The terms lux and lumen are essential in the world of lighting and light technology. They are used to determine how light is distributed and how bright it is on a specific surface. To understand what lux precisely means, we first need to look at the origins and definitions of these units of measurement.
A lumen (symbol: lm) is a measure of the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source. It takes into account the sensitivity of the human eye to different wavelengths of light. The more lumens a lamp produces, the brighter it appears.
Lux (symbol: lx), on the other hand, measures the amount of light falling on a specific surface. It is defined as one lumen per square meter. This means that if you evenly illuminate a 1-square-meter space with a light source emitting 1 lumen, the illuminance will be 1 lux.
The development of lux as a unit of measurement arose from the need to provide practical guidelines for lighting in different environments. From offices and factories to living rooms and sports fields, each type of environment requires a different amount of light to function optimally.
The required amount of lux depends heavily on the specific activity and the space in which the light is used. Below are some guidelines per application:
For general lighting in living rooms, between 100 and 300 lux is usually recommended. For reading corners or home workstations, this can go up to 500 lux. Kitchens and bathrooms, where good visibility is crucial, typically require around 500 lux.
In offices, standard lighting of about 500 lux on desk surfaces is common. For tasks requiring more precision, such as technical drawings or laboratory work, 750 to 1000 lux may be necessary.
Supermarkets and retail spaces often require illuminance between 500 and 1000 lux to make products clearly visible. In factories where fine manual work or assembly is performed, values between 1000 and 2000 lux may be necessary.
For outdoor lighting such as street lighting, the recommended lux level is usually between 5 and 20 lux, depending on the location. Sports fields, on the other hand, may require lighting levels between 500 and 2000 lux, depending on the sport and level of competition.
In hospitals and laboratories, very high lux levels are essential. Operating rooms, for example, require between 3000 and 10000 lux to safely perform surgical procedures.
In addition to activity and environment, other factors influence how much lux is needed:
Color temperature of the light: Warm light may appear less bright even at the same lux level.
Surface reflectance: Lighter walls and floors reflect more light, which can help create a well-lit space with fewer lux.
Daylight entry: In spaces with ample natural light, the need for artificial lighting may be lower.
Visual needs: Older individuals generally require more light than younger people to see comfortably.
By having a good understanding of the meaning and application of lux, you can not only save energy but also create the right atmosphere and functionality in different spaces. Achieving the right balance in light intensity contributes to both productivity and comfort.
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