1. What Is Illuminance?

Illuminance is the total luminous flux incident on a surface per unit area. It measures how much light reaches a surface and is typically measured in lux (lumens per square meter).

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the illuminance formula:

Where:

• \( E \) — Illuminance (lux)
• \( \Phi \) — Luminous flux (lumens)
• \( A \) — Area (square meters)

Explanation: This formula calculates the amount of light falling on a surface area, which is crucial for lighting design and photometric analysis.

3. Importance Of Illuminance Calculation

Details: Proper illuminance calculation is essential for designing effective lighting systems, ensuring adequate visibility for tasks, creating comfortable environments, and optimizing energy efficiency in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter luminous flux in lumens and area in square meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between illuminance and luminance?
A: Illuminance measures light falling on a surface (lux), while luminance measures light emitted or reflected from a surface (candela per square meter).

Q2: What are typical illuminance values for different spaces?
A: Offices: 300-500 lux, reading areas: 500-800 lux, precision work: 1000-2000 lux, corridors: 100-200 lux.

Q3: How does distance affect illuminance?
A: Illuminance follows the inverse square law - it decreases with the square of the distance from the light source.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for outdoor lighting?
A: Yes, the same principles apply, though outdoor calculations often need to account for additional factors like atmospheric conditions and reflectance.

Q5: What factors can affect illuminance measurements?
A: Light source characteristics, distance, angle of incidence, surface reflectance, and environmental conditions can all affect illuminance values.