal
a.c.
Without
With
Voltage
Ballast
in watt
in watt
in voltage
70
83
220
150
170
220
210
232
220
250
275
220
350
385
220
400
450
220
1000
1090
220
General-purpose lamps (220V-230V)
Wattage
Luminous Flux
at 225V
Base
W
lm
40
430
E 27
60
730
E 27
100
1380
E 27
200
3150
E 27
15
125
E 27
25
235
E 27

_____________ _ Electrical Installation

Nominal
Current
in amp
1.0
1.8
2.25
3.0
3.45
4.4
10.3

Luminous Flux
Without
With
Diffusing glass
in lumen
in lumen
--5800
14500
14000
--18000
25500
25000
--34000
48000
47000
130000
120000

Wattage
W
300
500
1000
75
150
750

Fluorescent lamps
Wattage
Nominal
Length
Without
With
Current
of lamp
Ballast
W
W
A
mm
Standard Construction
15-2
19.5
0.33
438
18
23
0.37
590
20
25
0.37
590
30-2
39
0.365
895
36
45
0.43
1200
38
48
0.43
1047
40
49
0.43
1200
42
52
0.535
1047
58
69
0.67
1500
65
76
0.67
1500
Indium amalgam type, for higher ambient temperature
40
49
0.44
1200
65
76
0.7
1500

Base

E 27
E 40
E 40
E 40
E 40
E 40
E 40

Luminous Flux
at 225V
lm
5000
8400
18800
1190
2880
17040

Base
E 40
E 40
E 40
E 40
E 40
E 40

Luminous flux,
acc. to type of lamp
and light colour
lm
500 to 720
1300 to 1450
700 to 1250
1150 to 1800
3100 to 3450
3200 to 3400
1600 to 3200
2000 to 2500
5050 to 5400
2600 to 5200
2000 to 2500
3300 to 4000

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Utilisation Factors
Types of Lighting
Direct
Semi-direct
General diffuse

B
0.6 to 0.45
0.55 to 0.45
0.5 to 0.35

_____________ _ Electrical Installation

Types of Lighting
Semi-indirect
Indirect
Indirect ceiling lighting

B
0.45 to 0.3
0.35 to 0.25
0.2 to 0.15

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_____________ _ Electrical Installation

RECOMMENDED ILLUMINATION LEVELS

SERVICE

ILLUMINATION
LEVEL (Lux )

Building Areas
- Circulation areas, corridors
- Stairways, Escalators
- Cloak rooms, Toilets
Assembly Shops
- Rough work: Heavy machinery assembly
- Medium work: Engine, Vehicle body assembly
- Fine work: Electronic and Office machinery assembly
Offices
- General offices, Typing, Computer rooms
- Deep-Plan general offices
- Drawing offices
Schools
- Class rooms, Lecture theatres
- Laboratories, Libraries, Reading rooms and Art rooms
Shops, Stores and Exhibition Areas
- Conventional Shops
- Self-service Shops
- Supermarkets
Museums and Art galleries
- Light - Sensitive exhibit
- Exhibits insensitive to light

100
150
150
300
500
750
500
750
750
300
300

300
500
750
150
300

Public Buildings
- Cinemas
- Auditoriums

50
150

Theatres and Concert Halls

- Auditorium
- Foyer

100
200

Dwelling Houses
- Bed rooms: - General
- Bed-Head
Nursery

50
200
150

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