LIGHTING FUNDAMENTALS

• Lighting basics

• Light sources— Lamp

characteristics

• Photometry

• Calculations

• Computer tools

• Lighting quality

HL-862 4/02
 LIGHTING FUNDAMENTALS
Index Page Introduction
Introduction 2 Illumination is light falling on a surface
Holophane Research and Development 3-5 measured in footcandles. Distributed with an
Lighting Basics 6 economic and visual plan, it becomes
Luminous Flux engineered lighting and therefore, practical
Luminous Intensity illuminance.
Illuminance A lighting designer has four major
Luminance objectives:
Metric conversions
Light Sources-Lamp Characteristics 7-8 1. Provide the visibility required based on
Incandescent the task to be performed and the economic
Fluorescent objectives.
High Intensity Discharge 2. Furnish high quality lighting by providing
Mercury a uniform illuminance level and by
Metal Halide
minimizing the negative effects of direct
High Pressure Sodium
and reflected glare.
Low Pressure Sodium
Quartz 3. Choose luminaires aesthetically
complimentary to the installation with
Photometry 9 - 10 mechanical, electrical and maintenance
Candlepower Distribution Curve characteristics designed to minimize
Coefficient of Utilization operational expense.
Isofootcandle Chart
Spacing Criteria 4. Minimize energy usage while achieving
Methods of Calculating Levels of Illuminance the visibility, quality and aesthetic objectives.

There are two parts to the solution of a

The Zonal Cavity Method of Calculating Average Illuminance Levels
Calculating Average Illuminance using the Utilization Curve
Point Calculations using Candlepower Data
Point Calculations using Isofootcandle Chart
Lighting Quality
Visual Comfort Illumination
Equivalent Sphere Illumination
11 - 14 design problem. One is to select luminaires
which are designed to control the light in an
effective and energy efficient manner. The
other is to apply them to the project with all
15 - 16 the skill and ingenuity the designer can
bring to bear from his own knowledge and
all the reliable sources at their disposal.

This primer has been developed to give the

designer a useful summary of basic lighting
principles. It gives important data and
practical information on how to apply
them. It offers the assistance of the
Holophane technical sales force who have
Visual® application software and LSAC™
economic analysis software at their disposal.
The facilities and staff of the Holophane
Technical Support Group are also available.

In addition, it prefaces a selection of quality

lighting products that use the best design
and manufacturing techniques of
illumination science and technology
available today. Their use assures the
ultimate in lighting quality, economy, light
distribution, energy efficiency and glare
control.

HOLOPHANE® 2
Research and Development
The high caliber performance character-
istic of Holophane luminaires is a result of
quality in concept, research, development
and execution. This depends on a staff
with ability and integrity, along with the
physical plant and equipment, to carry
on their work. The following are some
brief aspects of the more important
activities and facilities vital to the creation
of quality Holophane lighting products.

Photometers (A/B)

A full scale radial photometer (A) with a

radius of 25’ that will accommodate up
to an 8’ long or 5’ square luminaire.
There are photocells along the arc at
B every 2 1/2°, starting at 0° (nadir) up to
180°. A single cell spinning mirror
photometer (B) with the capability of
measuring every 1°. Each luminaire that
is tested is rotated to measure up to 72
A planes of data. The systems are fully
automated so the photocell readings are
sent directly to an in-house computer
which generates Photometric Test
Reports used for calculation and analysis.
Photometric data is available in IESNA
format on our web site for use in Visual
and other lighting application programs.

Electric and ballast laboratory heavy

current laboratory to simulate various
field power and load situations. Ballasts
are designed and tested to ensure that
they operate within applicable American
National Standards design limits. A
C properly designed ballast will optimize its
own life while providing full lamp life and
output.

Thermal laboratory (C)

Heat testing facility where luminaires and
components are subjected to heat
conditions well in excess of their
normally expected exposure under field
use. While this laboratory is used for
research and development of luminaires,
a significant part of its activities is
directed to the meeting and
maintenance of Underwriters’
Laboratories requirements.

LIGHTING FUNDAMENTALS
3 HOLOPHANE®
 LIGHTING FUNDAMENTALS
Sound laboratory (D)
An anechoic (non-echoing) sound room that
has been isolated from extraneous sounds. The
sound power is measured over each 1/3 of an
octave band through the audible spectrum
from 20 to 20,000 hertz. The values are
weighted according to a “standard hearer”,
then a Lighting System Noise Criterion (LSNC)
is established for a given room and layout. G
Vibration laboratory (E)
Stability of equipment under a variety of
vibration loadings is rigorously tested to meet
specifications and field-use conditions. This D
assures product reliability when luminaires and
poles are subjected to various wind conditions.

Water spray facilities (F)

Resistance to water penetration is evaluated in
this closed cycle water spray system.
Luminaires can be tested for standard UL
wet-location and outdoor marine suitability;
also, a special 100 gallon per minute, 100 psi H
capacity can be used to test such severe
conditions as those found in tunnels. E
CAD system (G)
A Computer Aided Design system is used for
the precise design of optical and fixture
components to assure precise light control and
manufacturing tolerances from all the
elements which make up the luminaire
assembly.

Electronics laboratory
A complete facility for the design,
development and testing of electronic
components of a luminaire. All designs are F
thoroughly life tested to assure full service life
and performance.

Light and Vision institute (H)

A facility for teaching principles of lighting
design and calculation as well as a center for
the consideration of lighting problems in
consultation with recognized experts in the
field.

Seminars on energy conservation, lighting for

retail and roadway lighting are conducted
together with schools for electrical consultants,
distributors and utility personnel. Contact your
local Holophane representative for schedule.
Research and Development
HOLOPHANE® 4
Research and Development

Lighting demonstration
center (I)
In this laboratory, complete
luminaires and systems are installed
for measurement and visual
evaluation of performance. The room
is highly flexible and mounting
heights can be altered to duplicate
various lighting conditions.

Outdoor lighting
I M laboratory (J/K)
A street and parking lot area
arranged for the measurement
and visual evaluation of a variety
of lighting systems including
signage. Outdoor architectural,
historical and municipal
luminaires may also be examined
in an adjacent park-like setting
J
Technical Support Group (L)

A computer equipped department,

staffed with professional lighting
designers and engineers, to aid
consultants and users in reaching
their lighting decisions. The
department uses various lighting
K N analysis programs for their lighting
designs.

Optical laboratory (M)

A visual evaluation facility to aid in
the optical design of high quality light
control elements of Holophane
luminaires.

Materials laboratory (N)

A facility for the testing of materials
for strength, corrosion resistance and
other properties related to luminaires.
L O
Model shop (O)
A complete wood and metal working
shop for the preparation of models
and working prototypes of luminaires
under design.

LIGHTING FUNDAMENTALS
5 HOLOPHANE®
 LIGHTING FUNDAMENTALS
An understanding of some of the fundamental terms in lighting technology is
basic to good design practice. The more important terms and concepts are
reviewed here for this purpose.

Luminous flux
Luminous flux is the time rate of flow of light as measured in lumens. It is a
1 fc 1
measure of the total light emitted by a source and is most commonly used for /4 fc
measurement of total lamp output.
D = 1 ft.
Luminous intensity D = 2 ft.
The candela is the unit of intensity (I) and is analogous to pressure in a hydraulic
Figure 1
system. it is sometimes called “candlepower” and describes the amount of light
(lumens) in a unit of solid angle. This unit of solid angle is called the steradian. It
will be seen from figure 1 that while the light travels away from the source the
solid angle covers a larger and larger area; but the angle itself remains the same,
as does the amount of light it contains. Intensity therefore, in a given direction is
constant regardless of distance. See Figure 1
I= (lumens)
D
(steradians)
I
Illuminance (E) θ

Illuminance is the quantity of light reaching a unit area of surface and is measured
in footcandles or lux. It is defined by intensity (Î), in candelas, directed toward point
P divided by the square of the distance (D) from the source to the surface.
P
E= I
D2

As the area covered by a given solid angle becomes larger with distance from the
source, the included light flux remains the same. The illumination density of light
on the surface decreases, therefore, as the inverse square of the distance. This
Exitance (M)
formula holds only if the receiving surface is perpendicular to the source direction.
If light is incident at some other angle, the formula becomes: See Figure 2 It is often desirable to calculate the amount of light
reflected from room surfaces. Many room surfaces
E= I cos Ø
are diffuse in nature and as a result the correct term
D2
to use is Exitance (M), Where: Exitance = illuminance
where E = illumination in footcandles (fC) or lux
x reflection factor
I = intensity in candela (cd) toward point P
M=Exp
D = distance in feet or meters
Ø = angle of incidence Where E = Illuminance in footcandles
p = the reflection factor of the surface expressed as
Luminance (L) the fraction of light reflected over incident light
Luminance, often called — “brightness”, is the name given to what we see. M = the resulting exitance in footcandles
“Brightness” is a subjective sensation varying from very dim or dark to very bright.
Metric system
Objectively it is referred to as luminance, defined as intensity in a given direction
divided by a projected area as seen by the observer. Luminance is usually referred As the U.S.A. moves toward conversion to the metric
to in one of two ways, either pertaining to a luminaire or to a surface. system to conform with the scientific fields and the rest of
the world, our illumination engineering, will convert to the
The direct luminance or brightness of luminaires at various angles of view is a
International System of Units (SI). Only the terms involving
major factor in the visual comfort evaluation of an installation using those
length or area, illuminance and luminance, are affected.
luminaires. In general, it is desirable to minimize the brightness of ceiling mounted
Illuminance (E) is stated in lux in the metric System. lfc=
luminaires at the high vertical angles, 60°-90°. When the intensity is in candelas,
10.76 lux. Luminance (L) is stated in nits in the metric
and the projected area is in meters, the unit of luminance is candelas per square
system.
meter (cd/m2).

Lighting Basics
HOLOPHANE® 6
Light Sources and Lamp Characteristics
One of the first decisions in the design of a good lighting
system is the choice of a light source. A number of light
sources are available, each with its own unique
combination of operating characteristics. A few of the
lamp characteristics that a lighting designer should
consider when choosing a light source include efficacy, or
lumens per watt; color; lamp life; and lamp lumen
depreciation, or the percent of output that a lamp loses
over its life.
Although there are hundreds of lamps on the market
today, they can be categorized by construction and
operating characteristics into three groups: incandescent,
fluorescent and high intensity discharge (HID). HID lamps
can be grouped into four major classes: high pressure
sodium, metal halide, mercury and low pressure sodium.
Incandescent
An incandescent filament lamp is the light source most
commonly used in residential lighting. Light is produced in
this source by a wire or filament being heated to
incandescence by a flow of current through it. The short
life and low efficacy (lumens per watt) of this source limits
its use mostly to residential and decorative commercial
lighting. Efficacy varies with wattage and filament type,
but generally ranges from 15 to 25 lumens per watt for
general service lamps.
LIGHTING FUNDAMENTALS
7 HOLOPHANE®
The incandescent source does, however, produce a highly
accepted warm color rendition. It is more convenient
than other light sources because it can be run directly on
line current and therefore does not require a ballast. It can
also be dimmed using relatively simple equipment. It is
also available in different bulb sizes, shapes and
distributions to add a decorative touch to an area.
Fluorescent
The fluorescent lamp produces light by activating selected
phosphors on the inner surface of the bulb with
ultraviolet energy which is generated by a mercury arc.
Because of the characteristics of a gaseous arc, a ballast
is needed to start and operate fluorescent lamps.
The advantages of the fluorescent light source include
improved efficacy and longer life than incandescent
lamps. Efficiencies for fluorescent lamps range anywhere
from 45 to 90 lumens per watt. Their low surface
brightness and heat generation make them ideal for
offices and schools where thermal and visual comfort are
important.
The disadvantages of fluorescent lamps include their
large size for the amount of light produced. This makes
light control more difficult which results in a diffuse
shadowless environment. Their use in outdoor areas
becomes less economical because light output of a
fluorescent source is reduced at low ambient
temperatures. Also, although fluorescent efficacy is
higher than that of an incandescent lamp, higher lumens
per watt often can be achieved by high pressure sodium
or metal halide lamps.
High Intensity Discharge (HID)
High intensity discharge sources include mercury, metal
halide, high pressure sodium (HPS) and low pressure
sodium lamps. Light is produced in HID sources through
a gaseous arc discharge using a variety of elements. Each
HID lamp consists of an arc tube which contains certain
elements or mixtures of elements which when an arc is
created between the electrodes at each end, gasify and
generate visible radiation.
The major advantages of HID sources are their high
efficacy in lumens per watt, long lamp life and point
source characteristic for good light control.
Disadvantages include the need for a ballast to regulate
lamp current and voltage as well as a starting aid for HPS
and the delay in restriking instantly after a momentary
power interruption.
 LIGHTING FUNDAMENTALS
Mercury (MV)
The mercury source was the first HID lamp developed, filling
the need for a more efficient, yet compact, high output lamp.
When first developed, the major disadvantage of this lamp
was its poor color rendition. The color of the deluxe white
lamp, is greatly improved through use of a phosphor coated
bulb wall.

The life of mercury lamps is good, averaging 24,000 hours

for most larger wattage lamps. However, because the output
diminishes so greatly over time, economic operational life is
often much shorter. Efficacy ranges from 30 to 60 lumens per
watt, with the higher wattages being more efficient than the
lower wattages.

Like other HID lamps, starting of a mercury lamp is not

immediate. Starting time is short, though, taking 4-7 minutes
to achieve maximum output depending upon the ambient
temperature.

Metal halide (MH)

Metal halide lamps are similar in construction to mercury
lamps with the addition of various other metallic elements in
the arc tube. The major benefits of this change are an
increase in efficacy to 60 to 100 lumens per watt and an
improvement in color rendition to the degree that this source
is suitable for commercial areas. Light control of a metal
halide lamp is also more precise than that of a deluxe mercury
lamp since light emanates from the small arc tube, not the
total outer bulb of the coated lamp.

A disadvantage of the metal halide lamp is its shorter life

(7,500 to 20,000 hrs) as compared to mercury and high
pressure sodium lamps. Starting time of the metal halide
lamp is approximately the same as for mercury lamps.
Restriking, after a voltage dip has extinguished the lamp,
however can take substantially longer, ranging from 4 to 12
minutes depending on the time required for the lamp to cool.
High pressure sodium (HPS)
In the 1970’s, as increasing energy costs placed more
emphasis on the efficiency of lighting, high pressure sodium
lamps (developed in the 1960’s) gained widespread usage.
With efficacies ranging from 80 to 140 lumens per watt,
these lamps provide about 7 times as much light per watt as
incandescent and about twice as much as some mercury or
fluorescent. The efficacy of this source is not its only,
advantage. An HPS lamp also offers the longest life (24,000
hrs.) and the best lumen maintenance characteristics of all
HID sources.
The major objection to the use of HPS is its yellowish color. It
is ideal for most industrial and outdoor applications.
Low pressure sodium (LPS)
Low pressure sodium offers the highest initial efficacy of all
lamps on the market today, ranging from 100 to 180 lumens
per watt. However, because all of the LPS output is in the
yellow portion of the visible spectrum, it produces extremely
poor and unattractive color rendition. Control of this source
is more difficult than other HID sources because of the large
size of the arc tube. Average life of low pressure sodium
lamps is 18,000 hours. While lumen maintenance through
life is good with LPS, there is an offsetting increase in lamp
watts reducing the efficiency of this lamp type with use.

Light Sources and Lamp Characteristics

HOLOPHANE® 8
Photometry

PHOTOMETRIC TEST REPORT

HOLOPHANE CORPORATION
DISTRIBUTION DATA The term “Photometry” is used to define any test data which describes the
HOLOPHANE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CENTER VERTICAL CANDLE ZONAL
NEWARK, OHIO 43055 600 CD/DIV
ANGLE POWER LUMENS
characteristics of a luminaire’s light output. The most common type of
120° 150° 180° 150° 120° 0 2305
5 2236 213
10 2142 photometric data includes candlepower distribution curves, spacing criteria,
15 2158 612
20 2140
25 2153 997
luminaire efficiency, isofootcandle charts, coefficient of utilization and
30 2306
90° 90° 35
40
2451
2645
1540 luminance data. The purpose of photometry is to accurately describe the
45 2771 2146
50 2616
performance of a luminaire to enable the designer to select the lighting
55 2212 1985
60
65
1724
1324 1315 equipment and to design a fixture layout which best meets the needs of the
60° 70 1015
60°
75 818 865 job.
80 724
85 677 739
90 675
95 745 813 Following is a review of the more frequently used types of photometric data.
105 1063 1124
115 1917 1903
125
135
145
2063
1646
1252
1851
1275
786
Candlepower distribution curve (Figure 1)
155 881 408
165
175
572
431
162
41
The photometric distribution curve is one of the lighting designers most
30° 180 341
30°
0°
O U T P U T DATA
valuable tools. It is a cross sectional ”map” of intensity (candelas) measured at
TEST OF HOLOPHANE
BL2X250MHXXM PRISMGLO MENTOR ZONAL
DEGREES
ZONAL
LUMENS
TOTAL
EFFIC.
many different vertical angles. It is a two dimensional representation and
POSITION OF LAMP Set Position 0-30 1822 8.9
LAMP 250W Coated MH LUMENS 23000
30-60 5671 27.7 therefore shows data for one plane only. If the distribution of the unit is
60-90 2919 14.2
WATTS 250 BULB TYPE E-28
0-90
90-180
10411
8363
50.8
40.8 symmetric, the curve in one plane is sufficient for all calculations. If asymmetric,
0-180 18774 91.6
TEST DISTANCE 25 ft. S.C. 1.8
such as with street lighting and fluorescent units, three or more planes are
TESTED BY CERTIFIED BY

TEST NO.
42343 required. In general, incandescent and HID reflector units are described by a
MANAGER OF ENGINEERING

single vertical plane of photometry. Fluorescent luminaires require a minimum

Figure 1 of one plane along the lamp axis, one across the lamp axis and one at a 45°
Coefficient of Utilization angle. The greater the departure from symmetry, the more planes are needed
ρfc 20% for accurate calculations.
ρcc 80% 70% 50%
ρw 50% 30% 10% 50% 30%10% 50% 30% 0%
Coefficient of utilization (Figure 2)
0 .99 .99 .99 .92 .92 .92 .79 .79 .79
1 .85 .80 .77 .78 .75 .72 .67 .64 .62
2 .73 .67 .61 .68 .62 .57 .58 .54 .50
A coefficient of utilization refers to the ratio of lumens which ultimately reach
3 .63 .56 .50 .59 .52 .47 .50 .45 .41 the work plane to the total lumens generated by the lamp. CU figures are
4 .56 .48 .42 .52 .45 .39 .44 .39 .34
RCR

5 .49 .41 .35 .46 .38 .33 .39 .33 .29 necessary for hand calculating average illuminance levels, and are provided in
6 .44 .36 .30 .41 .33 .28 .35 .29 .25
7 .39 .31 .26 .36 .29 .24 .31 .26 .22 one of two ways: a CU table or a utilization curve. A utilization curve is usually
8 .35 .28 .23 .33 .26 .21 .28 .23 .19
provided for units intended for outdoor use or units with a distribution radically
9 .32 .25 .20 .30 .23 .19 .26 .20 .17
10 .29 .22 .18 .27 .21 .17 .24 .18 .15 asymmetric. A CU table is provided for units which are used primarily indoors.
Figure 2 Use of CU data will be discussed in the section covering calculation methods.

Isofootcandle chart Isofootcandle chart (Figure 3)

150W HPS at (10’) 3.05m mounting Isofootcandle charts are used to describe the light pattern produced by a
Test No. 34673
Coefficients of ultilization (dashed curves)

8 .8 luminaire. These charts are derived from the candlepower data and show exact
Ratio = Distance along/Mounting height

HOUSE STREET SIDE

plots or lines of equal footcandle levels on the work plane when the fixture is
7 SIDE .1 .7
at a designated mounting height. Use of isofootcandle charts in determining
6 .6 illuminance at designated points will be discussed in the point calculations
.2
5 .5 section.
.5
4 .4 Spacing criteria
1
3 .3 Spacing criteria provides the designer with information regarding how far apart
2 2 .2 to space luminaires and maintain acceptable illumination uniformity on the
work plane. Criteria for spacing is generally conservative i.e., it takes into
1 5 .1
account the direct component of illumination only and ignores the indirect
0 0 component of light which can contribute significantly to the uniformity.
2 1 0 1 2 3 4 5
Ratio = Distance across/Mounting height However, used within its limits, Spacing Criterion can be useful. To use the
spacing criterion, multiply the net mounting height (luminaire to work plane)
by the spacing criteria number. This ratio is used predominantly with the zonal
cavity method of calculation.

LIGHTING FUNDAMENTALS
9 HOLOPHANE®
 LIGHTING FUNDAMENTALS
Methods of calculating illuminance
In order to design a luminaire layout which best meets the illuminance and uniformity
requirements of the job, two types of information are generally needed; average
illuminance levels and illuminance levels at a given point. Calculation of illuminance at
specific points is often done to help the designer evaluate the lighting uniformity
especially when using luminaires where maximum spacing recommendations are not
supplied or where task lighting levels must be checked against ambient.

If average levels are to be calculated, two methods can be applied.

1. For indoor lighting situations, the zonal cavity method is used with data from a
coefficient of utilization table.

2. For Outdoor lighting applications, a coefficient of utilization curve is provided and the
CU is read directly from the curve and the standard lumen formula is used.

The following two methods can be used if calculations are to be done to determine
illuminance at one point.

1. If an isofootcandle chart is provided, illuminance levels may be read directly from this curve.

2. If sufficient candlepower data is available, illuminance levels may be calculated from

this data using the point to point method.

The following sections describe these methods of calculation.

The zonal cavity method is the currently accepted method for calculating average
illuminance levels for indoor areas unless the light distribution is radically asymmetric. It is an
accurate hand method for indoor applications because it takes into consideration the effect
that inter-reflectance has on the level of illuminance. Although it takes into account several
variables, the basic premise that footcandles are equal to flux over an area is not violated.

The basis of the zonal cavity method is that a room is made up of three spaces or cavities.
The space between the ceiling and the fixtures, if they are suspended, is defined as the
“ceiling cavity”; the space between the work plane and the floor, the “floor cavity”; and
the space between the fixtures and the work plane, the “room cavity”.

Once the concept of these cavities is understood, it is possible to calculate numerical

relationships called “cavity ratios”, which can be used to determine effective reflectance
of the ceiling and floor and then to find the coefficient of utilization.
There are four basic steps in any calculation of illuminance level:
1. Determine cavity ratio
2. Determine effective cavity reflectances
3. Select coefficient of utilization
4. Compute average illuminance level Zonal Cavity Method
Step 1:
Cavity ratios may be determined by calculating using the following formulas:
Ceiling Cavity Ratio (CCR) = 5 hcc (L+W) hcc Ceiling Ceiling Cavity
LxW
Room Cavity Ratio (RCR) = 5 hrc (L+W) Luminaires
LxW
Floor Cavity Ratio (FCR) = 5 hfc (L+W) hrc Room Cavity
LxW
Where: Workplane
hcc = distance in feet from luminaire to ceiling
hrc = distance in feet from luminaire to work plane
hfc = distance in feet from work plane to floor hfc Floor Floor Cavity
L = length in feet of room
W= width in feet of room
An alternate formula for calculating any cavity ratio is:
2.5 x height of cavity x
Cavity Ratio = cavity perimeter
area of cavity base

Calculations and Zonal Cavity Method

HOLOPHANE® 10
Zonal Cavity Method
Table A
Per cent effective ceiling or floor cavity reflectance for various reflectance combinations.

% Ceiling
or floor 90 80 70 50 30 10
reflectance

% Wall 90 70 50 30 80 70 50 30 70 50 30 70 50 30 70 50 30 10 50 30 10
reflectance
Cavity ratio
0.2 89 88 86 85 78 78 77 76 68 67 66 49 48 47 30 29 29 28 10 10 09
0.4 88 86 84 81 77 76 74 72 67 65 63 48 47 45 30 29 28 26 11 10 09
0.6 87 84 80 77 76 75 71 68 65 63 59 47 45 43 30 28 26 25 11 10 08
0.8 87 82 77 73 75 73 69 65 64 60 56 47 44 40 30 28 25 23 11 10 08
1.0 86 80 75 69 74 72 67 62 62 58 53 46 43 38 30 27 24 22 12 10 08

1.2 85 78 72 66 73 70 64 58 61 57 50 45 41 36 30 27 23 21 12 10 07
1.4 85 77 69 62 72 68 62 55 60 55 47 45 40 35 30 26 22 19 12 10 07
1.6 84 75 67 59 71 67 60 53 59 53 45 44 39 33 29 25 22 18 12 09 07
1.8 83 73 64 56 70 66 58 50 58 51 42 43 38 31 29 25 21 17 13 09 06
2.0 83 72 62 53 69 64 56 48 56 49 40 43 37 30 29 24 20 16 13 09 06

2.2 82 70 59 50 68 63 54 45 55 48 38 42 36 29 29 24 19 15 13 09 06
2.4 82 69 58 48 67 61 52 43 54 46 37 42 35 27 29 24 19 14 13 09 06
2.6 81 67 56 46 66 60 50 41 54 45 35 41 34 26 29 23 18 14 13 09 06
2.8 81 66 54 44 65 59 48 39 53 43 33 41 33 25 29 23 17 13 13 09 05
3.0 80 64 52 42 65 58 47 37 52 42 32 40 32 24 29 22 17 12 13 09 05

3.2 79 63 50 40 65 57 45 35 51 40 31 39 31 23 29 22 16 12 13 09 05
3.4 79 62 48 38 64 56 44 34 50 39 29 39 30 22 29 22 16 11 13 09 05
3.6 78 61 47 36 63 54 43 32 49 38 28 39 29 21 29 21 15 10 13 09 04
3.8 78 60 45 35 62 53 41 31 49 37 27 38 29 21 28 21 15 10 14 09 04
4.0 77 58 44 33 61 53 40 30 48 36 26 38 28 20 28 21 14 09 14 09 04

4.2 77 57 43 32 60 52 39 29 47 35 25 37 28 20 28 20 14 09 14 09 04
4.4 76 56 42 31 60 51 38 28 46 34 24 37 27 19 28 20 14 09 14 08 04
4.6 76 55 40 30 59 50 37 27 45 33 24 36 26 18 28 20 13 08 14 08 04
4.8 75 54 39 28 58 49 36 26 45 32 23 36 26 18 28 20 13 08 14 08 04
5.0 75 53 38 28 58 48 35 25 44 31 22 35 25 17 28 19 13 08 14 08 04

Step 2: Step 4:
Effective cavity reflectances must be determined for the ceiling cavity and for the Computation of the illuminance level is performed using the standard lumen
floor cavity. These are located in Table A (pg. 11) under the applicable combination method formula.
of cavity ratio and actual reflectance of ceiling, walls and floor. Note that if the # of fixtures x lamps per
luminaire is recessed or surface mounted, or if the floor is the work plane, the CCR Footcandles = fixture x lumens per lamp x CU x LLF
or FCR will be 0 and then the actual reflectance of the ceiling or floor will also be the (maintained) area in square feet
effective reflectance. The effective reflectance values found will then be pcc (effective
ceiling cavity reflectance) and pfc (effective floor cavity reflectance) . When the initial illuminance level required is known and the number of
fixtures needed to obtain that level is desired, a variation of the standard
Step 3: lumen formula is used.
With these values of pcc, pfc, and pw (wall reflectance), and knowing the room maintained
cavity ratio (RCR) previously calculated, find the coefficient of utilization in the footcandles desired
luminaire coefficient of utilization (CU) table. Note that since the table is linear, linear # of luminaires = x area in sq. ft.
interpolations can be made for exact cavity ratios or reflectance combinations. lamp/fixture x
The coefficient of utilization found will be for a 20% effective floor cavity reflectance, lumen/lamp x CU x LLF
thus, it will be necessary to correct for the previously determined pfc. This is done by The total light loss factor (LLF) consists of two basic factors, lamp lumen
multiplying the previously determined CU by the factor from Table B (pg.12).
depreciation (LLD) and luminaire dirt depreciation (LDD). If initial levels are to
CU final = CU (20% floor) x Multiplier for actual pfc. If it is other than 10% or 30%
then interpolate or extrapolate and multiply by this factor. be found, a multiplier of 1 is used. Light loss factors, along with the total
lamp lumen output vary with manufacturer and type of lamp or luminaire
and are determined by consulting the manufacturers published data.

Occasionally, other light loss factors may need to be applied when they are
applicable. Some of these are, ballast factor, luminaire ambient temperature,
voltage factor and room surface dirt depreciation.

LIGHTING FUNDAMENTALS
11 HOLOPHANE®
 LIGHTING FUNDAMENTALS
Table B
Multiplying factors for other than 20 per cent effective floor cavity reflectance

% Effective
ceiling cavity 80 70 50 30 10
reflectance, pcc
% Wall
reflectance, 70 50 30 10 70 50 30 10 50 30 10 50 30 10 50 30 10
pW
For 30 per cent effective floor cavity reflectance (20 per cent = 1.00)
Room cavity
ratio
1 1.092 1.082 1.075 1.068 1.077 1.070 1.064 1.059 1.049 1.044 1.040 1.028 1.026 1.023 1.012 1.010 1.008
2 1.079 1.066 1.055 1.047 1.068 1.057 1.048 1.039 1.041 1.033 1.027 1.026 1.021 1.017 1.013 1.010 1.006
3 1.070 1.054 1 042 1.033 1.061 1.048 1.037 1.028 1.034 1.027 1.020 1.024 1.017 1.012 1.014 1.009 1.005
4 1.062 1.045 1.033 1.024 1.055 1.040 1.029 1.021 1.030 1.022 1.015 1.022 1.015 1.010 1.014 1.009 1.004
5 1.056 1 038 1.026 1.018 1.050 1.034 1.024 1.015 1.027 1.018 1.012 1.020 1.013 1.008 1.014 1.009 1.004
6 1.052 1.033 1.021 1.014 1.047 1.030 1.020 1.012 1.024 1.015 l.009 1.019 1.012 1.006 1.014 1.008 1.003
7 1.047 1.029 1.018 1.011 1.043 1.026 1.017 l.009 1.022 1.013 1.007 1.018 1.010 1.005 1.014 1.008 1.003
8 1.044 1.026 1.015 1.009 1.040 1.024 1.015 1.007 1.020 1.012 1.006 1.017 1.009 1.004 1.013 1.007 1.003
9 1.040 1.024 1.014 1.007 1.037 1.022 1.014 1.006 1.019 1.011 1.005 1.016 1.009 1.004 1.013 1.007 1.002
10 1.037 1.022 1.012 1.006 1.034 1.020 1.012 1.005 1.017 1.010 1.004 1.015 1.009 1.003 1.013 1.007 1.002
For 10 per cent effective floor cavity reflectance (20 per cent=1.00)
Room cavity
ratio
1 .923 .929 .935 .940 .933 .939 .943 .948 .956 .960 .963 .973 .976 .979 .989 .991 .993
2 .931 .942 .950 .958 .940 .949 .957 .963 .962 .968 .974 .976 .980 .985 .988 .991 .995
3 .939 .951 .961 .969 .945 .957 .966 .973 .967 .975 .981 .978 .983 .988 .988 .992 .996
4 .944 .958 .969 .978 .950 .963 .973 .980 .972 .980 .986 .980 .986 .991 .987 .992 .996
5 .949 .964 .976 .983 .954 .968 .978 .985 .975 .983 .989 .981 .988 .993 .987 .992 .997
6 .953 .969 .980 .986 .958 .972 .982 .989 .977 .985 .992 .982 .989 .995 .987 .993 .997
7 .957 .973 .983 .991 .961 .975 .985 .991 .979 .987 .994 .983 .990 .996 .987 .993 .998
8 .960 .976 .986 .993 .963 .977 .987 .993 .981 .988 .995 .984 .991 .997 .987 .994 .998
9 .963 .978 .987 .994 .965 .979 .989 .994 .983 .990 .996 .985 .992 .998 .988 .994 .999
10 .965 .980 .965 .980 .967 .981 .990 .995 .984 .991 .997 .986 .993 .998 .988 .994 .999

Example: (3) Knowing the room cavity ratio (RCR), it is now (4) Illuminance level can now be calculated if we
possible to find the coefficient of utilization for the know the number of units to be used and the
A typical lecture hall is 60' long and 30' wide with
Prismawrap luminaire in a room having an RCR of lamp lumen rating.
a l4’ ceiling height. Reflectances are ceiling 80%,
2.0 and effective reflectances as follows:
walls 30%, floor 10%. Four lamp Prismawrap # of fixtures x lamps/fixture
(coefficients of utilization shown below) is to be pcc = 62%; pw = 30%; pfc = 20%. By interpola- FC initial = x lumens/lamp x CU
used on 4' stems and the work plane is 2' above tion between boxed numbers in the table this CU area
the floor. Find the illuminance level if there are 18 is .55. Note that this CU is for an effective reflect-
FC initial = 18 x 4 x 3150 x .53
luminaires in the room. ance of 20% while the actual effective reflectance
60 x 30
Solutions: of the floor pfc is 10%. To correct for this, locate
FC initial = 67
(l) Calculate cavity ratios as follows: the appropriate multiplier in Table B for the RCR
5(4)(30+60) Check spacing of luminaires.
CCR= = 1.0 already calculated (2.0). It is .962 and is found by
30 x 60
5(8)(30 + 60) interpolating between the boxed number in Table B A possible arrangement for these fixtures is three
RCR= = 2.0
30 x 60 for 70% pcc, 30% pw, and 50% pcc, 30% pw at columns of six fixtures spaced ten feet on center
5(2) (30+60)
FCR= = 0.5 an RCR of 2.0. in each direction. The Spacing Criterion is 1.4,
30 x 60
(2) In Table A, look up effective cavity reflectances Then: making the maximum allowable spacing 11 .2-
for these ceiling and floor cavities, pcc for the CU final = .55 x .962 = .53 feet. The actual spacing is less than the maximum
ceiling cavity is determined to be 62% while pfc for Note that all interpolations only need to be of the allowable spacing, therefore the illumination on
the floor cavity is 10%. approximate “eyeball” type giving a credible the work plane should be uniform.
degree of accuracy to the calculation.
Four lamp Prismawrap luminaire coefficients of utilization-zonal cavity method
Spacing Criterion 1.4
pcc 80% 70% 50% 30% 10%
pw 70% 50% 30% 10% 70% 50% 30% 10% 50% 30% 10% 50% 30% 10% 50% 30% 10%
0 .78 .78 .78 .78 .75 .75 .75 .75 .70 .70 .70 .66 .66 .66 .62 .62 .62
1 .72 .69 .67 .64 .69 .67 .65 .63 .63 .61 .59 .59 .58 .56 .56 .55 .53
2 .66 .62 .58 .55 .64 .60 .56 .53 .56 .54 .51 .53 .51 .49 .50 .48 .47
3 .61 .55 .51 .47 .59 .54 .50 .46 .51 .47 .44 .48 .45 .43 .46 .43 .41
RCR

4 .57 .50 .45 .41 .55 .48 .44 .40 .46 .42 .39 .44 .40 .38 .41 .39 .36
5 .52 .45 .39 .35 .50 .43 .38 .35 .41 .37 .34 .39 .36 .33 .37 .34 .32
6 .48 .40 .35 .31 .47 .39 .34 .31 .37 .33 .30 .36 .32 .29 .34 .31 .28
7 .45 .36 .31 .27 .43 .35 .30 .27 .34 .29 .26 .32 .28 .25 .31 .27 .25
8 .41 .33 .27 .23 .40 .32 .27 .23 .30 .26 .23 .29 .25 .22 .28 .24 .22
9 .38 .29 .24 .20 .36 .28 .23 .20 .27 .23 .20 .26 .22 .19 .25 .21 .19
10 .35 .26 .21 .18 .34 .26 .21 .18 .25 .20 .17 .24 .20 .17 .23 .19 .16

Calculations and Zonal Cavity Method

HOLOPHANE® 12
Lumen Method and Example

Calculating average illuminance levels using a utilization curve

ou nd
Ea st B The standard lumen method formula is also used to calculate average illuminance levels
d way when CU’s are taken from a utilization curve.
Roa al
pic
Ty cing lumens/lamp x lamps/
a luminaire x # luminaires
30’ Pole Sp
Footcandles = x CU x LLF
36’
Setback (maintained) area in square feet
24’

To calculate the number of luminaires needed to produce the desired footcandles, the
Figure 1 following formula is used:
maintained footcandles
desired x area in sq. ft.
# of luminaires=lumens/lamp x lamps/
luminaire x CU x LLF

A variation of this formula, which is used mostly for roadway lighting, calculates how far
apart the fixtures must be spaced to produce the necessary average illuminance.
lamp lumens x CU x LLF
Spacing = Avg. MTD FC x width of
Road

A utilization curve shows the percent of light which falls onto an area having a designated
width and an infinite length. This width is expressed on the utilization curve in terms of a ratio
of the width of the area to the luminaire mounting height.

A CU is found by reading across the bottom axis to this ratio, up until the dashed CU line is
intersected, then across to the right hand axis, to read the value of the CU. Separate CU’s are
given for the area to the street side and area to the house side of the fixture and may be used
Chart 1 to find illumination on the roadway or sidewalk areas or added to find the total light on the
street in the case of median mounted luminaires.

Example:
A roadway 24 ft. wide is to be lighted to an average maintained illumination level of 1.0 fc.
Holophane Mongoose® MV400HPNC6 is to be used. They will be mounted on 30 ft.
poles which are set back 36 ft. from the road. Find the spacing required.
lamp lumens x CU x LLF
Spacing = Avg. MTD FC x width of
Road
See Figure 1

Solution

The CU is determined by reading from the chart #l the intersection of the distance
across/mounting height with the CU and hence horizontally to the CU axis. See Chart 1

The CU for the roadway area only is determined by subtracting the CU of the setback area
from the CU of the total area of both roadway and setback. The width of the total area is 60
feet ( 2.0 M.H.) and the width of the setback is 36 feet (1.2 M.H.). From the CU curve (see
chart 1 ) we find that the corresponding CU’s are .52 and .3. Deducting the second from the
first we get a CU of .22. Inserting this CU into the standard lumen method formula results in
a spacing of 371 feet.

Spacing = 50,000 x .22 x .81 = 371 ft.

1.0 x 24

LIGHTING FUNDAMENTALS
13 HOLOPHANE®
 LIGHTING FUNDAMENTALS
Point calculations using candlepower data
Luminaire
This method is especially useful in the determination of variation of illumination levels
and the uniformity of illumination provided by a lighting design. It is most frequently
used in heavy industrial and design where inter-reflections are not a consideration.
The point-by-point method accurately computes the illuminance level at any given
point in an installation by summing up the illumination contributions to that point from
D
every luminaire individually. It does not account for contributions from other sources
such as reflection from walls, ceiling, etc. For accuracy the calculation distance from h=26’
source to point of calculation should be at least five times the maximum luminaire
dimension. Using the photometric distribution for the unit we may calculate values for
specific points as follows for horizontal surfaces.
fc = candlepower x Cos 0
D2 a = 15’
Example:
Elevation
A single 400W HPS Prismpack luminaire is mounted 26’ above a work plane. it is +
desired to find the initial horizontal illumination at a point 15’ to one side of the Luminaire Calculation Point
Plan
luminaire. See figure 2.
Solution: Figure 2
Since fc = candlepower x Cos 0 PHOTOMETRIC TEST REPORT
HOLOPHANE CORPORATION
DISTRIBUTION DATA

HOLOPHANE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CENTER VERTICAL CANDLE ZONAL

ANGLE POWER LUMENS
D2 NEWARK, OHIO 43055
120° 150° 180° 150°
2500 CD/DIV
120° 0 16880
5 16774 1601
we need to determine the angle y and look up the cp at this angle. We also must 10
15
17611
19672 5576
20 20262
determine the distance D. 25 20286 9389
30 18936
Since D2 = a2 + h2 90° 90° 35 16925 10632
40 14199
D2 = (15)2 + (26)2 45 10411 8063
50 6367
D = 30° 55 3256 2921
60 1296
and tangent y = a 65
70
732
574
727

h 60° 60°
75 417 441
80 301
y = arc tangent 15 85
90
219
57
239

26 95 35 38
105 46 48
y = 30° 115
125
64
77
63
69
Then we can determine the candlepower of this luminaire from the cp curve, figure 3, 135
145
141
574
109
360
to be, 18936 (cp). 155
165
867
14
402
4
The illumination then is: 175
180
18
7
2

fc = 18936 x Cos 30° = 18.2 fc 30°

0°
30°

(30)2 TEST OF HOLOPHANE

ZONAL
O U T P U T DATA

ZONAL TOTAL
PP5K400HP00XXJ39
When many point calculations must be done by hand a variation of the basic DEGREES LUMENS EFFIC.

0-30 16567 33.1

formula is somewhat more useful. POSITION OF LAMP Set Position 30-60
60-90
21616
1407
43.2
2.8
fc = Candlepower x Cos 0 LAMP 400W Clear HPS LUMENS 50000 0-90
90-180
39591
1096
79.2
2.2
h2 WATTS 4 0 0 BULB TYPE E-18 0-180 40686 81.4

TEST DISTANCE 25 FT. S.C. 1.4

This version of the formula lets us deal with only the net mounting height of the TESTED BY CERTIFIED BY

fixtures and candlepower angles and eliminates the necessity to calculate each
separate distance “D”.
Point calculations using the isofootcandle chart
The isofootcandle chart can also be used to find the illumination at a specific point. It
is found by defining the horizontal distance from the fixture to that point in terms of
a ratio of distance to mounting height, then looking up that ratio on the chart. If the
actual mounting height of the fixture is different than the isofootcandle chart
mounting height, a correction factor must be applied using the following formula:
correction factor = chart MH2
actual MH2
Example:
Using the same layout and fixtures as were used in example on page 13 determine
the illuminance level, between the two units, on the outside edge of the road using
Chart 1.
TEST NO.
42181
Figure 3
Solution:
From either fixture, point A is 60 feet to the street side (2.0 M.H.) and 143 feet down
the street (4.8 M.H.). Looking at the isofootcandle curve, we find that the footcandle
line at that point is the .30 fc curve. This is the contribution from one luminaire and
should be summed with other contributions for total footcandles. Since the
isofootcandle chart mounting height is the same as our mounting height, no further
correction is necessary.
Computer programs
Point by point calculations can be time consuming. Visual can perform such
calculations for many analysis points and luminaires in a fraction of the time necessary
to do the same calculations by hand.

Zonal Calculations and Examples

HOLOPHANE® 14
Visual 2.0 Professional Edition

The Professional Edition of Visual 2.0 is a comprehensive lighting analysis tool

designed for more demanding interior and exterior applications. The Professional Edition
provides the ability to model complex architecture including sloped or angled surfaces,
domes, barrel vaults, and obstructions. A unique approach has been taken with regard to the
3-D interface to create a more intuitive and lighting-design friendly manner of operation. As
a result, working in 3-D is easy, fast, and informative. It is a unique and powerful extension of
your own design process. The Professional Edition will read files created using the Basic
Edition. Flexible and intuitive, it empowers you to spend less time building projects, and more
time designing.
True 3D Environment
■ Visual 2.0 provides the user with a true three-dimensional workspace, allowing the user to
design and view lighting environments from any angle.
■ Allows user to work dynamically in any of the standard planes (X-Y, X-Z, or Y-Z). This
makes building complex spaces easy and efficient.
Non-Orthogonal Surfaces
■ Visual 2.0 will model complex geometries accurately and in a time efficient manner,
including sloped ceilings, domes, and other curved surfaces.
Luminaire Schedules
■ Visual 2.0 allows an unlimited number of luminaire types.
■ Provides a library of standard luminaire symbols and includes a symbol editor. Default
information can be enhanced or changed as needed.
Flexible Calculation Grids
■ Calculation grids can be added in any shape or orientation and on any surface desired.
■ Masking of grids is accomplished either in blocks or individually. The points may be
oriented in any direction.
Iso-Illuminance Curves
■ Optional iso-illuminance curves for any luminaire or pole configuration assist in placement.
Obstructions
■ Both interior and exterior designs may include obstructions of any shape, orientation or
reflectance.
■ Calculation grids are easily placed on any surface of an obstruction.
■ There is no limit to the number of obstructions allowed.
Presentation Quality Results
■ The results can be printed to any sized media from an 8.5"x 11" page to a full E-sized
plotted page.
■ The powerful print editor allows for completely customized pages both in content and in
appearance.
Additional Features
■ Visual 2.0 follows standard Windows and CAD interface protocols making for a short
learning curve.
■ Both DXF and DWG format drawing files can be imported and exported.
■ A Lumen Method tool is provided for the quick design and analysis of simple rooms.The
streamlined calculation engine computes even the most complicated designs in only a
fraction of the time.

LIGHTING FUNDAMENTALS
15 HOLOPHANE®
 Lighting Quality

Achieving the required illuminance level does

not necessarily ensure good lighting quality.
The quality as well as the quantity of
illuminance is important to produce a
comfortable, productive, aesthetically pleasing
lighting environment. The quality of the
lighting system refers, but is not limited to,
aspects of lighting such as proper color, good
uniformity, proper room surface luminances,
adequate brightness control and minimal glare.

Research has suggested that the lighting

system can effect user’s impressions of visual
clarity, spaciousness and pleasantness. These
feelings occur in spaces that are uniformly
lighted with emphasis on higher luminances on
room surfaces.

The improved user satisfaction from such

spaces may or may not have any effect on
worker performance. However, given two
lighting systems with equal lifetime costs,
lighting systems which provide improved
worker satisfaction should be considered.

User satisfaction is often considered in the Prismatic Glass (left) Aluminum Reflector (right)
design of offices and commercial spaces, but
ignored in industrial spaces. However, the
industrial environment should be designed to
provide a high quality visual environment, yield-
ing improved worker satisfaction. This can be
accomplished by using lighting systems which
produce the proper luminance on ceilings and
walls.

The photo below illustrates two lighting

systems in the same industrial environment.
Both lighting systems provide the same
quantity of horizontal illuminance on the work
plane. The system on the right provides little Acuity Lighting Group, Inc.
uplight, resulting in the typical “cavern” effect 214 Oakwood Ave., Newark, OH 43055 /
associated with industrial spaces. The system at Holophane Canada, Inc. 9040 Leslie Street,
Units 8 and 9, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3M4 /
left provides uplight and improves the Holophane Europe Limited, Bond Ave., Milton
luminance of the ceiling and vertical surfaces. Keynes MK1 1JG, England / Holophane, S.A. de
C.V., Apartado Postal No. 986, Naucalpan de
This system can provide workers with a feeling Juarez, 53000 Edo. de Mexico
of increased spaciousness. The uplight Contact your local Holophane sales
component also tends to improve work plane representative for application assistance, and
computer-aided design and cost studies. For
illuminance uniformity, possibly yielding information on other Holophane products and
improved feelings of visual clarity. systems, call the Inside Sales Service Department
at 740-345-9631. In Canada call 905-707-
5830 or fax 905-707-5695.
Any lighting design should consider the
Limited Warranty and Limitation of Liability
impressions of the user of the space. The
Refer to the Holophane limited material
photograph indicates that even an industrial warranty and limitation of liability on this
product, which are published in the “Terms and
environment can be improved with the hope of
Conditions” section of the current product
providing better working conditions and im- digest, and is available from our local Holophane
sales representative.
proved satisfaction for the worker.
Visit our web site at www.holophane.com

HL-862 4/02 ©2002 Acuity Brands, Inc Printed in USA