Description: Lux meter is sometimes called light meter, it measure the intensity of

illumination as distinguished by the human eye. This value does not correlate to an
objective value of energy radiated or reflected, as different wavelengths within the
visible spectrum are perceived with varying sensitivity by the eye and lux meter
evaluate light intensity in consideration of this variable. Parts & use: - screen -
switch- yo on and off of the device - switch range- to know what range you want to
put in - range table- the basis of the measured output - cable- to connect the device
to the sensor - sensor How to use: get a flashlight switch the device in on and
turn on the flashlight also put in what range you want put / ( itapat) the
flashlight in the sensor wait until the measured output appair read and record
the measured value.

HOW TO MEASURE LIGHT AND LUX LEVELS

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THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER LIGHT LEVELS
It is important to know how to measure light & lux levels in the workplace. Bad lighting can be
detrimental to your business. Low lux levels (insufficient light) are a common cause of fatigue
and muscle strain. This becomes more likely if the exposure is consistent over longer periods of
time. The same is true for high lux levels (excessive light). Glare and reflected light can distract
an individual and impair his or her vision. This is particularly dangerous when a job requires the
workers full attention. Those working with machinery or hazardous chemicals are at a much
greater risk. Using a light or lux meter to measure light levels in your workplace can help you to
avoid these issues. Protecting your colleagues and employees in the workplace should be of
paramount importance.

You should ensure that you provide appropriate lighting at all times. You can achieve this
through testing and regular maintenance. Under the Health & Safety at Work Act of 1974, an
employer has a duty to ensure the health & safety of employees. The Act includes a duty to
provide lighting to ensure that work can be undertaken safely. It also states that employees
health or eyesight must not be jeopardised. Regulation no.8 of the Workplace Regulations Act
1992 states that employers must ensure that:

Every workplace has suitable & sufficient lighting.

This should be natural light, so far as is reasonably practicable.
Suitable & sufficient emergency lighting shall be provided where needed.
STANDARD LIGHT AND LUX LEVELS
To test and maintain required lighting levels it is standard practise to use a light meter. These
instruments will provide a luminance reading based on either Lux or Foot-Candles. Lux (Lux) is
a unit of illumination of one square metre, which is one metre away from a uniform light
source. It is a European standard of measurement. Foot-Candles (FC) is also a unit of
illumination. It measures one square foot that is one foot away from a uniform light source. It is
a U.S measurement standard.

1 Lux = 0.0929 FC, 1 FC 10.76 Lux

The amount of light required to suit your workplace obviously depends on the type of work
being done. The list below is a guide to the light levels required for different kinds of working
environment.

INTERIOR LIGHT LEVELS

Environment Required Light Le
Storage Area / Plant Room (minimal movement of people) 150 - 200 Lux
Construction Areas & Loading Bays (minimal perception of detail) 300 - 500 Lux
Factories & Kitchens (higher perception of detail) 500 - 750 Lux
Inspection, Welding, And Machinery (demanding work) 750 - 1000 Lux
Electronics & Textile Production (repetitive detail) 1000 - 1500 Lux
Technical Offices (accurate detail) 1500 - 3000 Lux
Jewellers & Goldsmiths (precision detail) 3000 + Lux

OUTDOOR LIGHT LEVELS

Interior light levels are much lower than outdoor natural light levels. Some typical
environmental light levels are:

Environment Natural Light Level

Very Bright Summer Day Up To 100,000 Lux
Overcast Summer Day 30,000 - 40,000 Lux
Floodlit Football Match 700 - 16,000 Lux
Shady Room In Daylight 250 - 300 Lux
Night Light On A Building 60 Lux
Night-Time Urban Street 10 Lux
Night-Time Car Park 1 Lux
CHOOSING A LIGHT OR LUX METER
When youre choosing a light meter it is important to understand a few core values. This will
help you achieve repeatable measurements. Measurement range, resolution and accuracy are
the main characteristics that should taken into consideration. Each light meter has a designated
range of lux levels it can detect. Ensure you cover all environments within your workplace.
Resolution is the minimal difference in measurements the device is capable of displaying. Make
certain the model displays small enough values any records you are required to keep. The
accuracy of the instrument is normally only 1 or 2 times the resolution. This can vary greatly so
ensure the instrument is accurate enough for your requirements. As long as you consider these
three variables then you will have a tool fit for purpose.

The accuracy of your readings affects the credibility of your future measurements and
organisation. With this in mind it is a good idea to have your light meter calibrated before
taking a measurement. Using your light meter without checking it for traceable accuracy can
have profound effects. It can mean the difference between passing or failing health and safety
checks. It can even waste whole industrial processes. If your company is ISO accredited then
you should certainly be calibrating your instrumentation. Any instrument that is used as a
control element should be calibrated on a regular basis. It is a mandatory part of the audit
procedure. Any good supplier of light meters should be able to provide calibration.

TAKING A READING
Taking a reading is straight forward. To begin, expose the light meter sensor to your desired
environment. This is normally a circular white bulb encased within the device. It is sometimes
attached via a cable. Check and log the reading displayed on the display. And your done, it
really is that simple!

Data logging light meters are perfect if you would like to submit regular readings to
management, auditors or work colleagues. you may like to consider a data logging light meter.
These instruments allow continuous Lux (or FC) measurements to be displayed in real-time, or
downloaded and stored to PCs or Laptop computers. The recorded measurements can then be
attached to emails or reports, and is great for traceability in critical environments.