LIGHTING SYSTEM

DESIGN
BY:
MAZON, FERDINAND
JIMENA, JAMES RYAN
GANIR,CLARENCE JAY
The design of a lighting system for indoor and
outdoor general illumination is considered to be
more of an art than a science.
 Factors for Indoor Lighting System

• Size and shape of the space

• Types of finishes on the ceilings, walls, and
floors.
• The details of the construction.
• The economic considerations of both the initial
and the operating costs.
• The compatibility of the lighting system with the
architectural design.
• The type of activities that will be carried out in
that particular area.
FACTORS FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING SYSTEM

• The light that reaches the surface directly

from the luminaire is considered. Light
reflected from surrounding surfaces may be
ignored. Light control is very important as well
as proper beam spread selection.
 8.1 BASIC INDOOR/INTERIOR LIGHTNING DESIGN
The fundamental requirement for the design of indoor lighting system is to
provide sufficient light for the performance of the visual task to enable the
person to do these tasks efficiently and accurately, and at the same time to
create a comfortable environment with a minimum of eyestrain and fatigue.

The designer must have some information about the visual tasks, as follows:
• Usual task to be performed
• Age of person who will perform the task
• Importance of speed and accuracy
• Design of surrounding area (reflectance of task background)
 8.1.1 Objectives and Design Considerations
(a) Seeing Task(Determination of the Required Level of Illumination)
- Providing proper lighting for the seeing task is the basic reason for the
design calculation. Seeing tasks relating to different areas (i.e. offices, schools,
industries, and institutions) are shown in Appendix C with recommended
illumination level.
(b) Quality Required
- The quality of light involves the comfort of the seeing environment. The
factors to consider for quality of light are glare, luminance ratios, diffusion, and
color. Since lighting quality requirements vary with the application, specific
recommendations and suggestions are given in the same Appendix as stated
above.
(c) Quantity Required
- The quantity of light involves adequate levels of illumination for the
average person under normal condition.
(d) Area Atmosphere
- Analyze the environment in which the lighting system will operate. For
example, are dirt, water vapor, explosive gases or corrosive vapor present? Dirt
may be classified as adhesive, attracted or inert and it may come from
intermittent or constant sources.
(e) Area Description and Use - A complete description is required for each
area to be lighted. This include the physical characteristics such as room
dimensions, room reflectances, work locations or location of work-plane, and the
operating characteristics of the lighting system such as the hours of operations
per day (hours per start for fluorescent lamps) and annual hours of use of the
system.
(f) Selection of System and Luminaire
- selection of the type of luminaire for a given application depends upon
the requirements and conditions found in items (a) to (e) above and are
classified on the basis of their distribution pattern; that is, on the relative amount
of light projected upward and/or downward from the luminaire.
8.1.2 DETERMINING AVERAGE ILLUMINANCE

• The average illuminance level can be determined

when a given number of luminaires that are used in a
space is known. Alternatively, the number of
luminaires can be determined given the average
illuminance level. This calculation method is called
Lumen or Zonal Cavity Method.
 The Lumen or Zonal Cavity Method calculation is preferable when applied
to interior task-oriented spaces for a general uniform lighting system. This
method assumes the following conditions:
- the room is empty,
- the room surfaces are diffuse,
- the illuminance on each surface is uniformly distributed over that
surface, and
- the width to length ratio is approximately 1.0 to 1.6.

However, it is worthwhile to note that the Lumen Method is not a

complete design method since this horizontal illuminance is just one
of the many considerations in the lighting design process.
The general equation for the illuminance in a work space is;
Ø(TOTAL) x CU x LLF
EWP =
AWP
where:
EWP (Work Plane Illuminance) = average maintained illuminance on
the work plane, lx
Ø(TOTAL) (Total System Lamp Lumen Output) = total system lamp lumen
output, lm
CU (Coefficient of Utilization) = coefficient of utilization
LLF (Light Loss Factor) = light loss factor
AWP = area of the work plane, m2
 Detailed discussions on the above parameter are as follows:

(a) Work Plane Illuminance (EWP)

- is the average maintained luminous flux that hits the work plane per
unit area of work plane. It is the amount of light received on a unit area of
surface (density). The unit of measurement is lux (lx).

(b) Total System Lamp Lumen Output (ØTOTAL)

- refers to the quantity of initial light produced by all lamps within all the
luminaires that are lighting a space. The computation uses the manufacturer’s
lamp lumen rating. The unit of measurement is lumen (lm).
(c) Coefficient of Utilization (CU)
- is a measure of the efficiency of the system in distributing lumens to the
work plane. It is the ratio of the lumens that reaches the work plane to the total
lumens given off by the lighting system’s lamps.

“All lumens from the lamps in the lighting system generally do not reach the
work plane. Some of them are absorbed within the luminaire while others by the
walls, ceiling, floors and other room surfaces before reaching the work plane.
The fraction of the luminous flux emitted by the lamps that reaches the work
plane in a space is the coefficient of utilization (CU). “
 In the determination of the Coefficient of Utilization (CU), the following factors
are to be considered:

(1) Luminaire Efficiency

- It is the ratio of luminous flux reproduced by the luminaire to the
luminous flux produced by the lamps. The surfaces of the luminaires absorbed
some of the lights with efficiencies typically ranging from 50 to 70 percent.

(2) Intensity Distribution

- The intensity distribution of the luminaire is the quantity of light
reaching the work plane.
(3) Reflectances
- The room surface reflectance is the ratio of the light reflected from the
room surface to the light falling on it. This plays a significant role in combination
with the luminaire distribution.

(4) Room Geometry

- The room geometry refers to the shape, form or figure of the room
surface. It is an important consideration because it affects how easily light can
be directed to the work plane.
(d) Light Loss Factor (LLF)
- The Light Loss Factor (LLF) is the ratio of the illuminance when it reaches
its lower level (just before corrective action takes place) to the initial level. It is
an estimate of the conditions under which the system will operate considering
the atmospheric conditions, the frequency of cleaning and the depreciation of
the lighting effect.
- Light loss factor is an adjustment to an illuminance calculation in relation
to the actual field conditions. It refers to the differences in lamp lumen output,
reflectance and transmittance of luminaire components, and room-surface
reflectance between ideal laboratory conditions and the actual environment.
 - Light loss factor are divided into two categories, unrecoverable and
recoverable.
(a) Unrecoverable Factors
- are those attributed to equipment and site conditions and cannot be
changed with normal maintenance
(b) Recoverable Factors
- can be affected by maintenance, such as cleaning and relamping
luminaires, or by cleaning or painting room surfaces (i.e. they change overtime).
(1) Unrecoverable Light Loss Factor
- the unrecoverable factors are those attributed to equipment and site
conditions that cannot be changed with normal maintenance procedure such as
luminaire ambient temperature factor, heat extraction thermal factor, line
voltage to luminaire factor, ballast factor, ballast lamps photometer factor,
equipment operating factor, lamp position (tilt) factor and luminaire surface
depreciation.
(a) Luminaire Ambient Temperature Factor
- Variation in ambient temperature above or below those normally
encountered in interiors has little effect on the light output of incandescent and
HID lamps, but they significantly affect fluorescent lamps.
 (b) Heat Extraction Thermal Factor
- The heat extraction thermal factor is the fractional lumen loss or gain
due to the airflow. Air handling fluorescent luminaries are integrated with the
HVAC system as a means of introducing or removing air from the room.

(c) Line Voltage to Luminaire Factor (Supply voltage to luminaire)

- For each light source, its light output is affected by variations in the
supply voltage. For incandescent types, small deviations from rated lamp
voltage cause approximately three per cent change in lumens for each one per
cent change in primary voltage.
 (d) Ballast Factor (BF)
- The ballast factor is the ratio of the lamp lumens generated on
commercial ballasts to those generated on the test reference ballasts.
(e) Ballast Lamp Photometer Factor
- The ballast lamp photometer factor is the effect of the temperature
within the luminaire when different lamp and ballast combination is used.
Initially, luminaire is tested with a particular lamp and ballast combination.
When a different combination is used, the effect of temperature relative to a
manufacturer’s rated lumens may change.
 (f) Equipment Operating Factor
- The equipment operating factor is the collective effect on the HID
lamps lumen output which depend on the ballast, lamp operating position, and
the effect of power reflected from the luminaire back onto the lamp.
(g) Lamp Position (Tilt) factor
- The lamp position factor is the ratio of luminous flux in the given
operating position to that of in the test position. It is the sensitivity of some HID
lamps lumen output to its orientation.
(h) Luminaire Surface Depreciation Factor (LSD)
- Luminaire surface depreciation results from adverse changes in
metal, paint, and plastic components that result in permanently reduced light
output.
(2) Recoverable Light Loss Factor
- The recoverable factors are those that can be changed by regular
scheduled maintenance, such as cleaning and relamping luminaires and cleaning
and painting room surfaces. These are lamp lumen depreciation, luminaire dirt
depreciation, room surface dirt depreciation and lamp burnouts.
(a) Lamp Lumen Depreciation Factor (LLD)
- All lamps deteriorate in lumen output through life.The light output of
an incandescent lamp decreases because of (tungsten) filament evaporation.
(b) Luminaire Dirt Depreciation Factor (LDD)
- With the passage of time, dirt accumulates on the lamps and on the
surfaces of the luminaires. This dirt absorbs some of the light.
 (c) Room Surface Dirt Depreciation Factor (RSDD)
- With the passage of time, the accumulation of dirt on the surfaces of
the room further reduces the amount of light that reaches the work plane.
(d) Lamp Burnouts Factor (LBO)
- Lamp burnouts contribute to loss of light. If lamps are not replaced
promptly after burnout, the average illumination level will be decreased
proportionately.
(e) Area of Work Plane (AWP)
- The area of work plane is the region of the entire working surface
where task is performed such as office table.
 8.1.3 INDOOR LIGHTING CALCULATIONS

• In indoor lighting calculations, the luminaires are

installed in an enclosed space or area. The
calculations consider not only the light reaching the
work plane (an imaginary horizontal plane at the
height at which the task will be performed assumed
to be 0.75 meter) directly from the luminaires but
light reflected from the room surfaces as well.
 (a) Lumen or Zonal Cavity Method
- usually the method used in indoor lighting calculations. It is based on
calculating the percentage of the luminous flux or light radiated from the lamp
that falls within the area being lighted.

“This method is used to design general overall lighting of the room. This method
calculates the illuminance that represents the average of the values at all points
over the entire work plane of the room. The lumen method applies a factor known
as the coefficient of utilization (CU) to the total lumens emitted by the light source
(lamp lumens) to arrive at the number of lumens delivered to the lighted area. “
 Useful Light = Direct + Indirect Component

Lumen or Zonal Cavity Method is usually the method used in

indoor lighting calculations.

𝐿𝑢𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝐹𝑙𝑢𝑥 (∅)

Illuminance (E) =
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎
Since the illuminance level applies to the work plane, and the work
plane for general lighting covers the whole room:
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑥 𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛
E=
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚

TILL (total initial lamp lumens) = total lamps x initial lumens per
lamp
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠 𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒
CU (coefficient of utilization) =
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑎𝑚𝑝 𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑛
 (b) Coefficient of Utilization
- represents the efficiency of the whole lighting system, including the
luminaires and the space (room) in which they are installed. It does not include
the efficiency (efficacy) of the light source itself.
The coefficient of utilization depends on a number of factors,
(1) Type of luminaire
- Its efficiency and distribution pattern and type and light source used.
(2) Reflectance of room surfaces
- The higher the reflectance factors of the ceilings, walls, and floors, the
greater the percentage of the lamp lumens that will be redirected to the work
plane.
(3) Mounting height of the luminaire
- the greater the height, the greater the area of the wall surfaces is
illuminated, which in turn absorbs more of the lamp lumens.
(4) Area of the room
- The larger the room, the greater the number of luminaires required. The
light distributed from each luminaire overlaps one another, helping to increase
the overall lighting level.
(5) Proportions of room
- A room maybe long and narrow or square. A square room has a higher
coefficient of utilization than a long narrow room, all factors being the same.
 Typical dimensions of different room sizes:
Small room : width = height
Medium room : width = 2x height
Large room : width = 4x height

“In determining and computing the coefficient of utilization, the effects of

the luminaire mounting height, the room size and proportions, and the height of
the work plane are taken into account.”
 CAVITY RATIOS (CR)

5ℎx(room 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ+𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ)

CR =
𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎx𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ

5ℎ𝑟𝑐x(𝐿+𝑊)
RCR (Room-cavity ratio) =
𝐿x𝑊

5ℎ𝑐𝑐x(𝐿+𝑊) ℎ𝑐𝑐
CCR (Ceiling-cavity ratio = = RCR ( )
𝐿x𝑊 ℎ𝑟𝑐

5ℎ𝑓𝑐x(𝐿+𝑊) ℎ𝑓𝑐
FCR = (Floor-cavity Ratio) = = RCR ( )
𝐿x𝑊 ℎ𝑟𝑐
NOTE: For a given room, the cavity ratios are in direct proportion to their respective cavity heights.
For the case where the luminaires are mounted on the surface of the ceiling or are recessed into the
ceiling, the ceiling cavity ratio is zero.
Combining the previous relationships gives:
𝑇𝐼𝐿𝐿 𝑋 𝐶𝑈
E=
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎
Where:
E = average illuminance at the work plane

“From the time that a new lighting system is first used, the lighting level
gradually decreases because of aging. The recommended lighting levels are based
on minimum values that should be maintained over the operating life of the system.
Therefore, it is necessary to provide higher initial illuminance levels to compensate
for the loss of light with time.”
 Hence, the Light Lost Factor (LLF) equation is:

LLF = LLD x LDD x RSDD x BF

the illuminance E in that relationship represents the initial value, that is, the
lighting level when the system is first turned on. To include the light loss factor,
the equation expands to:
𝑇𝐼𝐿𝐿 𝑥 𝐶𝑈 𝑥 𝐿𝐿𝐹
E=
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎

Where E is the minimum average illuminance at the work plane just before
corrective action is taken.
 (c) Calculation of Number of Luminaires
-the assumption made is that the lighting system already exists therefore
will give the illuminance level for that lighting system. What is required is a
method of calculating the number of luminaires that will be required to provide
the recommended minimum levels of illuminance.
𝐸 x Area
TILL =
𝐶𝑈 𝑥 𝐿𝐿𝐹
where: TILL = the total initial lamp lumens required
E = recommended minimum illuminance
 CALCULATIONS OF LUMINAIRE

𝑇𝐼𝐿𝐿
No. of Luminaries = 𝑛𝑜 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠
𝑋 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑠
𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑒
 8.2 BASIC OUTDOOR/EXTERIOR LIGHTING
DESIGN

• Outdoor lighting (except those of roadway lighting) refers to the lighting of

open level areas with luminaires mounted above grade, typically on poles or
structures. Applications include open parking areas, walkways, bikeways,
storage yards, and sport facilities.
• Exterior lighting calculations are very similar to interior calculations, except
that no light reflectances from room surfaces are calculated.
• However, some technical factors have to be considered in designing and
evaluating an exterior lighting system such as glare, visibility, color,
illuminance, luminance, and brightness.
Factors involved in exterior lighting calculation include the
following:

• Plan dimensions of the of site to be studied/lighted

• Points on the site where illuminance is required
• Luminaire photometry
• Mounting heights, site locations, orientations, and tilt of luminaries Lumen
output of the specified lamp
• Light loss factors due to lamp aging, ballast factor, and luminaire dirt
accumulation
 8.2.1 Point-by-point Method

• It is frequently necessary to calculate illumination levels at specific points to

determine the lighting uniformity and minimum values.
• The point-by-point method is also useful for selecting the light distribution of
the luminaire to insure that there will be no hot spots.
• This calculation method relies on the inverse square law, the cosine law and
the photometric distribution of the luminaire.
• This method for determining lighting design is more accurate than the lumen
method, but it is more complex. The formula below is main
• The formula below is mainly used for exterior lighting. If several luminaires
contribute to the illumination at a point, the resultant illumination is determined
by totaling the contribution of each luminaire to the plane where the point is
located.
𝑐𝑑(𝑐𝑜𝑠∅)
luminance pt. A =
𝐷²
𝑐𝑑(𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 ∅)
luminance pt. A =
𝑀𝐻²
Where:
MH = mounting height, meters
cd = luminous intensity, candela
D = distance of light source to pt. A, meters
θ = angle of light from vertical, degrees
 8.2.2 Design Factors
This guideline sets out the factors that need to be taken into account when
designing outdoor lighting systems. They are listed not necessarily in the order
of importance, as follows:

(a) Recommended Illumination Level

There are two important factors that have to be considered in an
outdoor environment. They are Surface luminance and Source luminance.
• Surface luminance includes horizontal and vertical surfaces. Examples of lighted
outdoor horizontal surfaces are roadways, bike path, sidewalks, and parking lots.
Lighted vertical surfaces include people’s faces and bodies, building facades, signs,
structures, statutes, and landscape features such as trees. Surface luminance adds
interest and depth to an outdoor scene and can be necessary for good outdoor
visibility and security. It is important to see the effect of lighting, not the source.

• Source luminance does not only involve the lamp but also the luminaire’s
reflector, refractor, lens, or louver. In order to minimize glare, source luminance in the
typical direction of view should be minimized. Typical viewing angles lie between
45° and 85°. Luminance's from bollards, landscape lights, and floodlights should be
low to attract minimal attentions.
(b) Classification of Luminaire Light Distribution
Proper distribution of the light flux from luminaires is one of the
essential factors in outdoor area lighting. The light emanating from the
luminaires is directionally controlled and proportioned in accordance with the
requirements for seeing and visibility.

Luminaire light distribution may be classified with respect to three

criteria:
(1) Vertical light distribution
This describes how far the light reaches along the length of the area
parallel to it. Vertical light distributions are divided into three groups, short,
medium, and long.
 (2) Lateral light distribution
The luminaire's transverse (projection) light distribution (perpendicular to the
area) can be considered as types I, II, III, IV and V.
(3) Photometric Distribution
This is classified according to the cutoff characteristics: full cutoff, cutoff, semi
cutoff, and noncut off. These classifications show what the maximum intensity of the
light is above 180° and above 90°.

(a) Full Cutoff - a luminaire’s light distribution is designated as a full cutoff

when the candlepower per 1,000 lamp lumens does not numerically exceed 0 (0 %)
at or above a vertical angle of 90° above nadir (horizontal) and 100 (10 %) at or
above a vertical angle of 80° above nadir.
 (b) Cutoff - these fixtures are designed to prevent the horizontal
dissipation of light, and minimize glare even in locations where there is little
background light. For maximum brightness (uniformity ratio of illuminance) the
area lights must be spaced close together.
(c) Semi-cutoff - These fixtures are designed to spread light laterally
as much as possible while at the same time restricting the amount of horizontal
light. This is currently the most widely used fixture for general street lighting.
(d) Non-cutoff - These fixtures are designed to not restrict horizontal
light. They can be used in locations where the surroundings are bright, such as
when there are many nearby buildings that also give off much light, or when
bright and glittering illumination is desired. The category when there is no
candlepower limitation in the zone above maximum candlepower.
 (c) Working Voltage
It is important that the systems voltage be checked. A voltage drop of 5% is
allowable.

(d) Aesthetics
It should be observed that the lighting system is only used during dark
periods, but the installation must also be aesthetically acceptable.

(e) Maintenance Factor (MF)

Light Loss Depreciation (LLD) and Luminaire Dirt Depreciation (LDD) are things
that should be considered to establish the value of the maintenance factor. Values of
maintenance factor may be found in the lighting and manufacturer’s catalogues.
 (f) Utilization Factor (UF)
This is the percentage of rated lamp lumens which will fall on either of the
two strip-like areas of infinite length, one extending in front of the luminaire and the
other behind the luminaire when the luminaire is level and oriented over the area to
be lighted in a manner equivalent to that in which it was tested.
 8.2.3 Average Illuminance Equation
The general equation for the illuminance in a space is as follows:
∅ 𝑇𝑂𝑇𝐴𝐿 𝑥 𝐶𝑈 𝑥 𝐿𝐿𝐹
ES =
𝐴𝑠

Where:
ES = average maintained illuminance on the surface area
φ(TOTAL)= total system lamp lumen output, (lumen)
CU = coefficient of utilization
LLF = light loss factor
AS= area of the surface, (m2)
 8.2.4 Area Design Considerations
It is necessary to know or determine five items in the design of area lighting: size of
area (width and length); pole spacing; pole height; luminaire type; and determination
of the required number of lamps and luminaires.

(a) Size of Area - by knowing the width and length of the area to be lighted, height
and spacing of poles can be determined.
(b) Pole Spacing - the area that can be lighted by a single pole with reasonable
uniformity is four times the mounting height (MH), or the light coverage is two times the
MH on each side of a pole .
 (c) Pole Height - Since the lighted area from each pole is 4 times MH, the 4x
rule of thumb is used to determine pole height. Divide the width and length of
area by 4x per pole when poles are inside the lighted area; or when at the
perimeter of the lot, but not at the corners.

(d) Luminaire Type - Luminaires or fixtures can be divided into two categories.
The first category is fixed aiming. These are mounted on a pole or wall and
produce a specific pattern of light that cannot be changed or can be changed
only slightly by moving the lamp position within the reflector. Floodlights are
the second category. These can be aimed. Floodlights are available in a number
of beam spreads. They can be mounted individually or in clusters to light a few
hundred square meter or several hectares mounting from one direction.
 8.2.5 Rule of Thumb Method
Below is the Rule of Thumb Method for determining the required number of
lamps and luminaires needed, taking into consideration the light source desired
for the particular application.

(1) Determining recommended illumination level

For the recommended outdoor light illuminance level, refer to Appendix
C.
(2) Locate the desired illumination level on the left side of the graph and read
across until it intersects dark diagonal line representing the light source choice.
 (3) Read straight down to the bottom scale of the graph to determine the
watts/square m factor.
(4) Multiply the watts/square m by the total square meter of the area to
obtain the total watts needed to light the area:
Total watts = area (l x w) x watts/sq. meter
(5) Divide the total watts by the desired lamp watts to obtain the total number
of lamps and luminaires required.
 8.3 OBTRUSIVE (STRAY) LIGHTING
• The Commission Internationale deI’Eclairage (International Commission on Illumination)
defined obtrusive light as “unwanted light, which because of quantitative, directional,
or spectral attributes, in a given context, gives rise to annoyance, discomfort,
distraction, or a reduction in the ability to see essential information.”
• The objectionable lighting problems such as sky glow, light trespass, and glare are
not only associated with roadway lighting but also other outdoor installations
including billboards.
• Misdirected or misapplied outdoor lighting is a concern for aesthetic, environmental
and energy management reasons.
• The impact of obtrusive lighting upon human, animal or plant life is outside the scope
of this Section, but should not be ignored by designers and engineers responsible for
outdoor lighting.
 8.3.1 Stray Lighting
• An important issue that the outdoor lighting designer must be concerned with is stray
lighting caused by glare, light trespass and urban sky glow. This means that the
solution to a significant part of the problem is in the hands of the lighting designer.

Sky Glow
• Sky glow is the term used to describe the added sky brightness caused by the
scattering of electric light into the atmosphere, particularly from outdoor lighting in
urban areas.
• Sky brightness is attributed to the following factors: urban/suburban growth; lighting
designs that disregard glare calculations and precautions; inappropriate lighting
equipment selection and installation.
 Light Trespass
• The term light trespass describes light that strays from its intended target and
illuminates adjacent properties.
• In outdoor lighting system design, light should fall basically around the area to
be illuminated. Light should not fall in places where it is not wanted such as
residential areas (stray light entering their windows or intruding upon their
property), annoying people.
• An acceptable level of light trespass is typically 0.01-footcandle, which is
equivalent to moon light. Avoid using high masts fixtures close to residential
areas, hospitals, hotels, and airports.
• It may also interfere with the performance of various electronic security
equipment (detectors and cameras).
 Glare
• Glare is defined as when some portion of the emitting or reflecting surface of
the luminaire is directly observable by drivers, and the resulting illuminance at
the eye of the driver results in either discomfort or disability glare.
• t reduces the ability of the driver to distinguish objects clearly. Discomfort
glare is produced by most outdoor lighting equipment when it is observed
against a dark background.
 8.3.2 Mitigating Obtrusive Light
(1) New Lighting Design - The least expensive and the most successful
approach to obtrusive light problems is prevention. The lighting design
engineer should address this concern in the initial planning and construction
phase.
(2) Existing Lighting Design Installation - Remedial mitigation is usually the
most expensive approach, since it often involves replacing or modifying the
existing installation of lighting equipment.
Some possible corrective measures include:
(a) Changing the existing luminaire to one with a different light
distribution. The preferred luminaire will have no (or minimal) up-light
component and reduced intensity in the direction of the residential area and
adjacent environment.
 (b) Relocating pole(s) and luminaire(s) to less offending location(s).

(c) Installing external light shield(s) on luminaire(s). While this is the least
expensive alternative, it is not the most effective. Care must be taken to secure
the shields to the luminaires so as not to create a maintenance problem.

(d) Combining timers with dimmers so that outdoor lights can be dimmed (at
certain times) to the minimum levels needed, reducing the impact of stray light.
 8.4 COMPUTER AIDED LIGHTING DESIGN SOFTWARES
• A wide variety of computer programs are available from lighting
manufacturers to perform interior and exterior lighting calculations. Some
programs are very simple, while others are complex and can even interface
with computer-aided design.

• The following is a list of some of the software packages available at the time
of this printing. These software packages are not intended as a substitute for
creating design but as an aid to the design process.
(a) General Electric Philippines
- A GE Lighting Application Design and Analysis (ALADAN)
- EUROPIC
(b) OSRAM Philippines
- DiaLux
- Light@work
(c) Philips Lighting and Electronics
- CalcuLux
(d) FUMACO Incorporated
- RELUX 1 (Version 2.4 and 3.0)
- DiaLux
 THE
END !!!