Sample Illumination Calculation

Outdoor Calculation
(Illuminance at a Point-Direct Component)

Inverse Square Law

Light Source

E = I/ d2
Solid Angle

w
I

Plane

D
i
s
t
a
n
c
e

Inverse Square Law

E = I/ d2
Where:

E = Illuminance on the surface

I = Luminous intensity of the source in the direction
of the surface

d = Distance from the source to the surface

Example: A point light source has an intensity of

1,000 candela and the light falls perpendicularly
on a surface. Calculate the illuminance on the
surface if its distance from the surface is: (i) two
metres, (ii) four metres and (iii) six metres.

Cosine Law
Light Source

Distance, d

E = I / d2 cos

Plane

Example: A point light source has an intensity of

2,000 candela in all directions and is mounted 4
metres above a surface. Calculate the
illuminance on the surface directly underneath
(Ea) and at a distance of 3 metres to the side
(Eb).

Sample Illumination Calculation

Average Illuminance

Perimeter:
Area:

1.

As per assignment

37
2 lamp diffuse wraparound
General diffuse
2 lamps

2.
Figure 9-5
Figure 9-4 (5 degrees of dirt conditions)
12 hrs/day
12 months

3.
0.0 m
3.5 m
1.0 m

4.

0
6.135
2.454

4.

Effective room surface reflectance

80%
18%
NOTE: STATE ACTUAL REFLECTANCES OF THE ROOM

Effective Ceiling Cavity Reflectance Computation

Refer to Figure 9-11. Since CCR = 0, cc = 80%

4.

Effective room surface reflectance

80%
18%
NOTE: STATE ACTUAL REFLECTANCES OF THE ROOM

Effective Floor Cavity Reflectance Computation

From Figure 9-11, @ f = 20%, w = 50%, FCR = 2.454
FCR

cc

2.4

18

2.454

X1

2.6

18

X1 = 18.0 = fc

4.
Initial Coefficient of Utilization (CU1)
From Figure 9-12, @ cc = 80%, w = 50%, CN = 37 RCR = 6.135
RCR

CU1

23

6.135

X1

21

X1 = 22.73

= CU initial

4.
Multiplying Factor (MF)
From Figure 9-13, @ fc = 10%, cc = 80%, w = 50%, CN = 37 RCR = 6.135
RCR

fc

0.969

6.135

X1

0.973

X = MF @ fc = 0.10 = 0.9695

4.
Multiplying Factor (MF)
From the obtained value, @ fc = 18
fc

MF

20

18

10

0.9695

X = MF = 0.9939

4.

CU = CU1 X MF
CU = 22.73 x 0.9939
CU = 22.5913

5.

Light Loss Factor

0.86
0.90
0.88
0.6494

Lamp Lumen Depreciation Computation

From Table IV (LLD), @ 12 hours per start and rapid start 430ma standard colors,
LLD = 0.866

Lamp Burnout Factor Computation

Assumed to be 0.90

Luminaire Dirt Depreciation Computation

From figure 9-5 (Category II), given an area atmosphere of very clean and a
cleaning cycle of 12 months, LDD = 0.97
Room Surface Dirt Depreciation Computation
From Figure 9-7, given an area atmosphere of very clean and a cleaning cycle of
12 months, % expected dirt depreciation = 12%.
Light Loss Factor Computation
LLF = LLD*LBO*LDD*RSDD

RSDD Factors

6. total initial lamp lumens (TILL)

7. Select practical lay-out for the luminaire.

8. Determine luminaire spacing based on the luminaire orientation chosen.

9. Draw plan of the room and indicate the locations of luminaires.

10. Compute for the actual minimum maintained lighting level.

Eactual =

( )
( )

Reference:
Philippine Efficient Lighting Market
Transformation Project (PELMATP). Lighting
Calculations.
Kelly, Kevin and O Connell, Kevin. Interior
Design Lighting: A Students Guide.