Understanding Footcandles and their significance is key to planning effective lighting. This guide covers the essentials, including answers to common questions and a chart to help you determine the right number of footcandles for your needs.
Defining a Foot Candle
A footcandle is a measurement used to assess the light intensity over a one-square-foot area. This measure is vital when evaluating how well a space will be illuminated by a particular light source. For example, when selecting LED lights, it’s essential to know both your facility’s lighting requirements and how much illumination a specific fixture will provide.
The Importance of Foot Candles
Understanding the number of footcandles in a space is critical, as it directly affects how well the area is lit. Even if a light is bright in terms of lumens, it may not provide sufficient illumination if other factors aren’t taken into account. Variables such as mounting height, room dimensions, and light placement all influence the actual footcandles in your space. Utilizing resources like lighting layouts can help you account for these variables and find the best lighting solution.
Lumens vs. Foot Candles: What’s the Distinction?
While lumens measure the total light output from a source, footcandles measure the light reaching a specific area. You may wonder how these units relate, but the conversion isn’t simple. Despite the misconception that one footcandle equals 10.76 lumens, it actually corresponds to 10.76 lux, which is the metric measure of light per square meter. The connection between lumens and footcandles isn’t straightforward because factors like mounting height and light distribution affect the outcome.
Wattage vs. Foot Candles: Understanding the Difference
Wattage indicates the energy consumption of a light fixture, whereas footcandles measure how much light is distributed over a surface area. While wattage helps gauge energy use, footcandles provide insight into the actual lighting provided in your space. Knowing the footcandles will give you a better idea of the illumination level.
Measuring Your Current Foot Candles
To determine the number of footcandles in your space, you’ll need a light meter. This tool measures the existing light levels, enabling you to decide if more or less light is necessary based on your preferences and needs.
Determining the Right Foot Candles for Your Space
The amount of footcandles required depends on the space’s function. For example, warehouses, parking lots, and storage areas each have different lighting needs. Spaces with high activity or detailed tasks require more footcandles, while less active areas need fewer.
Need Expert Guidance?
Choosing the right lighting can be overwhelming, but the experts at UltraLight are here to assist you. Our specialists can provide a free lighting layout, helping you find the ideal solution for your space. Get started today and find the perfect lighting!
| Application | Average Foot Candles Needed | Recommended Light |
| Workshop | 30 – 100 | Bay Light or Strip Light |
| Warehouse | 20 – 50 | Bay Light or Strip Light |
| Storage Facility | 20-50 | Bay Light or Strip Light |
| Home Garage | 5-30 | Bay Light or Strip Light |
| Parking Lot | 5-20 | Area Light |
| Parking Deck | 5 | Canopy Light or Vapor Tight |
| Gas Station | 10-30 | Canopy Light or Area Light |
| Office | 30 – 50 | Panel Light |
| Retail Stores | 25 – 100 | Bay Light or Panel Light |
| Stairway | 5-10 | Strip Light or Vapor Tight |
| Building Perimeter | 5-20 | Wall Pack Light |
| Classroom | 30 – 50 | Panel Light |
| Sign/Billboard | 20 – 100 | Flood Light |
| Driveway | 5-20 | Barn Light or Area Light |
| Sports Lighting | See Below | Flood Light or Stadium Light |
Foot Candles in Sports Lighting
When it comes to sports lighting, calculating footcandles becomes more involved. In addition to the sport, the classification level of the activity must be considered. To determine the appropriate footcandles for a sports field, consult our Classification of Sports Fields & Facilities guide.